Habitica
Habitica is designed to work like a video game that helps the user to develop good habits and boost productivity – the tagline is “Motivate yourself to do anything”. Tasks become little monsters that you have to overcome, allowing you to progress in the game. It can be a really fun way to manage your daily tasks and workload, with an added motivational edge. It can also help boost general positive wellbeing by developing positive habits and self care.
- The app is available to download for iOS and Android devices and can also be accessed via a web platform from your computer
- The way Habitica ‘gamifies’ your life can be motivating to help you achieve daily tasks and develop good habits
- Create a character and then keep track of your journey by logging tasks and ticking them off as you complete them (which will win you points). You can also win points by steering clear of bad habits (like drinking too much coffee) and creating to-do lists and successfully working through them
- You can build up points, gold and resources which you can spend on rewards (real life treats!) or use to protect you against dangers in the game
- You can play in a group, which makes you accountable for the progress of the whole team. It can drive productivity and teamwork… which, as we know, is the dreamwork.
Its unique video game inspired design makes keeping track of habits and goals fun. It is certainly not your average habit tracker!
Hub of Hope
The Hub of Hope is a completely free and confidential national mental health database. It brings together organisations and charities, large and small, from across the country who offer mental health advice and support, together in one place. With over 1,200 organisations registered to the hub, you can find local and national services at the click of a button.
- You can access the Hub for Hope online via any browser or download the app to any device (iOS and Android compatible)
- Find your nearest mental health support services by activating your location services and clicking the ‘Find Nearby Services’ button. Alternatively, you can enter a postcode and filter your search.
- There’s a ‘Talk Now’ button in the bottom right hand corner on the homepage, that connects you directly to the Samaritans or to the free 24/7 Chasing the Stigma Crisis Messenger text service.
- You can also text HOPE to 85258 if you are experiencing a mental health crisis and need support. You will be connected to a trained volunteer with who you can discuss your worries or troubles. The texts are free from most major phone networks and will not appear on your phone bill.
There’s finally somewhere you can search quickly and easily to find local and national mental health services, reminding us that there is always somebody to talk to.
Smiling Mind
Smiling Mind is 100% not-for-profit organisation that works to make mindfulness accessible to all. There are lots of different meditation programmes to choose from, all with the aim of helping you deal with the pressure, stress and challenges of daily life. Mindfulness is a tool that can help reduce worries and anxiety, instilling a greater sense of calm. It can also assist in learning how to relax and regulate emotions, as well as enhancing concentration and energy.
- The app is available to download on iOS & Android devices and can also be accessed via a web platform from your computer. The content and presentation of the app is pretty much identical no matter which device you’re using
- Developed by psychologists, and based on mindfulness meditation techniques, there are 10 modules and 42 sessions available to adults. There is also a large quantity of modules designed for different age ranges, as well as tailored meditations designed around education, workplace and sport.
- Whether you are a beginner or practice mindfulness regularly, there are lots of different modules to choose from pitched at all different levels
- Before starting a session, the app asks you to check in with your mood, which is then tracked on your dashboard alongside the sessions you have done. This offers a helpful overview of how your mood changes over time, allowing you to be more mindful over how you feel and your emotions in general.
There is a really good range of meditations to choose from, which you can tap into dependent on what you’re doing or what you want to achieve. There are some nice short ones you can do on the move, for example on your way to work, or some longer ones to help you relax and get to sleep.