Headspace app.
Headspace app.
Image: Supplied

Many people have turned to their phones for a source of comfort during the pandemic, but here are some alternatives to social media that will actually help your mental and physical health.

Covid 19 has taken a huge toll on everyone’s wellbeing, from being cooped up during lockdowns, socially restricted and in a constant state of anxiety; we have all been emotionally and physically affected. Many people have turned to their handy companions, their phones, as a way to relax, stay fit and get in touch with their mind and body. It is impressive how creatives, intellectuals and app-developers have utilised technology and communication to improve the control we have over our mental and physical health; these apps have helped countless people through these trying times and the potential they can unlock is all up to you.

Headspace

Headspace was founded by a former Buddhist monk and is based on the simple premise that meditation can greatly improve many aspects of your life. Headspace offers a complimentary basic course and a subscription unlocks hundreds of meditative guides and holistic solutions for struggles such as procrastination, loneliness and stress. Even 10 minutes of meditation a day leads to increased attention spans, productivity and mental wellbeing. Even the queen of homeopathy, Gwyneth Paltrow is a fan.

Exhale

Exhale is the first mental wellbeing phone application designed for, and by, women of colour. Yoga, holistic health and mindfulness movements are often critiqued for their overwhelming control by white people and Exhale provides an alternative safe space. Exhale provides five methods to practice wellbeing: meditation, coaching talks, affirmations, guided visualisations and breath work.

Shine

Shine.
Shine.
Image: Supplied

Shine app is a self-care based app focused on women. Personal growth is encouraged through advice every day delivered through motivation messages, and empowering pep-talks. An audio library is included that gives advice, informational essays and topics and calming sounds. The app is also committed to community health and allows interaction through a daily discussion topic that users can comment on.

Sleep Cycle

Sleep takes up a third of our day, and in the modern world, this essential R&R is often interrupted by our phones, stresses, anxieties and the “next episode” button. Sleep Cycle analyses and tracks your sleep cycle to wake you up at your lightest sleep — the perfect time for you to start your day.

Flipd

There are so many different things to focus on in the modern world. Flipd is an app that attempts to flip your distraction into productivity. The app offers several ways to track your efficiency, to unplug your phone and help you stay focused.

Streaks

Streaks is a to-do list with a difference: the app helps you to turn tasks into daily habits such as meeting your step-count, writing in a journal or working out. Streaks serves to help you form habits, hold you accountable and increase your daily grind.

8fit

Whether gym is an infection worry, an out-of-the-way inconvenience or not part of your budget, 8fit is the app for you. It serves as a fitness and nutrition companion providing personalised meals and workouts. Personalisation is the key to health and the app delivers custom fitness settings and easy-to-follow healthy recipes and advice.

8fit app.
8fit app.
Image: Supplied

Noom

This app evaluates your thoughts, opinions and triggers about weight-loss to provide a strategy to reach your goals and adopt healthier habits. Logging your exercise and meals works in tandem with a coach that personalises your experience and motivates you on your journey. You are also able to compare challenges and success with other users.

Noom app.
Noom app.
Image: Getty Images

MyFlo

This app was created by a functional nutritionist and women’s hormone expert. It allows you to track your period, menstruation stages and symptoms throughout the month. The app searches for patterns that may signal hormonal imbalances and then help fix what is causing them. MyFlo can also sync with your calendar, notify you about phases of your cycle and suggest the best activities to partake in, depending on which stage of your cycle you are in.

Natural Cycles

Natural Cycles has received US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearance as a medical device, classifying it as a 93% effective from of birth control with typical use and an astonishing 98% with perfect use. The app tracks your cycle, and with morning inputs of your temperature, lets you know how fertile you are. Days are ranked by fertility; a red day meaning you need to use protection while a green day means it’s not necessary. One should always use condoms to prevent STDs, however.

Natural cycle app.
Natural cycle app.
Image: Supplied

Smoke Free

This is the perfect app for those looking to finally throw away their vape or not buy another pack. It allows you to track your cravings and monitor your progress and it tallies the time and money you save or have saved by quitting.

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