Get Happy

So it turns out the old saying that happiness is free, was actually spot on! At least in the world of technology. From fitness trackers, to hydration reminders, to meal planners, and everything in between, it seems like there’s nothing there isn’t an app for when it comes to health and wellbeing.

And the same is true for happiness it seems! There are so many apps on the market designed to keep your mind and wellbeing in check, but here’s a few to get you started:

Digital Detox

ShutApp

It’s no secret that phones and smart devices can take up a lot of time in our everyday lives. Which is why it’s so important to take a break and enjoy moments without any interference. Shutapp is a simple way to shut off your notifications and encourage you to disconnect for as long as you desire. The app starts a countdown for however long you need, so you can focus on your tasks without the appeal of distraction. What’s more, you can invite others to challenge yourselves to see who can last the longest! Available on iTunes.

Sleep

SleepCycle

We all know we need eight hours of sleep every day, and to switch off our devices to get ready for bed, but how much do we know about our individual sleep cycles? Not much, until SleepCycle made an app to do it for us! The app is basically a personalised alarm clock which overnight tracks your sleep patterns to figure the best time for you to wake up based on your individual sleep cycles. The result: a gentle wake-up when you’re in your lightest sleep phase, so you don’t wake up feeling well-rested and wide awake. Available on iTunes and Google Play.

Meditation

Smiling Mind

Developed by psychologists, the Smiling Mind app is a modern meditation app that’s designed to be an easy introduction into the world of meditation and mindfulness. It’s basically a trainer for the mind, with guided meditation programs for everyone from children to adults, and even special sessions designed for workplaces. While meditation may seem daunting, Smiling Mind simplifies it, making it fun and unintimidating. Available on iTunes and Google Play.

Gratitude

Happier

Happier is your one-stop shop for fine tuning your gratitude skills. It teaches you to note down and appreciate the small moments in everyday life that bring you joy, and records them for you to remember. Through using the app you’re taught the five skills that enhance happiness: acceptance, gratitude, kindness, purpose, and self-care. So not only do you experience more gratitude for the little moments in life, but you’re also developing a skill to improve resilience too. Available on iTunes.

Habits

Habitbull

Designed to break those little habits that annoy us on a day-to-day basis but are so hard to change, this is an app fit to tackle them head on. Part organiser, part tracker, and part goal setter, Habitbull helps to break negative habits and replace them with positive ones. Whether it be to reduce your drinking, go outside more, or stop chewing on your nails, the app is customisable to your own goals, so it moves at your own individual pace. Plus, if you feel like you need an extra push, it can send you alerts, reminders, and data of your progress to keep you on track—what’s not to love! Available on iTunes and Google Play.

Fitness

NTC

Ever wished you could train like the athletes you see in Nike adverts? Well, with the Nike Training Club app, now you can! NTC combines workouts ranging from beginner to advanced and separates them into different body sections and fitness goals. From cardio, to weights, and resistance to yoga, the app is filled with different exercises you can do at home or at the gym. Plus, it allows you to save the workouts you’ve done and how much time you’ve spent exercising each week, so you can see your progress as you go! Available on iTunes and Google Play.

Words: Georgina Shearsby-Roberts