Digital Retox: The Best Apps to Download Now

Now, more than ever, we can use some extra tender loving care for our minds, bodies, and souls. With the current coronavirus pandemic going on, screen times are at an all-time high while the art of social distancing is being practiced. Although it’s an uncertain time, we can make an effort to focus on the positive side of the situation: to take this moment as a chance to catch up on our self-care routines. To do so, we’ve curated a list of apps to carry you through the day; to make meditation, workouts, cooking, and video calls a little more fun. Go ahead, take a break—you deserve it.

For Morning Meditation

Courtesy of Waking Up

WAKING UP

Start your day with a meditation session guided by Sam Harris, founder of Waking Up. The neuroscientist, philosopher, and author created this app around two core principles: practice and theory. Tune in to the mini “lessons” and you’ll learn the reasoning behind meditation itself before doing so. As Harris says, “The basic logic is quite simple: the quality of your mind determines the quality of your life.”

Available at: Apple Store and Google Play

Cost: $14.99/month or $99.99/year

CALM

Hence the name, this app is a mix of all things calm—scroll through and you’ll find bedtime stories, soothing playlists, breathing exercises, guided meditation sessions, and masterclasses with wellness experts. Change the background to set your sights on an outdoor scene such as a woodland lake or dreamy clouds. There’s even a section of offerings tailored just for kids, so they can get their zen on, too.

Available at: Apple Store and Google Play

Cost: $69.99/year

GLO

If you’re looking for a distraction during this time, download Glo. This app is personalized to your needs—just answer a few questions and choose from more than 4,000 yoga, pilates, and meditation classes. You can simply follow the classes in the comfort of your own home to strengthen both your body and spirit.

Available at: Apple Store and Google Play

Cost: $22.99/month

For At-Home Workouts

Courtesy of Alo Moves

ALO MOVES

No matter what your fitness level, Alo Moves has you covered. The on-demand platform works on your phone or desktop so you can always have access to classes such as Vinyasa yoga, pilates, sound baths, and more. Try the Morning With Intention class with Jackie Stewart to start your day with clarity. New classes are released every week, so you’ll never be bored on the mat.

Available at: Apple Store, Google Play, Apple TV

Cost: $20/month, or $199/year

LADDER

For a one-on-one coaching experience, try Ladder. Once you join, you’ll be matched with a certified personal coach who will help motivate you to accomplish your fitness goals by recommending custom workouts and nutrition guidance. Using a holistic approach, this app helps you build—and stick to—healthy habits. Quarantine or not, you can keep your workouts going smoothly.

Available at: Apple Store

Cost: $99/month

OBÉ FITNESS

This app makes working out feel like a party. The backdrop of the live and on-demand classes are set against dreamy periwinkle hues, while the workouts are upbeat and motivating thanks to the skilled instructors. Try the signature 28-minute classes, and remember: consistency is everything.

Available at: Apple Store

Cost: $27/month, or $199.99/year

For Making Meals

Courtesy of Kitchen Stories Recipes

KITCHEN STORIES RECIPES

It’s all about community with Kitchen Stories Recipes, where you can connect with food lovers all over the world. Like and save recipes, and even upload your meal photos to share with others. New recipes are added every day so you can keep coming back to find fresh content.

Available at: Apple Store, Google Play, Amazon

Cost: Free

FOODUCATE

There’s no better time than now to continue or get back on track with your New Year resolutions. If eating better is one of them, Fooducate is for you. This app helps you track calories, sleep, mood, and hunger levels. What’s new: it also offers advice for boosting your immune system and gives recommendations for dealing with the coronavirus pandemic.

Available at: Apple Store and Google Play

Cost: Free

GREEN KITCHEN

Vegetarians, rejoice! This app serves up inspo for healthy dishes and features 159 handpicked recipes so you can play the role of chef right in your own kitchen. The detailed instructions break down each step so you can easily follow along, no matter if you’re a newbie or a pro at cooking.

Available at: Apple Store

Cost: $3.99

For End of Day Fun

Courtesy of Houseparty

HOUSEPARTY

This casual social app makes self-isolation feel less lonely with its video chat and gaming features. It lets you know when those on your contact list are “in the house” (read: online) and you can chat with up to eight people at a time. Use it on your phone or desktop to toast a glass of Pinot Noir during virtual happy hour.

Available at: Apple Store and Google Play

Cost: Free

ZOOM

Popular for work and school, Zoom can also be used for leisure chats alike. Tap the app for video and web conferencing features on your phone or desktop. The free version allows up to 100 people on each chat session which lasts up to 40 minutes. P.S. There’s even a hidden beauty filter to make your skin look smoother and dewier, a plus for makeup-free WFH days. Just go to the lower-left corner of the screen, press Video Settings, and check the box, Touch Up My Appearance.

Available at: Apple Store and Google Play

Cost: Free and or upgraded plans starting at $14.99/month

SPOTIFY

There’s nothing like upbeat music (and a solo dance party!) to brighten up the day. Spotify lets you listen to your favorite tunes and discover new albums from artists worldwide. Currently, we can’t stop hitting replay on “My Love” by Anna of the North, “Pretty Great” by Fickle Friends, and “I Love You Always Forever” by Donna Lewis. Click here for a happy playlist we created with these songs plus a few more mood-boosting melodies for you to enjoy.

Available at: Apple Store, Google Play, Online

Cost: Free, or upgraded plans starting at $9.99/month