15 apps that will make you forget the stress of the beltway

The ring road is like a daily test of patience. Between horns, traffic jams and drivers who think their blinker is decorative, it's hard to keep calm. And yet, there are apps that can transform these moments of hardship into real bubbles of relaxation or efficiency. Whether you want to relax, learn, have fun or even lose weight while stuck in traffic, there's an app for that. Here are 15 apps that will make you forget the stress of the ring road and make you want to stay stuck... or almost!

Want to take advantage of traffic jams to take care of yourself? With Noom, you can track your weight loss goals, receive nutrition advice and even plan your meals, all from the comfort of your driver's seat. According to a 2023 study, 78% of Noom users have lost weight permanently. It's the perfect co-pilot to turn traffic stress into healthy motivation.

Calm offers guided meditations, breathing exercises and relaxing sounds to help you keep your cool, even when the ring road looks like a parking lot. In 2022, Calm was voted best wellness app by Google Play. In just a few minutes, you'll be able to lower your heart rate and leave feeling zen, even if the traffic light stays red for an eternity.

There's nothing like a good playlist to turn a traffic jam into a private concert. Spotify offers thousands of playlists to suit your mood: chill, motivational, humorous... According to Statista, 68% of drivers listen to music to reduce stress at the wheel. Turn up the volume, sing at the top of your lungs and leave the horns behind.

With BetterMe, you'll discover simple seated exercises, nutrition tips and wellness challenges. Perfect for turning wasted time into useful time. 60% of users say they feel more relaxed after a BetterMe session. Who says getting stuck in traffic is pointless?

Audible lets you listen to inspiring novels, thrillers or podcasts. According to an Ipsos survey, 1 in 3 Canadians listen to audio books in the car. It's an opportunity to learn, escape or laugh, while staying focused on the road. The device becomes your mobile reading room.

Why not take advantage of the traffic to learn Spanish or perfect your English? Busuu offers short, interactive lessons, ideal for commuters. with 22 million active users worldwide, what are you waiting for to impress your colleagues at the next happy hour?

Headspace helps you manage anxiety and frustration through mindfulness exercises. According to Harvard Health, regular meditation reduces stress by 30%. A few minutes with Headspace and you'll forget about harried drivers and endless traffic lights. It's like a mental spa, without leaving your car.

Waze doesn't make traffic jams disappear, but it always suggests the best route. Thanks to its active community, you can avoid accidents, speed cameras and roadworks. According to CAA Québec, Waze can reduce travel time by an average of 15%. Less time in traffic, more time for you.

Duolingo makes language learning fun and addictive. Lessons are short, perfect for red-light stops. By 2023, Duolingo had over 500 million users. You'll make progress without realizing it, and turn every traffic jam into a useful mini-course.

With Pocket Casts, you'll discover podcasts on every subject: sports, humor, tech, personal development... According to Edison Research, 43% of Canadians listen to podcasts every month. It's the perfect app to turn your device into a conference room or a comedy club, depending on your mood.

Relax Melodies offers soothing sounds: rain, forest, waves... Perfect for masking traffic noise and rediscovering a zen attitude. A Université de Montréal study shows that listening to natural sounds reduces stress by 25%. Close your eyes (not for too long!) and let yourself be carried away.

No time to read? Blinkist summarizes the best books in 15 minutes of audio. Ideal for learning new tricks without leaving the steering wheel. 20 million users worldwide are already taking advantage of this app to boost their general knowledge, even in the worst traffic jams.

Simple Habit offers express meditations, perfect for short journeys or long waits. According to Forbes, 70% of users feel more relaxed after a session. It's the perfect tool for transforming the stress of the beltway into a wellness break.

CarPlay and Android Auto make using your smartphone safer and more intuitive behind the wheel. You can access your favorite apps without taking your eyes off the road. According to Transport Canada, these systems reduce distractions and improve safety. The peripheral becomes a little less infernal.

Smiling Mind offers free meditation programs, suitable for all levels. The app has been downloaded over 6 million times. It helps you stay zen, even when traffic drags on. In just a few minutes, you'll be smiling again, even if the traffic circle doesn't move a centimeter.