You name it – there’s probably an app for it.
Apps have become integral to our everyday lives. We rely on them to manage our schedules, to learn, be entertained, seek information, order food, track our health, check the weather, stay connected, find love – and the list goes on!
There are so many benefits apps can provide, so while you’re self-isolating or just spending more time at home, why not utilise the power of apps and learn a new skill or do something you’ve never had the time for before. Here’s a few ways you can use apps for fun.
Learn a new language
Your travel plans may not have gone ahead as you thought they would, but don’t let that stop you from enjoying a little culture at home. Now is the perfect time to learn a new language – and what better way to learn than through a fun app like Duolingo. With 35 languages to choose from, you’ll embark on your next trip speaking, reading and writing like a true local (or trying to at least) – hola second language!
Reap the benefits of meditation
Research has shown that meditation can have a positive impact on stress, focus, mood, sleep and so much more, and it’s important to reach out to services and facilities that can help when you need it. Take a few minutes each day to clear your mind through mastering meditation, especially now we’re approaching exams. The Mindfulness App, Headspace and Calm are just a few of the many apps available to help anyone looking to improve their mental health and overall wellbeing.
Stay connected
It’s more important now than ever to stay connected with your friends and family. Download apps like Skype, Houseparty, WhatsApp or Google Hangouts so you can keep in touch through video calls and group chats. You can even connect with loved ones by challenging them to games of QuizUp, Words With Friends, Draw Something or even Mario Kart Tour!
Social media spaces such as online chats or groups can also be a great way to keep in touch with friends and peers while you study or catch up.
Read or listen to audiobooks
Get access to best-selling audiobooks and podcasts with Audible – you can test out this app by downloading your first book for free! If you’d prefer to read, you could turn your phone into a book with the Kindle app and try before you buy with free book samples.
Get moving
With gyms remaining closed, many of us have turned to apps for our workouts. You could experience live classes on Instagram and Facebook and enjoy free on demand strength, endurance and mobility workouts through Nike Training Club, 7 Minute Workout and ClassPass. Many companies are currently offering free trials for their fitness apps, including Chris Hemsworth’s Centr – an app that offers training, meal plans and mindfulness. If you need a little more motivation to get moving, you can download Zombies, Run! to turn your workout into an interactive adventure story – just outrun the zombies and you’ll improve your fitness in no time!
Train your brain
Not only is it important to keep physically active while couped up at home but it’s also important to give your brain daily exercise too. There are so many apps available for brain training that can help improve your memory, attention and problem-solving skills, and with exams just around the corner, why not start training your brain now? Check out Lumosity and Elevate, apps designed with input from researchers that will challenge and sharpen your thinking.
Learn to study using technology
While some apps can lead to major distractions, there are others that can be beneficial to studying. Focus booster can help you stay on track and engaged with your task; GoConqr can help you create mind maps, flash cards and quizzes; and ReachOut WorryTime will help prevent rumination and anxiety.
There are a range of free online learning resources available for students, so take your pick. As a Murdoch student, you can keep up to date with your academic calendar, study resources, and more using the myMurdoch app.
Just have fun
There are so many apps to use for fun. You could explore museums and find your art doppelganger through the Google Arts and Culture app, make your animal talk with My Talking Pet or get involved in a TikTok challenge.
Apps are just one small part of the rapidly growing field of technology. Explore how technology is shaping our world through our Future in Technology series.