I’m a big fan of technology, especially when it makes my life easier. Sometimes it’s difficult to sort through all the options when searching for a specific app or extension however. For example, a quick search for “journal app” gives me pages of results. And by the time I finish reading through a handful of them I usually just decide to do without.
However, if you’re wanting to be better at something, whether that’s exercising regularly, eating better, or learning a language, there’s no doubt an app or extension that can help. Here’s a list of 3 apps (updated for 2019) I’ve found useful in helping me improve my chances of reaching a goal, or just being a better person in general.
Exercise
I’ve found that exercise is key to my productivity. And when I’m home, I have a pretty good routine in place and workout often. I really struggle when I travel however. But rather than beat myself up about it, I try to get in a really quick workout in the mornings and walk as much as possible. I figure it’s better than nothing…
A fitness pro recommended I try the 7 Minutes Workout app. It literally only takes 7 minutes to do one round and has some research behind each of the moves it recommends. I try to do 2 rounds, so about 15 minutes total after you count a 1 minute rest in between.
What I really like about the 7 Minutes Workout app is that I can do it anywhere. All I need is a little bit of space in a hotel room. And an added bonus is that it saves luggage space when I travel because I don’t have to pack extra shoes, etc… to use in the gym.
Meditation
2018 was the year of attempting to multitask for me. And while I know this isn’t recommend (and not likely even possible) I had so much on my plate that I was constantly being pulled in multiple directions.
On the positive side, I got lots done. On the negative side, I doubt any of the work was as good as it could have been if I would have gave the important things 100% of my attention. It got so bad at one point that I scheduled an appointment with my doctor due to memory issues. Turns out it was mostly due to trying to do too many things at once (think responding to email on one topic, instant messages on another, while in a meeting about a third topic for hours every day).
I am now making a conscious effort to only be focused on one thing at a time. That means shutting off email except for certain pre-determined times, silencing my phone, and attempting to be present while in meetings.
According to pretty much everything I’ve read meditation appears to be the cure for this, but it never seemed like “my kind of thing.” But I always like to try something new for the new year, so I thought 2019 would be the year for meditation. So far I’m only 10 or so days into it, but have been using the headspace app with some success. I’m just using the free version and starting with 5 minutes a day for now, but can honestly say it’s relaxing and appears to be helping with my concentration. It’s still early though so I’ll do a follow up later on with a more detailed review and recommendations.
Journaling
I really prefer journaling with a pen and notebook. Something about just feels better, but it’s hard to beat the convenience of an app. The best app I’ve come across (and one that’s been recommended by many in the personal development field) is the 5 minute journal. There’s now an Android version available in addition to the iPhone version.
What I like most is that there’s an AM and PM piece to it. In the morning you write what you’re grateful for and what will make the day great, then in the PM you reflect on how the day went. And of course there’s also a notebook version if you’re like me and prefer to write instead of type.
Summary
There are thousands of apps out there designed to help you improve and I’ve only listed 3 here, so obviously there’s much more to be discovered. I’m not one to use 30 different apps however, so hopefully you’ll find this small list useful in some areas of your life.
If there are apps you use or recommend for productivity, health, motivation, etc… I’d love to hear about them.