It’s that time of year again when we reflect on the past year and think about how to make the next year a better one by acts of self-improvement. Sometimes goals include going to the gym more, be happier, manage your budget better or even finish that list of movies you wanted to binge-watch on Netflix.
2016 is quickly approaching and although New Year’s resolutions are often made, they are more often broken.
This year try using the apps listed below!
Firstly, there is "Strides." "Strides helps people track their goals as well as their habits. It helps you decide what you want to track, lets you choose the habit or goal tracker type and lastly you get to enter dates and set alerts. You track your goals four ways. You can create a target goal where you reach a certain goal by a certain date. You can also track it by habits where you decide to build a good habit or break an old one. You can track an average goal you want to reach, in any activity or sport. Lastly, you can track milestones so that you always know that you are on pace to complete a project. This app is available for iOS only.
“Coach.me” was a top app for 2015. Based on research on psychological and behavioral design, the app offers three levels of coaching: self-coaching, community coaching, and private coaching.. Makers of the app have even added an Apple Watch extension for convenient reminders on your wrist. Available for iOS and Android.
One of the most common New Year’s resolutions is to be more active or lose weight. “Human” was rated App Store Best of 2014 and has been downloaded more than one million times. “Human” is both an activity and calorie tracker. It is free for iOS and Android and is very simple to set up. All you have to do is install the app and Human will motivate you to move 30 minutes or more every day.
Maybe your New Year’s resolution is to be happier and more optimistic. Another app that may help you in the New Year is “Bliss.” “Bliss" is a product of decades of psychological research that involves exercises to increase desirable mental health. “Bliss” allows you to complete daily exercises throughout the day to help improve your outlook on life and the app rewires your brain to focus on the positive. The next day, the app allows you to complete a gratitude journal reflecting on the previous day. The app is compatible for Android.
If you have Apple, no worries, a similar app for iOS is “Gratitude Journal 365.” The app helps the user create a daily entry to list what you are thankful for. You are also encouraged to choose a photo for that day to create a beautiful gratitude calendar. The focus group for the gratitude journal app experienced less depression, less stress and more progress toward personal goals.
Maybe you worry about budgeting and want to handle your finances better. “Level Money” may be the app for you. The app automatically tracks your cash flow, reinforces positive spending and saving habits and empowers you to control your own financial success. This app makes it easier for you to make spending decisions when this app handles your money for you. Your money will still be safe in your bank, the app just helps you know how to control it. Available for iOS and Android.
