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SO IT’S A NEW year and chances are you’re thinking of starting a new resolution. That’s great, but maybe you need some help getting you started or a way just to keep you on track.
If that’s the case, you should know that there are numerous apps out there that will help you out. Since you have your phone on you at all times, it makes sense to use it to help develop good habits over the coming months. It’s tough but if you have a specific aim, these apps can help.
Note: all apps below require willpower.
Couch to 5K
For: iOS, Android
Cost: €2.99
If you’re starting from square one and you want an accessible routine, Couch to 5K is the closest thing you will get to that. Breaking it down into manageable goals over nine weeks, it’s great for getting you active and get you ready for a 5K run.
RunKeeper
For: iOS, Android
Cost: Free
While there are many running apps out there, RunKeeper is one of the older but better ones out there. With tracking features, training schedules for 10k, half-marathon and full marathons, it’s handy for those who are a little more serious about their running.
Calorie Counter by MyFitnessPal
For: iOS, Android
Cost: Free
We could always do with improving our diet, but if you need to fine tune it, Calorie Counter can really help. Keeping a database of more than five million foods, it also includes a recipe importer that allows you to save and track any recipe you see online. Also, it connects to most fitness apps giving you a more comprehensive activity feed.
Duolingo
For: iOS, Android, Windows Phone (Web)
Cost: Free
It’s hard to argue against DuoLingo. It’s been around for so long yet it sets the standard for learning a language on the go. Breaking it up into manageable games, it’s great for getting the basics down and can even help you get into the advanced stages of a language.
CodeAcademy
For: Web
Cost: Free
Covering a wide range of coding disciplines, CodeAcademy is a bit like DuoLingo in that it breaks up lessons into easy to manage chunks. So long as you have a bit of free time most days, you’ll be able to pick up on the basics of C++, Javascript, HTML and others.
You Need a Budget
For: iOS, Android (PC and Mac)
Cost: €50
One of the most comprehensive budget apps out there, You Need A Budget works best on desktop but it’s incredibly useful to have when you’re on the go. The price may seem steep but if you give it the time it deserves, it can help you save money in the long-run.
Headspace
For: iOS, Android (web)
Cost: Subscription (10-day trial)
While there are many quality meditation apps out there, Headspace is a good place to start. Starting off with 10 minute segments before increasing it to 15 and 20 minutes, it’s a gentle introduction for anyone new to meditation and mindfulness.
Smoke Free (iOS) or Quit Smoking (Android)
For: iOS, Android
Cost: Free
There’s no consistent app across all platform but both Smoke Free and Quit Smoking focus on how you benefit from quitting. Giving you details like how much money you’ve saved, how your health is improving, and also giving bite-sized challenges for you to keep focused, it will ensure you stay on track.
I want to manage my time better
Way of Life (iOS) or Habit Bull (Android)
For: iOS, Android
Cost: Free
Granted, certain apps already offer a reminder feature, but if your resolution is more obscure, then Way of Life or Habit Bull will help. Both require you to log in your achievements but each one will remind you about tasks and build up a picture of how well (or badly) you’re doing.
This piece is part of 12 days of tech, a series offering quick tips and tech advice for you during the Christmas holidays. You can view previous entries here.
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Poor sleeping on the streets but £50,000 spent on a wedding cake.
Markle’s dress cost more than fire-proof cladding would’ve for Grenfell, but the latter was somehow “too expensive”.
@eastsmer:
So in a country as large a Britain it’s not possible to do two things at the same time?
I know it pi**es off the Republicans among us but the fact is the vast majority of British people would want the fire proof cladding AND the dress to be bought.
@P.J. Nolan:
But two things did not happen at the same time.
@eastsmer:
That’s correct and the reason for that is what this enquiry is all about. My point is your statement is whataboutery of the finest order, one decision had nothing to do with the other.
@P.J. Nolan: “whataboutery” – tell that to the relatives
@P.J. Nolan: the man was making a valid point but of course whataboutery strikes again
@eastsmer: Ridiculous comparison and in reality the Royal family cost their country a lot less than they make for it. As for the wedding I’d imagine what the media paid to cover it more than paid for the event not to mention the influx of tourists for it.
@eastsmer: and your point is?
@eastsmer: the fire happened before the wedding there is no connection between these events, the Royal family have nothing to do with fire safety last time I looked, its the failure of a number of separate organisations. Your comment is just plain stupid.
@eastsmer: Correct. but don’t upset the flagwavers. they just love to be put in their place. it gives them purpose.
Awful just awful. Think of the fear the poor people went through.
I was in Manchester the day before the wedding. Not the slightest interest in it that i could see.
A completely valid and very pertinent comparison of the inequality in the lives of the super rich and the great mass of those who must struggle every day.
Not one perpetrator of the deaths in Grenfell tower has been arrested or charged. Not one.
@PV Nevin: Thank you PV Nevin – that is the comparison that I was trying to make.
I don’t wish to downgrade their ‘royal’ family if that is what floats their boats, however surely priorities can be shifted towards the less well off.
@eastsmer: i agree completely with your comparison. Was it not the arrogance of Kensington council, the regulators, the constructiton company and the materials company towards the poor that led to the massacre?
With regard to the monarchy, I believe the relentless propaganda of the media promotes a lie that there is not mass hatred for all the rich, including the royalty.
@PV Nevin: ___ Nothing’s changed as far as the super rich and the mere mortals are concerned. Basically, people still get what they’re given, usually by people who would never dream of living in those places.
@PV Nevin: Isn’t that why they’re having an inquiry ?
@PV Nevin: the investigation is not over yet so how can anyone be arrested or charged?
Our largest fire tragedy was a single storey nightclub.. The caravans in carrickmines were pretty far from high rise..
30 apt in 16, storey ballymun tower were destroyed with no injury..
It’s standards, vigilance and care that save lives..
And they want to build high rise in Dublin.
@Cranky: Yeah let’s not build any high rise anywhere else now because one went on fire.
@Cranky: whats that got to do with it?
Eco green energy saving insulation is actively encouraged, and you can get grants for installing it ..in reality it is flamable cladding ,
Next time you pass a building being coated in foam blocks look at the ground, pick up a piece of foam (litter will be all over the site) then do your own fire test.. you don’t need a Phd in physics..
Then wonder why we have fire regulations, and fire officers..
I hope they knock the place down and trun it into a monument to all those poor souls.
have your say