If these last two months have left you ready to leave your Microsoft Teams for good or feeling Zoom-fatigued– you’re not alone. For most of us, no matter what age, social distancing has increased our screen-time drastically.
While screen-time and technology are not inherently bad, too much of it can leave us feeling less than refreshed. We have compiled a list of free, free-trial, and premium phone apps for you to try out that may help you disconnect a bit from this ever-connected world.
Headspace
Free trial, Premium
A meditation that has been shown to help people stress less, focus more and even sleep better. Learn life-changing skills of meditation and mindfulness in just a few minutes a day.
Calm
Free trial, Premium
For better sleep, meditation and relaxation, the Calm app is a popular choice. Not only do they have a free trial to check out all of the features in the app, you can find free resources and a helpful blog on their website to get started.
All Trails
Free trial, Premium
AllTrails has the “largest collection” of detailed, trail maps, allowing you to explore local trails in your neighborhood (and beyond) that you never knew existed! With a database of 100,000+ trails, you can search by difficulty level or whether a trail is bike, dog, or kid friendly. You can also view photos and feedback from other hikers.
Some of our staff members have been using this. Our favorite local trail so far? Hamilton Audubon Sanctuary
Whether at home or on the road, find your perfect hike, bike ride, or trail run. Filter by length, rating, and difficulty level. Easily find dog or kid-friendly trails. Great views are a few taps away.
Merlin Bird App
Free
Sit outside, close your eyes and listen, then see if you can identify what you’re hearing. Created by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, this app helps you identify the birds around you, no matter where you are. In Maine, once you install the app, download the Northeast Bird Pack. This will provide a field guide to the birds of the region with photos, sounds, and helpful ID text!
For a quick video tutorial, check this out by Morse High School Vertebrate/Zoology Teacher Lindsay Davis
A fun way to explore a new or old passion!
Ebb & Flow Yoga
Premium
Many small businesses have been greatly impacted by the quarantine. One small business right here in Bath, Ebb & Flow Yoga, has adapted quickly to ensure everyone has access to the healing powers of yoga, whether the studio is open or not.
Download the MindBody app, then sign up for a virtual class with Ebb & Flow Yoga. You can register right from the app or on their website. There is a class for everyone and every yoga level. If you have never practiced yoga before this is a perfect way to try it out AND support a local business. For those of us who spend hours in front a computer, it’s a great way to bring your body back into alignment.
FitBit
Free & Premium
Get walking with a little help from a FitBit friend. Using a tracker and the phone App, you can start logging miles quickly and easily. Motivation builds as your tracker provides detailed information about the steps you’ve taken, calories burned and provides helpful information about your sleep cycle. Team up with a spouse or a friend for a little competition or accountability. It’s a low-barrier way to get exercise, fresh air and feel better all around.
Audible
Free trial, Premium
Right now, you can try a membership for free for 30 days with Audible.com. There are lots of titles to choose from as well as guided wellness programs.
Audible Stories
Free
For as long as schools are closed, Audible is offering kids everywhere the ability to instantly stream an incredible collection of stories, including titles across eight different languages, that will help them continue dreaming, learning, and just being kids.
All stories are free to stream on your desktop, laptop, phone or tablet.
Breathe, Stretch, Rest, Disconnect
As we all adjust to an ever-changing “new normal”, we hope these technology suggestions might help you breathe, stretch, rest and disconnect a little more.
What are some of your go-to apps? Share them with us!
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