I know it’s just another day, but that first day of a new year fills me with hope. I guess this is why we make new year resolutions: we can draw a line and start afresh, putting all the bad stuff behind us and starting anew, full of enthusiasm.
The problem is that as the weeks and months pass, our eagerness wanes and by the end of the year, we haven’t managed to achieve any of our goals.
As usual, I have a long list! Try not to be over-ambitious; have some that are easily attainable to spur you on; write them down and read them every day.
To help you make 2017 the year when you finally stick to your resolutions, here are a handful of great apps for some of the most popular resolutions:
STREAKS
First up, this great little app will help you stick to your resolutions. You set up your six daily tasks, notch them up on the app as you complete each one and collect “streaks”.
An ideal way to hold you accountable and create good habits. It can really help you improve your life in so many small ways.
For example, your six daily tasks could be along the lines of: jog, meditate, cook a healthy dinner, drink eight glasses of water, read the next chapter of one of those many self-help books you’ve accumulated, be in bed by 22:00.
1PASSWORD
Since even the US elections seemingly couldn’t avoid being hacked, internet security is high on many lists. How many of us can remember all the passwords we have to use to access everything we do online?
This app securely stores them all and all you have to do is use one password to access the list. Safer than storing them on your mobile or that scrap of paper in your wallet/purse.
KITCHEN STORIES
Get into home cooking this year and improve your health. This app is also ideal for those of us who already cook, but are bored with the same five or six recipes we feel comfortable with. This app is a collection of healthy recipes with new ones to try every week.
SIMPLE HABIT AND BUDDHIFY
If you haven’t tried it yet, meditation could turn out to be the single most useful thing you ever do. Simple Habit will help you get into the habit of meditating for five minutes a day – a great start.
Try Buddhify to take you to the next level to help reduce stress, be present and cope with our busy lifestyles.
C25K
One of the reasons we fail to achieve our goals is that they aren’t specific enough. Taking up jogging, for example, is fairly vague, but this app gives a definite goal: to run 5km within a couple of months. All you have to do is follow the programme.
SLEEPFULNESS
I’m always talking about the importance of sleep and this app will help you achieve it. The audio tracks will help you drop off.
As the app puts it: “Because a good night’s sleep means a calm, kind and focussed day. So for a better tomorrow …..”
iYOGA AND YOGA 101
Both good options to get your daily flow at a fraction of the price that many online streaming services charge.
Like everything else, a little each day is better than the occasional blast and this is a very convenient way of getting your daily dose.