7 fun health and fitness apps to help you feel better instantly

It’s normal to feel a bit flat and emotional from time to time, with stress, lack of sleep and poor fitness all essential factors in determining your mood.

Thanks to some genius apps, you can now get just the pick-me-up you need via your phone. So, whatever inspires you, there’s an option to suit – and sometimes it needn’t cost you a penny. Come on, let’s get appy!

After practical, positive advice that you can action today to feel better tomorrow? Follow @theboostuk, a community powered by Closer.

Learn calming techniques - Breathe2relax

Regulating your breathing can help you relax and feel calmer during periods of stress or anxiety. Breathe2Relax teaches you how to practise and improve your diaphragmatic breathing – or belly breathing – which activates your body’s relaxation response, lowering both the heart rate and blood pressure to help stabilise your mood. FREE, iOS and Android.

Download: You can download the Breathe2relax app here.**

Price: Free.

Wake up refreshed - Sleep Cycle

This app uses your phone’s microphone to monitor your sleep cycle, gently rousing you when you’re in the lightest sleep phase (within a half-hour window defined by you) to leave you feeling more alert. You must sleep with your phone next to you (though you can put it in aeroplane mode) and it will produce graphs showing your sleep cycle the following day. FREE, iOS and Android.

Download: You can download the Sleep Cycle app here.

Price: Free (however there are offers in-app purchases).

Be more positive - Happify

Ideal for those who would like to break the cycle of negative thoughts, this app uses techniques from cognitive behavioural therapy and turns them into fun games to help lower stress and ease anxiety. It encourages you to replace feelings of worry and negativity with positive emotions, such as thankfulness and empathy. It’s guaranteed to put a smile on your face! FREE, iOS and Android.

Download: You can download the Happify app here.

Price: Free (however there are offers in-app purchases).

Try meditation - Headspace

A-listers like Gwyneth Paltrow and Jessica Alba are said to be fans, and during the initial coronavirus shutdown, this app was downloaded 1.5million times in April alone. It offers guided and non-guided meditation techniques and requires as little as five minutes of your day to help you focus, calm your nerves or get to sleep. Its mindfulness workouts cover topics such as battling cravings. FREE, iOS and Android.

Download: You can download the Headspace app here.

Price: Free (however there are offers in-app purchases).

Track your fitness - Strava

Millions of us took up running during the first lockdown, and whether you’re still at it or just starting out, this app will help you track your speed and distance, take part in challenges, and compete with friends. You can also use it to track other sports, such as cycling – and it’s compatible with the Apple Watch, allowing you to start, complete and log a fitness session from your wrist. FREE, iOS and Android.

Download: You can download the Strava app here.

Price: Free (however there are offers in-app purchases).

Check out: Apple Watch SE, iPhone and iPad

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And for your kids too!

Unwind together - Issa's edible adventures

Aimed at kids aged 6+, this app allows little ones to play cooking-themed games to help create delicious meals. Not only will they be educated on food and cooking, but also culture, language and geography. Perfect if you have a sous-chef in the making! FREE, iOS and Android.

Download: You can download the Issa's Edible Adventures app here.

Price: Free (however there are offers in-app purchases).

Explore wildlife - Nature Finder

There are endless benefits to spending time outdoors – for both physical health and mental wellbeing. This app from Wildlife Trusts contains a map of more than 2,000 nature venues across the UK to help you connect with green spaces in your area. Plus, it has information on over 900 species and habitats. It’ll keep children busy for hours! FREE, iOS and Android.

Download: You can download the Nature Finder app here.

Price: Free.

Find out more...

Download and use these handy apps to boost your wellbeing on any Apple device. You can purchase a full assortment of Apple products, including Apple Watch SE, iPhone SE and iPad mini, with optional monthly finance from etika – so it’s possible to start your wellness journey today at a price that’s right for you! To purchase, or for more information, click here.

Closer receives a commission for purchases made through this site.