Most of us are — at least to a certain degree — addicted to technology. We have smart phones, smart watches and smart fridges. When, God forbid, there is a blackout, we have no idea what to do. While the advent of technology has sped up our lives and done a lot to improve them, the exponential growth of the number of gadgets we think we need on a daily basis is quickly turning us into zombies.
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As the saying goes, technology is a double-edged sword. If used in excess, it can eat away at our lives and cage us in a virtual shell. However, we also have to argue for the benefits it can shower on smart users: We have never had access to a wider range of information, the world has never seemed smaller and we have never been as connected as we are today.
In a world where we sit too much and move too little, the app store can literally save lives. Costing nothing and taking up little space, there are countless applications that can help you live to be 100 years old, if you try.
1. Zombies, Run!
Probably the most creative idea for a fitness app ever, Zombies, Run! will turn all your otherwise mundane runs into an adventure. With everyone hooked on The Walking Dead, you can now put yourself to the test and see how you’d do in a real-life zombie apocalypse.
Once you’ve downloaded the app, you’ll need to plug in your headphones and you’re good to go. When a virtual zombie gives chase, you’ll need to put your feet to the ground and move it — humankind depends on you.
The app allows you to run wherever you’d like and is free for iOS and Android, although you can buy supplies for real-world money.
2. Daily Yoga
For all the yogis out there, Daily Yoga offers high-quality HD videos for all your asana needs. If you prefer to do yoga at home instead of in a studio and feel you are still in need of instructions, this is the app for you. You will even have access to playlists to help you reach for the Zen.
While yoga has quickly become the go-to fitness routine of many, a lot of people still shy away from trying it out and often have a bit of anxiety about getting down on the mat. Others simply don’t have the time to stick to a predefined class schedule. Drop the excuses and don’t miss out on all the amazing benefits. Grab Daily Yoga, and you are good to go.
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3. Lybrate
Lybrate was voted most innovative startup in its category last year, and it is unique in that it brings you in touch with thousands of doctors at the touch of a button. In other words, if you have a nagging backache but think you are too busy to go to a general practitioner or if you are not sure if you are allowed to drink green tea while on the birth control pill, you can log into your app and ask.
The true benefit of apps like Lybrate is that you will no longer have an excuse not to ask a doctor about your fears and worries. Let’s face it — we are all already googling every symptom we have ever had and, in the words of Miranda Hobbs from Sex and the City, waiting for the word “cancer” to appear on the screen. You can at least decide to turn to a person with a degree for your fears.
4. Fooducate
Do you often find yourself unsure what to buy at the grocery store? Have no fear, Fooducate is here! This handy app will tell you how healthy a product is and will help you stay on track with all your fitness and healthy-eating goals. All you have to do is scan the barcode of the product you are aiming to put in your basket, and voilà — you will know in a second how detrimental to your health it might be.
The apps’ database is updated on a regular basis and will most often be able to provide accurate info on calorie count, nutritional values and food points.
5. Sleep Cycle
Finally, you’ll need an app to help you monitor your sleep. While it may sound a bit far-fetched and unreliable, Sleep Cycle uses sound analysis to determine whether you are in a light or deep phase of sleep and will wake you up accordingly. All you need to do is provide the app with a 30-minute window in which to do the waking.
While you may not realize it consciously, your daily mood is often determined by how you were woken up. Even if you get up every day at the same time, your sleep patterns will differ greatly, and you will not feel as energized on a Tuesday as you did last Friday with the same amount of sleep.
Head over to your app store and download an app that best suits your lifestyle and preferences, and get a head start on your road to longevity.
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