Our 7 favourite wellness apps

The distractions of the digital age are often said to be destroying our powers of concentration -- but while you can certainly have too much of a good thing, technology can really help to focus the mind when harnessed in the right way. The top app trend of 2018 was wellness and mindfulness, so we've put together a list of our favourites to help you on your way to a more balanced life. 

Headspace

The granddaddy of all wellness apps, Headspace has a mind-boggling range of features to make you happier and healthier -- even if you only have a few minutes to spare. It has a range of easy-to-follow courses, guided meditations and immersive "sleepcasts" designed to help you nod off, and you can jump in and get started in a matter of seconds. 

Sworkit

Over 25 million people use Sworkit for workouts. Its success lies in its simplicity -- just choose what kind of exercise you want to do and how long you have to do it, and the app will create a bespoke workout regime for you. None of the exercises need any extra equipment, none make too much noise and all of them can be done anywhere, anytime. 

Streak

Streak can help you to break your bad habits by recording how many days' progress you've made since you last indulged. Seeing that it was over a month since you smoked your last cigarette, or even just a week since you last bit your nails, can be surprisingly motivating when you're having a moment of weakness, and a real source of pride as the days start to stack up. 

Charity Miles

Charity Miles goes a step beyond its competitors by earning money for a cause of your choosing with every mile you walk, run or cycle. The app works with 40 charities, and the money comes from corporate sponsors such as Johnson & Johnson, who have a long-term commitment to benefit health-related charity projects. So far, users have earned over $2 million for good causes. 

Meetup

A 2016 study by the British Red Cross revealed that over 9 million people in the UK feel lonely -- that's more than the population of London. Meetup connects groups of people who share common interests, and there's really something for everyone, whether you're a new mum, a true crime fan or just want to meet people in a new city.

DeliciouslyElla

This app from food blogger Ella Woodward combines step-by-step yoga classes with guilt-free recipes. You'll find over 400 plant-based recipes here, many of which include tutorial videos, as well as yoga sequences between 10 and 40 minutes long. The recipes focus on cheap everyday ingredients, making healthy living accessible whatever budget you're working with. 

GoodGuide

This genius app saves precious internet-trawling time by scanning the barcode of a product and providing an instant ethical assessment for thousands of food, cosmetic and cleaning products. It rates the product out of 10 to make its credentials super transparent, and is great for those who want to start living in a more sustainable or eco-friendly way.