a roundup on the apps we're using to stay physically and emotionally healthy.
8th September 2020
Our mission as a studio is to explore how technology can enhance the human experience.
Reports show that over 69% of people are feeling somewhat to very worried about the effects Covid-19 is having on their mental health, with lead contributors being worried about the future (63%), feeling stressed and/or anxious (56%) and unsurprisingly 49% of people reported feeling bored.
We know we need just the right balance of spontaneity and security to feel energised but how do we tangibly create that?
Whilst creating a proof of concept for the Wellness sector (which we’ll be revealing next week) we decided to sit down, and round up the apps we’re using internally to stay emotionally and physically healthy.
We’re all a work in progress and these apps are helping us manage our day-to-day’s, they help us set trackable goals and quite simply supporting us feeling a little more clearer.
Want to explore the possibilities of new technologies? Get in touch to explore ideas.
Want to explore the possibilities of new technologies? Get in touch to explore ideas.
Headspace
With over 40M+ downloads, Headspace is one of most popular wellness apps out in the market. The simple to use UX and minimal illustration style makes this app accessible to a multi-generational audience.
Applications like these are daily tools with companies like Google, LinkedIn, GE, Adobe, Genentech and Unilever, who are offering HeadSpace to employees as a health and wellness benefit. As companies understand the health of their employees not only affects absence, productivity and revenue but every aspect of creativity.
Stress is not something that will ever disappear, there will be constant fluctuation in our human experience but what can be done is management and this tool is a great way to start.
It covers topics on how to manage anxiety, anger, relaxation before bed and is a healthy addictive app to have on your mobile.
Mend
Relationships ending isn’t something we all talk about at work, even around friends expressing how you feel can be hard.
Mend claims that their expert training will help you feel better 58% faster and after testing it out, we’re not surprised. Designed in a chat app way, with a compassionate AI feels like your conversing with an old friend (You can kind of see how the Spike Jonze film Her isn’t so far fetched).
The app helps you log how you feel, allows you to talk openly and offers advice/ideas on how to change your emotional state instantly. It’s the type of non-judgemental expertise we can all do with when going through a breakup, relationship change or just generally feeling a little isolated.
Logging behaviour, like last contact with ex, or self-care activities may seem a little odd at first but reflecting on you habits can really make you more self-aware.
We recommend this to anyone going through a difficult time.
Talkspace
One we should all be sharing in our networks. You never know what’s going on with people, having access and normalising the use of therapy apps can really help others too.
Therapy should be accessible for everyone, the stigma of needing support should be removed too, it’s not about being unhealthy or unwell, therapy is a sign of someone taking their health as a priority.
This app allows you to have a sounding board, a place to document your thoughts, with responses from professions, access to help and support.
Costs are lower than your traditional therapy and again the ease of access makes it less scary than walking into an office.
Try it out.
Forest
The application we all need, but don’t admit to needing.
Distractions are at an all time high especially now when we’re at home, our phones are pinging off and staying focused seems like a skill we should have learnt.
It’s hard, but the Forest app is a nice and simple one, use it to keep on track for a task the tree begins to grow when you’re using focused on a task and if you deviate off it the plant dies.
It helps you log activity in a fun way, growing a lush forest is the goal and helps you keep aware of how many distractions you do have.
We use this on a daily, combined with blocking our calendar out it keeps us on track even with the little things, like downtime and self-care activities.
In 2020, staying present is a skill we all need to develop.
7 Minute Fitness
Lockdown, being at home all the time and gyms being closed hasn’t been the best for us keeping in shape.
We love routines, a plan, things to do but working out at home has felt a bit odd. One thing we found helps, is to take small steps into your goals.
A small start, just 7 minutes which means it’s easy enough to jump out of bed to do, try in your lunch break or even between calls. The routine is simple, but effective and habit forming. Even for the busiest and sometimes more lazier parts of ourselves this one is a great one to challenge us – you’ll be surprised.
No more excuses. Let us know what you think.
We’re always looking to expand our network of creative collaborators, from technical specialists to people that work in more traditional art forms. LAUNCH exists to blend the barriers between creative practices and new tech. Get in touch to explore ideas.
