High-Tech De-Stressors

"PC" and "relaxation" are not words that I often use in the same breath. The whole notion of relaxation software—software to relax and refresh you—seems oxymoronic. But when you think about it, it makes perfect sense (if you can avoid the temptation to check your mail while you're relaxing).

The PC is a nice, patient, nonjudgmental gadget capable of monitoring responses and adjusting accordingly. That's what teaching someone to relax is all about. So, as the holiday season jangles your nerves, here are a few stress relievers to look into that will bring you right back into that '60s state of mind.

The Pzizz Personal Life Coach is a high-tech sleeping aid. It has two modes: one designed to let you take a refreshing nap and the other to help you get to sleep at night. It's basically a media player-type of software download that combines new age music, visualization and relaxation exercises, and "power meditation." One of those soothing voices (with a tinge of Rod Serling's "Twilight Zone") offers relaxing instructions and reaffirmations in the background. The hardest part for me was the temptation to read my email in the middle of my power nap. But if you don't cheat (and Alt+Tab), you should feel refreshed.

If you think of relaxation as a competitive sport there's Vyro Games. It's a pendant-shaped charm called PiP (Personal Input Pod) that you hold between your fingers. It monitors your state of relaxation (measured in palm sweat, a.k.a. galvanic skin response) and then transmits the data via Bluetooth to your cell phone or PC. Vyro has built a number of different games around the biofeedback technology. Race and Relax is a game where you try to beat your opponent to relaxation, and Storm Chaser is one that you win when you make the sun come out. Keep watching for price and availability.

A similar device that's available for $75 but plays it a bit straighter, is the GSR 2 biofeedback mouse with CalmLink Relaxation Software. It looks like a computer mouse, but has indents to place your fingers in and get a read on your galvanic skin response. The software includes visual images on a computer screen to accompany your experience as well as simple games, animation, and graph modes.

You tell me—can you imagine relaxing with your computer?