9 Apps to Help You Achieve Your New Year’s Resolutions
— January 4, 2016
The New Year has arrived, and with it, the collective push to set ambitious goals. Whether you aim to build new habits, improve productivity, or adopt healthier routines, resolutions can be both inspiring and overwhelming. To ease the challenge, here are nine powerful mobile apps designed to keep you on track and help you turn those goals into achievable realities.
If Your Resolution is to Learn More
For those who want to expand their knowledge without dedicating hours, the Curiosity app provides an excellent solution. This app delivers curated videos on diverse topics, offering bite-sized lessons that fit into even the busiest schedules. From science and history to quirky facts, it keeps your mind active and engaged. Its key facts and infographics are perfect for quick learning, making it easier to absorb information in seconds. While this app won’t replace in-depth courses or formal education, it helps you stay informed and broaden your understanding of the world.
If Your Resolution is to Save More
Budgeting and saving money can feel like an uphill battle, but Mvelopes simplifies this process. By using the traditional concept of “spending envelopes” in a digital format, the app tracks expenses and creates budgets tailored to your lifestyle. What sets Mvelopes apart is its seamless bank synchronization, which securely updates your financial data. Once configured, you’ll gain instant insights into your remaining budget across various categories, empowering you to save for what matters most. With Mvelopes, financial clarity and control become part of your everyday routine.
If Your Resolution is to Relax More
Amid busy schedules, making time to relax has become a necessity. Headspace helps you achieve calm with guided and unguided meditation sessions. These sessions range from two minutes to an hour, catering to different levels of experience and availability. The app also sends timely reminders, ensuring you don’t overlook your relaxation goals. As you develop consistency, Headspace rewards your progress, making mindfulness not just an activity but a fulfilling habit. Its intuitive design and science-backed approach make it an invaluable tool for cultivating inner peace.
If Your Resolution is to Break a Bad Habit
Breaking bad habits often requires a mix of motivation and accountability. HabitRPG gamifies this process, turning habit-breaking into an engaging experience. The app transforms your goals into challenges, rewarding you for consistency and punishing lapses. Points and rewards incentivize progress, while social features such as friend competitions and guilds add a layer of community support. Whether your struggle is procrastination, excessive screen time, or unhealthy consumption, HabitRPG provides structure and fun to keep you focused.
If Your Resolution is to Read More
Rekindling a love for reading becomes effortless with ReadMe!. This app uses innovative colorized streaming text to reduce eye movement and enhance reading speed. Whether you’re tackling novels, work documents, or online articles, the app offers speed controls to match your pace. Offline functionality and multi-device syncing mean you can read wherever and whenever you like. ReadMe! helps you rediscover the joy of books while maximizing your productivity, ensuring that reading remains both enjoyable and accessible.
If Your Resolution is to Get Up from Your Desk More
Spending long hours at your desk can take a toll on your health. Apps like Stand up (Android) and Stand Up! (iPhone) help mitigate this by sending regular reminders to take breaks. Users can customize the intervals, ensuring these alerts align with their work patterns. These breaks can be used for stretches, short walks, or hydration, all of which improve overall well-being. By fostering regular movement, these apps contribute to better posture, reduced stress, and improved focus.
If Your Resolution is to Pack Healthier Lunches
Preparing nutritious meals becomes a breeze with Yummly. This recipe app features a robust search engine that filters options based on dietary preferences, allergies, and nutritional goals. Yummly scours top food blogs to provide tailored suggestions, complete with detailed instructions and stunning visuals. Additionally, the app allows users to create organized shopping lists, accessible across devices. Whether you’re looking for quick recipes or gourmet inspiration, Yummly ensures that your meals are both healthy and delicious.
If Your Resolution is to Get Organized
Staying organized is simpler with 24me, a virtual assistant that consolidates tasks, reminders, and schedules into one interface. The app syncs with calendars, task managers, and even financial accounts, offering a comprehensive overview of your obligations. It simplifies task execution with one-click solutions for paying bills, sending gifts, or completing errands. For those with overwhelming workloads, 24me connects users to real assistants for added support. With its user-friendly design, 24me transforms chaos into order, making goal-setting achievable and stress-free.
If Your Resolution is to Be More Punctual
Chronic lateness is a habit that Interruptive, a Chrome extension, aims to break. By integrating with Google Calendar, it sends calls reminding you of upcoming events or deadlines. These calls persist until you confirm, creating an annoyance that’s impossible to ignore. Whether you need to leave for an appointment or start an overdue project, Interruptive ensures you’re always on time. While it might seem excessive, the app’s persistence often proves to be the nudge needed for lasting punctuality.
Conclusion
New Year’s resolutions require dedication, but the right tools can make the journey smoother. These nine apps, designed to address common goals, combine convenience and practicality to keep you on track. Whether you’re striving for personal growth, financial stability, or healthier habits, these solutions provide the support you need to succeed.