7 Apps That Will Make You a Happier Person in 2015
Lots of New Year resolutions focus on things like eating healthier, moving more or making that big change in your career. But the root of all of it? Reaching that place where you can be the happiest, most confident version of yourself. The little things add up—that one hilarious photo, seeing a live show, getting a full night’s sleep. And guess what? There are apps out there that make all these things and more just a little more easy or efficient. That way, you can spend more time dancing with Pharell in the happy zone.
1. Happify, free (basic version)
Happify uses the science of happiness to deliver research-backed happiness-promoting vibes to the palm of your hands (or desktop). Your journey begins by specifying your personal goals, and then Happify gives you customized daily activities to help you get there. All it takes is a few minutes a day. The fun exercises like “Today’s Grateful Moment” and games help you break free of negative thinking patterns, learn to cope with tough situations and inspire yourself to push further. Get your happiness score and track your improvement as you go (and a little competition against users like you never hurt to help motivate). Ready to nix bad habits? Check. Spend more time self-reflecting? Check. Make 2015 your best year yet? Check yes.
2. Talkspace, subscription prices vary from $49 a week to $625 a year. (SELF readers can enter code self25 for $25 off when signing up)
Therapy for the 21st century has arrived. Unlimited Messaging Therapy on Talkspace lets you text your therapist as much as you want, while maintaining a confidential and anonymous environment. Perfect for those with a grueling schedule or those who just prefer the privacy this form of therapy allows, getting started is simple: Upon signing up, you get a free consultation with a therapist who pairs you up with a therapist who best suits your needs. From the private chat room, you can then message your therapist whenever you want. You’ll also have access to public therapy forums with 70,000+ participants or schedule a video therapy session ($29 for 30 minutes).
See more: How to Make More Time for Yourself This Year
3. BandsInTown, free
Never miss that your favorite musician or band is in your area again with this killer discovery app. It scans your device for all your artists, then generates a list of all the can’t-miss shows in your area tonight and in the coming days. You’ll also unearth recommended artists similar to your stand-by faves and can click a link to buy tickets directly from the app. No more #FrontRowLukeBryan pics on Instagram making you sad, amirite fellow country music peeps?
4. 1 Second Everyday, $0.99
For about five years now, I’ve been keeping an MME or “Most Memorable Experience” diary, where I write down the highlight of my day in about a sentence. Some call it a diary for commitment-phobes, I call it a great way to capture life’s little Kodak moments that would otherwise go forgotten. 1 Second Everyday lets you capture moments like that on your phone, allowing you to create your very own beautiful minimalist diary in a one second video, well, everyday. In one year, you’ll have a beautiful 365 second montage to commemorate a year well lived. The positivity is contagious. Cheers to that!
See more: Up Your Metabolism With These 10 Superstar Foods
5. TaskRabbit, free (to download)
When was the last time assembling Ikea furniture or posting your bag collection for sale on eBay ever topped your list of things you want to do? Probably never. TaskRabbit comes to the rescue by providing a platform where you can connect with pre-vetted taskers who can help fix your bathroom’s broken light fixture in a jiffy or wait in line in that massive Whole Foods line before that dinner party you’re hosting so you can spend more time prepping your house and not waste three hours grocery shopping. The entire process is cash-less, so when the task is finished, the agreed-upon rate will be deducted from your bank account so the tasker can be paid.
6. Happn, free
Ah…the handsome stranger you locked eyes with on your way to work that you’ll never see again. Fret no more! Now, you can only-in-a-movie style find the people you’ve crossed paths with at your fingertips. The app will also tell you how many times you’ve crossed paths with them and where (Not that you’d reroute your commute or anything…). If it’s a mutual like, the app will alert you, and you can make plans to meet up–maybe at that coffee shop you’re already at….or just get that little jolt of joy from knowing that commuting cutie feels the same way.
7. Calm Down Now, $1.99
Whether you suffer from anxiety, sleep problems, or are just looking to unwind, this soothing app has something for you. Use the guided relaxations and empowering strategies to ward off panic attacks or let the peaceful sounds coax you gently to sleep. With a mix of relaxing sounds that you can customize and helpful techniques to ground yourself, a deep breath of relief is just a click away with this zen-tiful app.
By Perri O. Blumberg
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photo: Meredith Jenks
