Self-Care App Evaluations: A Review of 8 Android Apps
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Chapter 1: The Midnight Revelation
It was 3 a.m., and I was jolted awake by a persistent urge to relieve myself. I contemplated whether I could ignore it until dawn, but that felt like an unreasonable challenge for my bladder. Thankfully, I inherited a reliable signal system from my family, alerting me when it was time to wake up and head to the bathroom. However, I often find myself cursing that organ in the dead of night.
After returning to bed from my midnight excursion, I thought it would be an opportune moment to browse self-help applications on the Google Play Store. My New Year’s resolutions were slipping away, and I had heard that late-night screen time could somehow aid sleep.
Here are the applications I downloaded along with my initial thoughts. If you have any recommendations for self-help apps on Android, I would love to hear them!
Section 1.1: Work Break
(10K+ Downloads; 3.5 Stars from 108 Reviews)
I tried this app to remind me to take five-minute breaks every hour to stretch my legs. Since I spend long hours at the computer, I’ve been dealing with weight issues and muscle discomfort. The reviews were accurate; the notifications were silent, and the interface left much to be desired. I uninstalled it the very next day and opted to set alarms on my phone instead.
My Rating: 1/5 Stars
Section 1.2: NatureID
(1M+ Downloads; 4.2 Stars from 23k Reviews)
Wow! This app’s preview is visually stunning. However, I couldn't access its features without paying a steep subscription fee, prompting me to uninstall it. I plan to revisit it later after I take care of my goal to acquire more houseplants.
My Rating: Unknown
Subsection 1.2.1: Text Neck
(100k+ Downloads; 4.5 Stars from 1k Reviews)
I’m quite pleased with this app so far. It’s free and guides you through quick exercises to improve your posture. I’ll assess its effectiveness in a month.
My Rating: 4/5 Stars (Review Update Coming Next Month)
Chapter 2: Language Learning and Self-Care
Section 2.1: Tandem
(5M+ Downloads; 4.4 Stars from 253k Reviews)
One of my New Year’s resolutions is to learn a new language. Tandem serves as a digital pen pal service, connecting you with native speakers of the language you want to learn who are also eager to learn your language. I've made several connections in just a few days. While most are men, which gives me some odd 90 Day Fiancé vibes, the few women I’ve interacted with have been very friendly. I’m interested in dedicating more time to this app to enhance my language skills.
My Rating: 3/5 Stars
The first video provides a detailed review of the Finch app, which is described as a digital pet focused on mental wellness. It offers insights into how to engage with the app effectively.
Section 2.2: Finch
(500K+ Downloads; 4.9 Stars from 23k Reviews)
I’m a bit baffled by this app. The developers refer to it as a self-care pet. You have a little bird that explores during the day, provided you feed it energy by journaling your feelings, listening to calming sounds, and so on. There’s a gaming aspect where you collect gems to buy virtual outfits for your bird. However, the overall experience hasn’t resonated with me. Perhaps I’m not in the right mindset, but documenting my feelings doesn’t seem to foster self-care for me. Additionally, purchasing imaginary clothes feels somewhat juvenile. I’ll give it more time, but I’m leaning towards uninstalling it.
My Rating: 2/5 Stars
The second video reviews the Me+ app, which helps users create self-care routines and track their moods, offering tips for effective usage.
Section 2.3: Habit Now
(1M+ Downloads; 4.8 Stars from 20k Reviews)
I truly enjoy this app! It’s a straightforward platform for habit tracking. You can schedule reminders and view your progress statistics. Previously, I tracked habits manually in my calendar, but this app has streamlined that process. I can easily check off my daily tasks and hold myself accountable. You can create a limited number of habits for free, but I opted to pay a one-time fee of $5 for unlimited access.
My Rating: 5/5 Stars
Section 2.4: Mint
(10M+ Downloads; 4.5 Stars from 195k Reviews)
This is an expense tracker developed by Intuit. I haven’t delved deeply into its features yet, but it appears user-friendly and seems to have everything I need for budgeting. Although I usually avoid Intuit products, this free app looks promising.
My Rating: 3/5 Stars (Review Update Coming After More Use)
Section 2.5: Plant Nanny
(1M+ Downloads; 4.5 Stars from 113k Reviews)
This app monitors your water intake. I used the original Plant Nanny app years ago and found it engaging initially, but it became tedious over time. After experimenting with various water-tracking apps, I returned to Plant Nanny. It sends reminders to drink water and keeps track of how many glasses you consume. As you hydrate, your plant grows, which I find motivating. While it’s a bit larger in file size, its tracking and notification features are the best I’ve encountered.
My Rating: 4/5 Stars