We’re spending a lot of time with our phones in our hands nowadays. Scrolling through the news, memes, and friend updates. Whatever helps us either gain some feeling of control or the contrary – to forget about the anxiety we’re all feeling. Here are a few apps and games that can make this time spent on mobile devices productive or even healthy for our minds and bodies.
Headspace
A meditation application that normally requires a paid subscription, but due to these strange times, its creators have created a Weathering the Storm section, which will be available for free for the next few months.
Dark Noise (iOS only)
This app offers a wide-ranging library of different sounds. Including things like campfires, rain, thunder, white noise, and much more.
Normally it costs $3.99, but the developer Charlie Chapman has opened the beta to the public with everything unlocked, so you can try it for free.
Balance by Elevate
Balance is a personalized meditation program that can help reduce your stress and improve your sleep, mood, and focus. It also teaches actual techniques that can help you cope with any fear, anxiety, or uncertainty you may be feeling during this challenging time.
The creators of this app are offering everyone a free one-year subscription! After you download the app and create an account, go to the payment page to unlock your free year.
Nike Training Club
Nike has made all its training available on Nike Training Club Premium for free.
Fitbod
An app for planning physical training. Due to the fact that all the gyms are closed, the creators of the application feel responsible to keep us physically active until May 1. That’s why they’ve made all the bodyweight workouts (workouts that do not require additional equipment such as dumbbells, barbells and kettle) available in the app, free of charge.
The Science of Well-Being course at Coursera
In this course you will engage in a series of challenges designed to increase your own happiness and build more productive habits. As preparation for these tasks, Professor Laurie Santos reveals 36% of people taking the course started a new career and 34% received a tangible career benefit.
Monument Valley 2
Monument Valley 2 is an illusory adventure of impossible architecture and forgiveness by ustwo games. A very captivating journey that takes your mind somewhere else completely.
And a bonus
Films by Gary Hustwit
Filmmaker Gary Hustwit shares one of his documentaries each week – for free. This week it’s Rams.
Rams (2018, 74 minutes) is the latest documentary by filmmaker Gary Hustwit (Helvetica) about legendary designer Dieter Rams. For over fifty years, Rams has left an indelible mark on the field of product design with his iconic work at Braun and Vitsoe, and his influence on Apple. So at 87 years old, why does he now regret being a designer? Rams is a design documentary, but it’s also a rumination on consumerism, materialism, and sustainability. Dieter’s philosophy is about more than just design, it’s about a way to live. Featuring Sophie Lovell, Mark Adams, Naoto Fukasawa, Klaus Klemp, Mateo Kries, Dietrich Lubs, and more. The film also features an original score by pioneering musician Brian Eno.
Read also about Apple app clips, new feature for iOS 14.
