Mindfulness: Here’s why you need to download these six health apps

Health and wellness apps have many advantages to help you switch off, relax and sleep better at the end of a long day, but which health apps are rated the best for relaxation?

As part of their Health App Index, the mobile experts at Uswitch found that searches for health apps rose by 75% since the start of the pandemic. The index also analysed the world’s most popular apps to reveal the best ones for working on your well being.

So, whether you are looking for a fitness coach or a quick 15-minute guided meditation task, there really is an app to maintain every bit of your health, read on to discover the best apps to download for 2021.

Best for mental health: Calm

Calm is one of the most well-known apps when it comes to maintaining our mental wellbeing. Topping the charts in 10 countries in the study, the app has proven to be a great source of relaxation for many.

Users can prioritise their sleep or learn new meditation techniques that will help improve their wellbeing during a tough time for us all. Choose from thousands of meditation tasks or listen to expert advice on how to better your sleeping patterns; there is something for everyone.

Download the Calm app here

Best for running: Strava

For those that love running to maintain their wellbeing, Strava is perfect to get those legs moving when going for your daily exercise.

Found to be the highest-rated running app in the study, beating out competitors like Nike Run Club, Strava scored 12 points out of a possible 15 points.  The app allows users to share their running routes and connect with friends and family while exercising, so for those that want a challenge, Strava has proven to be the ideal app to get you running in 2021.

Download the Strava app here

Best for sleep: Sleep Cycle

Maintaining sleep in a time of stress and uncertainty can often be difficult, but with the help of Sleep Cycle, it’s easy to get that schedule back on track.

As part of the health app index sleep apps scored highly. Uswitch has found how stressed out Brits have been soothing themselves to sleep by journaling, reading and thinking of 15 things that make them happy. But for those that still struggle Sleep cycle can be the perfect addition to your bedtime routine. As well as helping users maintain a sleep schedule, the app also comes with expert advice and tips to help those that struggle with snoring and sleep deprivation rest a little better.

Download the Sleep Cycle app here

Best for fitness: Fitbit

Need a bit of motivation while stuck indoors? Fitbit is the perfect app to get those daily steps in while keeping you motivated along the way.

Available for anyone with or without a Fitbit smartwatch, users are able to track everything from steps and exercise to counting calories and menstrual cycles. The app has everything you need to keep you motivated and working towards those 2021 fitness goals.

Download the Fitbit app here

Best for body wellness: Flo

Flo: My Health And Period Tracker, has proven to be a popular app for tracking menstrual cycles around the world for many people. With our health more important now than ever, it can be helpful to track symptoms and signs of what might be affecting our bodies.

Used by more than 30 million people around the world to monitor their cycle, period tracking apps like Flo help women have a better handle on what their bodies are doing. With COVID-19 not only impacting our mental health but also menstrual cycles due to added stress, an app like Flo can be perfect for tracking our mental and physical wellbeing in 2021.

Download the Flo app here 

Best for weight tracking: MyFitnessPal

As a new year starts many of us set the usual goal of sticking to a diet and trying to lose weight. If you are looking for an app that will keep you motivated while tracking your calories and fitness levels MyFitnessPal is the app for you.

Set realistic weight goals or breakdown the nutrition of your ingredients –  the easy to use app will help keep you motivated while also giving you expert advice on how to stick to your 2021 health plan.

Download the MyFitnessPal app here

Gracie Finch