As we find ourselves in a world full of Snapchats, Instagram updates and push notifications, sometimes it’s good to remember that our phones can also be used for good. Take a look at these seven apps that have found their place in my morning routine.
*An asterisk denotes this app has an equally helpful website version of itself. Right on.
1. Elevate
This simple brain training app was rated the best app of 2014 by Apple… so of course I downloaded it initially to see what the hubbub was all about. Turns out it’s all about engaging and applicable games to train your brain for whatever your goals are. In about five minutes a day, you can get better at remembering what professors say in class, calculating the tip on your bill at Thai Ginger or using swanky words to impress in your next job interview.
2. Circa
I want to be very clear in saying that occasionally I consider myself a writer, sometimes consider myself a journalist, and always consider myself a heavy consumer of media. So reading the news a norm for me. That said, maybe it should be a norm for you too!
This handy app delivers news to your phone in concise and easy to follow stories, which you can tailor to your interests. It breaks down news point by point to save you time and never sacrifices the facts for the story. Funny enough, this app was named the best app of 2013, but I promise that theme won’t continue.
3. The Skimm
Okay, this isn’t an app, but it is genius. And as long as you read your email on your phone, we can pretend it’s an app. The Skimm is a daily e-mail newsletter that’s delivered to your inbox before you wake up – unless you wake up around 3:00am, in which case… I’m sorry. It delivers every weekday, with a news briefing that you could ideally read in the time it takes to brush your teeth (so long as you’re following your dentist’s recommendation). The women behind the company work tirelessly to “do the reading for you” and give you a breakdown of everything that’s happened since you last read the newsletter. Maybe not everything, but with pragmatic takes on each piece of news and complicated subjects put in layman’s terms without losing any importance, the Skimm is impossible to resist.
4. Headspace
The irony of this next app is that it’s all about mindfulness. For our techie generation, it’s always important to find some time to be aware of ourselves and appreciate life for what it is. This meditation app helps you learn how to find 10 minutes a day to truly relax and find a little “headspace,” whether you’re just a beginner or you’ve been doing this for years. The app has a modern take on meditation and sees the importance in recognizing that technology and mindfulness are not incompatible. Also, Andy, the British man who narrates the meditation videos, does not hurt one bit.
5. Fitstar (and Fitstar Yoga)*
There are an insane amount of fitness apps and an equally insane amount of people who will tell you that you should exercise more and constantly remind you how good it is for you. I don’t want to put myself on that list, but I do want to provide some assistance in case you decide fitness is important to you. I’ll go ahead and say the same for everything on this list, as I am by no means a life expert tellin’ you how to be, just a writer tellin’ you what I think.
Anyway, I’ve tried that insane amount of fitness apps and this one resonates simply because it has it all. Short videos, personal trainer programs, everything from body weight exercise to yoga to simple weightlifting. If you’re using an app, you’re likely hiding at home for your workouts just like I do, which makes this app the perfect tool for your bedroom workout. I would even guess there’s enough space to do these workouts in a Bob Kessi house.
6. Mint*
As college students, finances are likely one of the number one things on your mind, so why wouldn’t a money app be one of the number one apps on your phone! This app connects to your bank account and allows you to view all of your transactions by different categories and create budgets to help keep track of all your cash. It can also do wonderful things like tell you when you’ve spent an unusual amount on white chocolate mochas from Bon App this month.
7. UP Beacon*
To bring it home, we have our own glorious student media app. This isn’t just a resource to read a simple, electronic version of your favorite paper every Thursday, but it also has links to other UP resources. This includes the P-Safe Crime and Safety report, the UP calendar, the Beacon social media and a mobile stream of KDUP Radio, which is hands down the best thing ever. The UP Beacon app is a must have for staying connected to our campus and our community – and anyway wasn’t the original point of cell phones to stay connected?
I hope this serves you well, happy downloading!