Wellbeing apps: time for a new you?

As we venture into the spring months, the desire in us all for personal growth and improvement gets a seasonal boost. Despite the traditional emphasis on fresh starts and resolutions in January, the journey towards self-betterment transcends any specific time of year and as fresh green growth starts pushing through the soil many of us feel it’s time to ‘get back out there’  . Whether your goals centre on health, wellbeing or simply getting in shape, there is a wealth of resources online to provide guidance, support and accountability. In this article, we explore various apps that can help pave the path to a fulfilling and successful journey towards self-improvement, regardless of the calendar month.

MyFitnessPal considers exercise, steps and a number of other factors to determine the optimum calorie intake that users should adhere to in order to reach their desired goal weight.

One of the app’s core features is its expansive database, which comprises most food and drink on the market, and measures the macros as well as the calories within these. Compatible with smart devices, the app tracks users’ diet, exercise and workout routines and provides valuable insights into sleep levels so they can make informed decisions about their health.

One of the most renowned fitness apps on the market, Strava can be credited with not only motivating but connecting fitness enthusiasts around the world. Strava is underpinned by tracking technology which, it claims, transforms iPhones and Androids into “sophisticated running and cycling” computers. Compatible with GPS watches and head units, Strava tracks users’ performance in multiple sports, across multiple metrics. Strava fosters a deep sense of community within sporting circles. Users can connect with friends, join challenges and share their achievements. Strava not only injects a social dynamic into physical activity, but motivates users to stay active, engaged and on top form. As the app states, “Record. Sweat. Share. Kudos.” We couldn’t put it better ourselves.

Noom aims to reshape wellbeing for the long term by combining psychology, technology and personal coaching. The app draws on what it describes as “the latest in proven behavioural science to empower people to take control of their health for good”. Upon logging into the app, users will be asked a series of questions about their diet, health and lifestyle. Drawing on this insight, Noom then helps users better understand their relationship with food and build more mindful habits for the future. Users will have access to a wealth of nutritional and psychological information, as well as personalised coaching and community support which are key to Noom’s track record for long-term lifestyle transformations. Initially a weight management aid, Noom has recently expanded its behaviour change platform to help people with chronic and non-chronic conditions including stress and anxiety, hypertension and diabetes.

Headspace is a leading mindfulness app and is used in 200 countries around the world. Jam-packed with meditation and mindfulness exercises, Headspace’s mission is to provide everyone with access to lifelong mental health support. Headspace offers guided sessions for various needs, from improved focus to stress reduction and better sleep. In addition to the app, users can take advantage of supplementary offerings such as coaching and therapy, delivered by mental health clinicians, Emmy award-winning producers and data scientists. With a user-friendly interface and diverse, engaging content, Headspace is a must for both beginners and experienced meditators.

Log onto the Calm app, and you’ll be greeted with enticing, dynamic landscapes and melodic backdrops that serve as the perfect distraction from the noise of everyday life. Calm professes to help users manage a multitude of issues such as sleep problems, stress or anxiety levels, concentration and general wellbeing. With over 1.5 million five-star reviews, Calm has an ever-evolving library of music, nature tracks and guided meditations. One of Calm’s most renowned features is its ‘Sleep Stories’ series, which is narrated by celebrities and professes to lull both children and adults to a peaceful night’s sleep. With video lessons on mindful movement and tips and tools for avoiding burnout, there’s plenty of support to help you find your calm, whatever your situation.

Quality sleep is key to overall wellbeing, but one in five of us simply don’t get enough of it. Research shows that 79% of us struggle to switch off at bedtime and 60% of us wake up in the night with thoughts of work and other worries¹. Cue Sleep Cycle, an algorithm-powered app that is designed to aid and optimise sleep. So, how does it work? Sleep Cycle uses advanced algorithms to track and analyse users’ sleep patterns. The app’s smart alarm clock then wakes users during their lightest sleep phase, with the aim of keeping grogginess to a minimum. In addition to its handy smart features, the app offers a wealth of insights on sleep, insomnia and other conditions, and even collates users’ data to rank sleep quality and quantity from country to country.

¹ Eve Sleep research, Mental Health UK

Writing may be a less well-known wellbeing ‘go-to’ than nutrition and exercise, but journaling is increasingly recognised as a means of maintaining a healthy and balanced mind. According to Psychology Today, journaling not only helps keep anxiety at bay, but has been proven to enhance creativity, productivity and memory, as well as facilitating stronger relationships and a sense of accomplishment. If the brain is the wellbeing HQ, then it’s only logical that we celebrate its successes and put its challenges into perspective. Daylio is an app that simplifies the process of self-reflection through its mood and activity tracker. Users can log their emotions, activities and habits on a daily basis, and track patterns that could be impacting their wellbeing. The app is easy to use, and presents data in a compelling and engaging format so users can easily identify trends and make positive changes.

Founded over a decade ago, Happify is the brainchild of three US entrepreneurs who were united by the view that technology could be used to make people’s lives better. Today, Happify professes to “empower individuals to lead happier, more fulfilling lives.” The app centres on the belief that happiness is a skill that can be strengthened, and combines science-based activities and games to boost happiness and reduce stress. Powered by a team of scientists, Happify utilises evidence-based techniques in positive psychology, mindfulness and cognitive behavioural therapy to help users overcome negative thoughts and build a more positive mindset. With a variety of tracks targeting different aspects of wellbeing, Happify offers a personalised approach to mental and emotional health.

A mental wellness platform for personal growth and empowerment, Remente helps users track their mood and make foundational changes for self-improvement, including goal setting and habit formation. Remente describes itself as “a gym for the mind”, and aims to empower users to create a balanced and fulfilling life by addressing their mental as well as physical wellbeing. The app centres on a mix of coaching and self-help tools through which users can adopt new habits, accelerate their personal growth and make lasting improvements. Content includes daily video coaching, goal setting and planning tools. Remente’s ‘Life Wheel’ assessment and ‘Mood Journals’ specifically aim to enhance mental health, while a repository of courses and exercises equip users to drive positive change across multiple aspects of their lives.

Whether you’re looking to improve your health, happiness or general wellbeing, technology can play a vital role in supporting you. These apps we’ve showcased only scratch the surface – these and many more are available via the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store.