15:02, 09 February 2026

In Russia, a Mobile App Promises to Ease Stress in 30 Seconds

Scientific methods have been used to create a mobile app designed to reduce stress and boost positive mood.

Researchers at Novosibirsk State Technical University NETI have developed an online application that helps users lower stress levels in just 30 seconds and shift toward positive thinking using scientifically grounded techniques. The tool is designed to provide rapid psychological support in stressful situations.

The project’s author, Elena Dubrovskikh, a master’s student at the university’s Faculty of Humanities, said the idea grew out of a survey of residents aged 25 to 55 across several Russian regions. The survey showed rising stress levels nationwide. The most common sources of psychological strain were problems in personal relationships and health, along with fears of income loss and workplace conflicts, which together often lead to chronic stress.

Recharge From the Grid

The development team ultimately created a digital product called Podzaryadka (Recharge). The project became a participant in the REACTOR.PRO accelerator at Novosibirsk State Technical University NETI. The app is aimed at users aged 25 to 55 and is designed to help them quickly restore emotional resilience.

“All a user needs to do is describe their current state and assess the intensity of likely emotions suggested by artificial intelligence. The chatbot then offers a 30-second practice, such as a breathing exercise, to relieve acute spikes of stress,” Dubrovskikh said.

Evidence-Based Techniques

According to the developer, the app includes a “red flag” system to identify crisis states and automatically redirect users to relevant specialists, a library of practices with audio and video guides, a mood tracker, personal statistics, daily quotes, and gamified elements. At the core of Podzaryadka are proven approaches, including the Mindful Self-Compassion program with cognitive behavioral techniques, therapies developed by Paul Gilbert, body-oriented practices from Russian somatic psychology, and breathing exercises created by Alexandra Strelnikova.

“In this way, we address two goals at once: providing immediate help during acute stress and building a mental health system that allows for deeper work with a psychologist,” the developer said.

The chatbot is currently in closed testing. After that phase, the application is expected to move to broader focus testing with a wider audience.

Science and new technologies