Elise Copps joins us now for a relaxing conversation. We’re talking about meditation tonight. Specifically, an app that’s just been released by a Hamilton doctor.

It’s interesting, because our smart phones are part of the reason we are so stressed out. We’re constantly plugged in. But this new app offers a way to counteract that — right at your fingertips.

“You can hear my voice, but you’ve left your thoughts behind.”

The ‘Cure Stress‘ app walks users through a basic form of meditation – observation exercise.

Dr. Richard Tytus: “Six and a half minutes, twice a day, very easy.”

Dr. Richard Tytus developed it to give patients easy access to anxiety relief. He says stress is a factor in most complaints people make to the doctor: “60 TO 80 per cent of all illnesses, whether it’s blood pressure, insomnia, I can’t sleep, I have Gastrointestinal problems.”

Moreen Lefave has been using meditation CD’s for two years and was just introduced to the cure stress app: “My whole life has changed. It’s so much better.”

The meditation teaches your mind to focus on the present, and remove negative thoughts.

Dr. Tytus: “As you distance yourself from the thought, it becomes smaller and smaller and eventually it’s lost in the background.”

There are many types of meditation that you can do both alone and in groups. If you tried with an audio guide and you’re craving something more interactive, there are lots of centres around the city that will be more than happy to teach you.

Many group meditation sessions focus on breathing, posture and clearing the mind.

Tristan Lyons, Shambhala Meditation: “Meditation at its root I think is about becoming familiar with your own mind.”

In our busy lives, taking one night a week — or 6 and a half minutes a day — to wind down can be a saving grace.

The app is free to download and there are updates available.