Preserve your sanity with the best apps for self-isolation
Not going out? Then check out these must-have apps to preserve your sanity!
Let’s not beat about the bush, self-isolating during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic sucks, but rest assured that the world isn’t carrying on without you because everyone is in exactly the same boat. To make the isolation period a little more bearable though, we have picked out ten of the best apps to help you get through it. It goes without saying that you should grab all of the top streaming apps (Netflix, Apple TV+, Britbox, Disney+, etc) and rinse them all for the free trials. And if you have specific interests, such as learning how to play an instrument, for example, then there are plenty of apps that allow you to put your downtime to good use – just enter keywords into the App Store search field and see what you can find. Here are our top pics for staving off the boredom.
We’ll start with the obvious one. Anyone with an iphone should grab this for free calls, messaging and video conferencing and the fact that it is universal across all platforms makes it the perfect means to stay in touch with friends and family. Expect the full masterclass next issue!
COVID Symptom Tracker
Through this app you can provide daily selfreports on your symptoms or wellbeing to help scientists track how fast the virus is spreading in your area and understand how it affects people in different ways. Do your bit for the greater good.
Wildfulness: Meditate & Relax
Your ears may be starved of nature’s symphony thanks to not being able to go outside, so why not bring those relaxing chirpa-cheeps into your home as a means of de-stressing and relaxing? This is just the tonic.
BBC Good Food
Seeing as everyone has been panic-buying the good stuff and you’re left with carrots, tomato puree and a four-pack of Special Brew, you’re going to have to get inventive with your recipes. Thankfully this app is packed full of culinary inspiration when you fancy something different.
Two Words
This enjoyable Scrabble-inspired word game helps you stay connected to the outside world by playing against friends, family or complete strangers. Use the letters you are given to make a word for the biggest score possible and make yourself look smart in the process.
Smule
Just as applauding the
NHS from your doorstep was a cathartic experience, so is a jolly good singalong. This karaoke app has a vast catalogue of songs to sing and a heaving community to praise your efforts. Go on, let loose to your favourite songs and see how much better you feel!
Tiktok
Brighten up your days in confinement by watching an endless succession of feelgood videos that are great fun (and good exercise) to attempt yourself. An uplifting glimpse at the lighter side of life that reminds us that, beyond all of the crap in the world, humans can be amazing.
Chip
Perhaps the only good thing about self-isolation is that you aren’t spending much. This app connects to your bank account and skims money without you really noticing, stealthily building up savings on your behalf for times of need. You’ll be amazed how quickly they grow.
Fitbod Gym & Home Workout
This easy-to-use fitness app creates custom workouts based on what equipment you have in the home and the areas of your fitness you want to improve. All bodyweight workouts are also currently free – which is great considering the gyms are shut.
Day One Journal
A really good app for capturing thoughts, voice memos and pictures. You can use your downtime to write that novel that you’ve always been meaning to get around to. But don’t make it about a pandemic that engulfs the world – everyone will be doing that!