Is it time to improve your health and wellbeing?
Help might be available in the palm of your hand. There are smartphone apps available that offer to help with everything from exercise to meal tracking, meditation to sleep.
Here are eight free apps that could boost your health and wellness journey.
Map My Run
If you’re out pounding the pavement, Map My Run could be a big help. Runners can keep track of their distance, pace, elevation and calories burned via this free app, which also suggests running routes for people who need inspiration. The app can synch with My Fitness Pal if you’re recording other diet and exercise information.
Fitness Buddy
If you’re mixing in some strength training, Fitness Buddy can help you stay on track. It includes a database of exercises to try to target different muscle groups, and videos to help you ensure your form is on point.
Headstrong
Headstrong is a free app developed by researchers at the University of Auckland to help young people enhance their mental wellbeing but can be used by anyone who needs a bit of extra support. It includes strategies to manage stress, resolve conflict and deal with negative thoughts. It works via a chatbot that simulates a conversation.
Lumosity
If you want to train your brain and keep yourself sharp, Lumosity could be a good option. No purchase is required, and the app will offer you a daily exercise game for your mind. It adapts to suit users’ strengths and weaknesses. The app promises to help cognitive performance across things such as working memory, arithmetic reasoning and processing speed.
Breathe2Relax
Getting your breathing right can really help improve stress levels. This app offers practice exercises to help you learn diaphragmatic breathing, a key way to calm your system. These exercises are designed to help quiet your “fight or flight” response and can be done anywhere.
Mindsight
This app was developed by non-profit organisation Anxiety Canada and uses cognitive behavioural therapy techniques to help manage your moods. There are also tools for positive thinking and visualisation exercises.
Noom
Noom (which includes a free option) is often touted as a weight loss app but can also be useful to help guide better food choices. It offers information about nutrition and classifies foods as “red”, “orange” and “green” to help guide users to the most nutrient-dense options.
Insight Timer
This free meditation app lets you choose from thousands of guided meditations, of varying durations, led by celebrities and other teachers. There are also options for kids’ meditations and stories to help little ones get ready for bed.
These are just some of the many apps available, catering to every health need you can think of. You can check out Apple’s app store or Google Play for more options.
Like to talk?
If your wellness journey has you inspired to conduct a full wellbeing checkup, you may be wondering how your insurance policies fit in. If it’s time to look at whether you have the right cover in place, or consider an update, get in touch with us.
Disclaimer: Please note that the content provided in this article is intended as an overview and as general information only. While care is taken to ensure accuracy and reliability, the information provided is subject to continuous change and may not reflect current developments or address your situation. Before making any decisions based on the information provided in this article, please use your discretion and seek independent guidance.
