Although the pandemic is still ongoing, by now you can probably see the light at the end of the tunnel. This tunnel has consumed most of the past two years. We all would very much like for this COVID train to come to an end. Now as we wait for that to happen for good so we can all go back to the old normal, it’s best to prioritize self-care. That way, once all health restrictions are lifted and you’re once again free to do the things you used to, you will be at your best.
Some frown at the concept of self-care, though. They think it’s pseudoscience. That is, of course, a misguided notion. Think of self-care as your conscious effort to shift your mental energy. Doing so yields several benefits. For starters, you become kinder to yourself. More importantly, you learn how to better respond to challenging situations.
To pull off self-care that gets you results, it’s important to note that it can’t revolve around just one aspect of life. Self-care is all about holistic health. Thankfully, that does not have to cost you an arm and a leg.
With the help of no more than your smartphone, you can pursue a self-care routine that’s both effective and cheap. Here are the apps you need.
Mobile Apps for Self-Care
Physical
- PictureThis – Not all of us are inclined to go to the gym. But all of us could use a walk or trek from time to time. While you do that, refer to this app to identify the plants and flowers you see along the way. That will make the experience even more beautiful. You’ll gain a figuratively healthy heart.
- Aaptiv – If you’ve grown to love exercising at home or outdoors, have this app on your smartphone. Consider it your personal trainer. This app connects you to hundreds of classes, from strength training to weight loss programs. And you don’t even need to go to a gym.
- Aloe Bud – Self-care for the body is not limited to exercise. You also need to eat healthily. Drink enough water. Rest when you need to. This app reminds you to do those things. You will no longer have the excuse of forgetting.
- Alo Moves – Fitness enthusiasts have another friend with this app. Alo Moves offers free fitness modules and workout plans. Whether you want to lose weight or increase strength, this app can help you out with your objective.
Emotional
- Relax Melodies: Sleep Sounds – Sometimes all you need to quell whatever emotional turmoil you might be feeling is a repertoire of soothing sounds. That’s exactly what this app promises.
- Breathing Zone – Emotional conflicts are usually exacerbated by an anxious mind. To regain control of your feelings, you need to do away with anxiety. This simple app focuses on breathing exercises that help you regain your emotional center. In no time, you’ll be feeling light as a cloud.
- Happify – This is another self-care app that does not fall short of its moniker’s promise. Through science-based activities and games, this app hopes to aid you in managing negative thoughts. The end goal is to get happy.
- Silk + Sonder – Feeling like life, in general, is weighing you down? Sometimes, all you need to lift that pressure off your shoulder is a few words of inspiration. Trust this app to inspire and empower you daily.
Social
- Goodreads – If you love books and you love talking to other people about them, you need to have this app on your smartphone. This app will connect you with bibliophiles from around the world. You can discuss the book you’re currently reading with someone from halfway across the world. That could mean instant and lasting friendship.
- ClassPass – Some people need more motivation to exercise than others. And that motivation could be in the guise of the opportunity to socialize. ClassPass allows you to book group fitness classes. From boxing to CrossFit, you’ll have allies by your side while you sweat those surplus calories out.
- Babbel – This app is named after a Bible story. It’s made learning a new language easy. And in these days of global connections, knowing how to speak more than one language could mean finding friends from across the globe through social media platforms like Facebook.
- Loosid – Those experiencing substance dependence could make the most of this app. Here, you gain access to a community with a shared purpose. That is to remain as lucid as possible. Whenever you get the thirst to drink, talk to your Loosid community instead.
Spiritual
- Headspace – This app offers free guided meditation voiced by a soothing ASMR-like persona. If you need a quick fix of calm, you also get access to short meditations. For those having trouble sleeping, the app can help you find a quicker route to La-la land.
- Shine – In need of daily motivational texts? Get Shine on your smartphone. This app promises to help you destress and recenter. Gratitude tracking is possible too, so you don’t miss out on thanking the universe for the blessings it has bestowed your way.
- Calm – Aptly named, Calm delivers on its moniker’s straightforward promise. Meditation guides vary from super short (three minutes) to full length (25 minutes). These options allow you to follow through with breathing exercises based on your schedule.
- Pacifica – This is another go-to app for people needing to destress. Pacifica boasts breathing exercises and soothing soundscapes. Pacifica’s included in Apple’s Best of 2017 for a reason. It hasn’t slowed down in its goal to help people ever since.
Personal
- Five Minute Journal – Gratitude journaling is one of the best self-care activities you could include in your daily routine. This app allows you to commit to that activity no matter how hectic your schedule gets. After all, it only takes, you guessed it, five minutes.
- Offtime – Chances are you’re glued to technology most of the time. And that’s for either personal or professional reasons. This app allows you to detox on tech whenever you need to. Set screen time goals. Let Offtime be your ally.
- Amazon Music – As an audiophile, you probably can’t get through the rest of the day without listening to your favorite artists. For that, you need Amazon Music. It has an expansive catalog that’s enough to satiate even the most discerning music aficionados.
- Colorfy – Coloring books became a craze a few years back. Now it’s gone digital. You can calm yourself by putting colors in a plethora of illustrations. This app could provide you with your much-needed rest from Netflix.
Space
- Color911 – If you’re thinking of changing the color palette of your house, look no further than this app. From the mind of color specialist Amy Wax, Color911 offers 80 color themes you can download.
- Paper – This is a design app popular among architects. You can make sketches accompanied by notes. Use this app if you’re planning to redesign your home or office.
- Pinterest – This app has been around for a long time. And it’s still popular for a reason. Whether you want technology to help you envision sartorial ensembles or home decor, this remains the go-to app for many.
Financial
- Personal Capital – Keep track of your budget with Personal Capital. If you have investment accounts, you can access and manage them using this app, too.
- Empower – The goal of this app is to pair budgeting and savings goals for a financial plan that empowers you. You can opt for either weekly and monthly expense limits. While you spend, you get to track how much you save.
- Acorns – The concept behind Acorns is interesting. The app funnels spare change from your accounts to an investment portfolio. That means with zero effort, you become a legit investor.
Work
- MoodMission – It can’t be helped. How we feel affects how we work. This app could be of help to mitigate the effects of those days when you feel down and uninspired. MoodMission challenges you to five goals you need to complete to get in touch with how you feel. The goal is to address those feelings, so you could go back to the work at hand ASAP.
- Streaks – If you’re a career-driven person, chances are at times work gets overwhelming. You need the help of technology to manage your to-dos. That’s where Streaks comes in. Here, you get to prioritize tasks. Your goal is to go on a winning streak.
- ToDont – As a professional, you have a lot of to-dos. This app turns the philosophy of to-dos upside down in a tongue-in-cheek manner. The result is an app that lets you avoid things you need to avoid, so you can zero in on stuff that needs to get done.
In closing
If there’s one thing we learned from this pandemic, it’s how things could change in a blink of an eye. The world won’t warn us if it decides to turn our lives topsy turvy. The best you could do is be proactive. For instance, prioritize self-care. It will do wonders not only for your mental health but also for the spiritual, physical, and even financial aspects of life. And there’s no need to break the bank, too.
Once you’ve perfected self-care, you will be ready for whatever life has in store for you, both the good and the bad. And that can only be for the best.
About the Author
Maki Ng is a writer for 0917 Lifestyle who’s always on the lookout for upcoming trends and isn’t afraid to test the waters with fashion-forward pieces. He loves vibing to lo-fi and R&B.
The “Guest Contributor” represents an article that was written by authors submitting their material for review and posting. If you wish to submit an article see the guidelines under the tab “Submit an Article.”
