Since owning mobile devices became the norm, people have been hooked on using these little screens. You may have noticed that you’ve spent hours on your phone or tablet just watching videos and scrolling through social media as you vegged out on the couch. It’s difficult to avoid using devices when they’ve become integral for both work and play, but you can also use them to help you get fit and stay healthy.
Because mobile devices are designed to be taken wherever you go, you can get apps to help you build healthy habits like eating right, keeping active, or even staying hydrated. Not sure where to start? Check out these nine app categories that support a healthy lifestyle.
Track your water intake
Before you take a painkiller for your headache, have a drink of water. Headaches, nausea, and even tiredness may actually be symptoms of dehydration. Use an app like WaterMinder or Hydro Coach to send you regular reminders throughout the day and track your water intake. While the amount of water you should drink depends on your body’s particular needs, these apps can help you achieve your consumption goals and keep you from experiencing dehydration.
Preserve eye health
“Staring at screens” is an accurate description because eyes tend to blink less when looking at a digital display. This causes the eyes to feel dry and irritated, in addition to feeling strained. Fortunately, there are apps that remind you to look away and give your eyes a break. Additionally, apps can apply a blue light filter to your phone’s display to modulate its brightness and potentially decrease its effect on your sleeping patterns. Try f.lux for iOS and Twilight for Android. You can also download the app Eye Patient for information and simple diagnostics of common sight problems like dry eyes and color blindness.
Plan for healthy meals
There is so much more to eating healthy than just baked fish and salads. Whether you are a novice cook or simply in need of more meal ideas, apps like Prepear and Eat This Much can give you access to a wide array of recipes that are categorized according to dietary goals. Each recipe includes nutritional information, so you don’t have to do any guesswork. Some of these apps even have the added functionality of adding the ingredients to your shopping list so you don’t forget anything.
Count your calories
If you are following a dietary plan that restricts your caloric intake, doing a manual computation and logging your meals in a notebook can be tedious. MyFitnessPal is a popular phone app that makes calorie tracking easy as it has an extensive database of foods with estimated calories and macronutrients. Eating out is made easier, too, with apps like HealthyOut offering menu suggestions that meet your calorie requirements.
Keep moving
Even if you don’t own a fitness band, most smartphones have the capability to track of your physical movements. You can use the built-in pedometer app for a daily step count, or get an app like Pacer to track other activities and get additional analytics. Need motivation? Apps like Charity Miles raise funds and donate to charities based on the distance you cover from running, walking, or biking, so you can get fit while donating to a good cause.
Get guided workouts
Looking for something that has more movement? There’s an app for pretty much any workout you can think of. Glo is a popular option for those looking to get into yoga, and there’s the 7 Minute Workout Challenge app for people who want to squeeze short fitness activities into a packed schedule. Having so many workout options can help you find an activity that suits your energy and fitness levels, plus you can add it to any existing routine to keep things fresh and exciting.
Breathe your stress out
While fitness seems to put a lot of emphasis on movement, it is also about being able to sit still to channel inner peace. Meditation apps like Insight Timer and Headspace offer guided sessions for improving focus, easing anxiety, and even improving sleep quality.
Stay sober
Recovery is an ongoing effort for people with substance use disorders, and technology can support their sobriety, too. Pear reSET has approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as the first phone app to treat substance abuse using a 12-week program. The app is meant to support outpatient treatments offered by Phoenix drug rehab facilities and the like, and it is not meant to be a replacement or standalone treatment. Individuals in recovery can also stay connected and get support through Sober Grid, a specialized social media app for sober individuals.
Get help
It’s important to remember that while these apps can help you maintain a healthy lifestyle, they cannot replace professional medical consultations. MDLIVE and Doctor on Demand are examples of telemedicine apps where you can schedule a session with state-certified physicians for a personal consultation.
Mobile devices have become indispensable tools for daily life. While it can be something that keeps you static, your phone can also be a prompt for you to move and get healthy. It all boils down to the apps you decide to fill it with.