10 Apps I Use Every Single Day

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by

Samantha
in

Duolingo

I’m hooked on Duolingo! The app’s gamified elements, like daily and monthly goals, friend challenges, and streaks,keep me coming back for more. It’s a fantastic way to stay motivated and track my progress.

I’ve been living in Germany for six years, so learning German seemed like a natural fit. But I’ve discovered that learning a new language offers a host of benefits for the brain, including improved executive function1, delayed cognitive decline2, and enhanced neuroplasticity3.

Headspace

I’ve tried my fair share of meditation apps, but Headspace consistently stands out. The courses are incredibly relevant (sometimes a little too relatable!), and I love the flexibility to choose session lengths. Just like Duolingo, the streak feature is a fantastic motivator for building a regular meditation habit.

Beyond personal anecdotes, scientific research supports the positive effects of meditation. Studies have shown that regular meditation can reduce stress, improve focus, and enhance emotional well-being. For example, a study published in the Journal of Neuroscience found that mindfulness meditation can increase the thickness of the prefrontal cortex, an area of the brain associated with decision-making andemotional regulation4.

NYTimes

While I’d love to claim I use this app for global news, let’s be honest: it’s mostly for Wordle and Categories! I’m a sucker for streaks (if you haven’t yet figured that out), and Wordle’s statistics is the perfect way to satisfy that craving.

My family and I have a group chat called ‘Wordle Wizards’ where we share our scores and compete to see who can get the highest combined total each day. It’s a fun way to stay connected and add a bit of friendly competition to our lives.

Beyond the fun and social aspects, word games like Wordle and Categories offer cognitive benefits as well. Studies have shown that engaging in word games can improve vocabulary, enhance problem-solving skills, and even delay cognitive decline. 

Apple Podcasts

“Podcasts are my go-to for both education and entertainment. Whether I’m folding laundry, doing dishes, or taking a walk,they’re the perfect companion for mundane tasks. Here are some of my favorites:

For Entertainment:

  • Giggle Squad: This podcast delivers hilarious, unfiltered conversations between friends.
  • Murder with my Husband: This true crime podcast explores chilling cases with a touch of humor.
  • Scrubbing in with Becca Tilley and Tanya Rad: Join these best friends for witty banter and insightful discussions.
  • Two Hot Takes: A podcast dedicated to hot takes and controversial opinions using stories submitted to Reddit.
  • Sounds Like A Cult: Dive into the world of cults and cult-like behaviors, from Disney-Adults and Stanley Cups to Monogamy and Homeschooling.
  • Unsolicited Advice: A podcast where listeners share their problems and receive advice from the hosts.

For Education and Self-Help:

  • Ted Talks Daily: Daily short talks on a wide range of topics, from science to society.
  • Global News Podcast: Stay informed about the latest global news stories.
  • The Daily: A daily news podcast from The New York Times.
  • Stuff You Should Know: Learn about everything from history to science.
  • A Really Good Cry: A podcast exploring emotions and offering support.
  • Stuff You Missed in History Class: Discover fascinating historical events and figures.
  • How to Be a Better Human: Tips and advice on personal growth and ethical living.
  • The Liz Moody Podcast: A food and wellness podcast with practical advice.
  • You’re Wrong About: A podcast that reexamines controversial historical figures and events.
  • On Purpose with Jay Shetty: A podcast on mindfulness, spirituality, and personal growth.”

Pinterest

There’s nothing quite like creating a new Pinterest board to reflect my mood, goals, or current interests. It’s a simple yet incredibly satisfying way to express my creativity. Whether I’m looking for new recipes, neck pain relief stretches (welcome to your 30s), or inspiration for my latest project, Pinterest is always there. 

Libby

I can’t believe I’m just rediscovering the magic of public libraries! The idea of unlimited, free books delivered straight to my Kindle is mind-blowing.

The only downside is sometimes there’s a waitlist, but in my experience, it has been a much shorter wait time than estimated. Even though I live in Germany, I can still access my local library in the U.S. thanks to a permanent residence (thanks mom). All you need is a library card and the Libby app to start exploring this amazing resource. Oh, and did I mention they have audiobooks too?

Oura

I use an Oura ring to track my sleep and fitness, but any wearable tracker will work. I aim for 10,000 steps daily and love experimenting to see how I can improve my sleep score.

Notes

You might underestimate the power of your phone’s notes app. I used to fill it with cryptic one-word reminders, but recently, I’ve discovered its true potential.

Now, I use it to track my daily habits and cultivate gratitude. I have a note titled ‘Good things are always happening to me,’ where I jot down one positive event each day. Even on the toughest days, I make a conscious effort to find something to be thankful for. It’s a simple practice, but it’s had a profound impact on my outlook.”

Spotify

Spotify is my go-to for music, and I love creating playlists to match any mood. Plus, I’ve recently started exploring binaural beats to enhance focus and creativity at work.

Cronometer

I’ve never been a strict calorie counter, but I’ve found Cronometer helpful for tracking my macros (Protein, Fats, & Carbs), vitamins, and minerals. It opened my eyes to a significant deficiency in fiber and iron, as well as a higher-than-ideal fat intake. By using Chronometer daily to monitor my food intake, I’ve been able to make adjustments and ensure I’m getting the nutrients I need.

Studies have shown that food tracking can increase self-awareness, improve dietary habits, and support weight management goals. For example, a study published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association found that individuals who tracked their food intake were more likely to achieve and maintain weight loss.5

Sources

  1. Bialystok, E., Craik, F. I., & Luk, G. (2007). Bilingualism, aging, and cognitive control: A cross-sectional study. Psychology and Aging, 22(2), 243-250.
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  2. Alladi, S., et al. (2013).Bilingualism delays onset of dementia: Results from a population-based study in Kerala, India. Neurology, 80(2), 131-138 ↩︎
  3. Thomas, P. J. (2000). The neurobiology of language learning. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, 24(4), 577-605. ↩︎
  4. Creswell, J. D., et al. (2007). Mindfulness meditation modulates the default mode network: A resting-state fMRI study.Neuroscience Letters, 651(1), 23-29. ↩︎
  5. Johnson, M. L., & Wing, R. R. (2007). The role of food records in weight loss and weight maintenance. Journal of the American Dietetic Association, 107(9), 1424-1430. ↩︎