App stores are crowded places these days, and because storage space on your phone is often at a premium, you’ll want to find and fill it with not only the best, but also the most helpful apps out there. Because they come and go quicker than the latest fashion trends, and digging through Google Play, the iTunes App Store, or any of the others is such a mission; a little nudge in the right direction is often very welcome. Here are the apps we think you need to check out this week.
Wellcoin
There are now plenty of ways to track your health, thanks to the proliferation of fitness bands and health-centric apps. The problem is, they are to use, but just as easy to ignore; and the motivation they provide isn’t always enough encouragement for some people. If that’s you, and you’re struggling to get your workout plan going, Wellcoin might be the extra kick you need.
The basic idea is you reward yourself for doing things you probably should be doing anyway. It’s a currency that revolves around making healthy lifestyle choices. Go for a run, pick a healthier menu option, hit your daily steps goal, and you’ll earn Wellcoins. More than just an arbitrary tracker of success, Wellcoins can actually be used to buy items from participating companies. There are even discounts at places like Whole Foods and Dick’s Sporting Goods, stores that could help continue your reinvigorated lifestyle.
Zenify
Practicing meditation doesn’t require the patience of a monk. All you need is a couple of minutes with Zenify. The app helps you achieve mindfulness with little exercises that take minimal effort, but can have great results. Set a schedule so you can find time each day to take some deep breaths and calm your mind. The app will remind you when it’s time to meditate, and walk you through the process step-by-step. Achieving nirvana has never been so easy.
Mutual
How do you know if a person likes you? You could ask them and risk embarrassment and rejection, or you could try out Mutual. Here’s how it works: pick up to 15 contacts in your phonebook who you have a crush on. Mutual sends an anonymous text inviting them to download the app and make a list of crushes of their own. If you match up, you’ll both be notified so you can stop hiding your feelings and make some plans with each other.
Vibes
Who needs text messages anymore? Words are so last year. Vibes is all about telling people how you feel in a more ephemeral way. The little app allows you to express yourself with your friends using short bits of text, emoji, and colors. It owes plenty to popular messaging app Snapchat, and sure enough, the messages disappear after you send them. That way, you can regularly reveal how you’re feeling. Provided your current state can be translated into something like the color red, a “~!~!~” symbol, or a snake emoji.
Humtap
Feeling musical? Humtap lets you make a soundtrack for your life with just a couple of quick taps, and a willingness to sing at your phone. Use your voice, or hum a tune, into your phone’s microphone and Humtap will turn it into music. With a huge database of tracks that cover all sorts of styles, you can build an original track that captures your mood, or just helps get a tune out of your head. Add a quick voiceover, then send it off to your friends, so others can hear your creation.
