Unique 13 Apps to Help People

Don't flake out this year. There's an app for every resolution.

For the next few weeks, there will be no escape fro magazine covers that champion a "NEW YEAR", New you ( or friends who have vowed to start green juicing). But whether you're the type who makes and breaks resolutions quickly or has steadily improved your life year after year, you're probably resolving to resolve something.

Resolutions are generally the same year in and year out lose weight, volunteer to help others, quit smoking, get a better educations, get a better job, save money, get fit, eat healthy food, manage stress, manage debt, take a trip, reduce, reuse, and recycle, and drink less alcohol. But how do you make like Mark Zuckerberg and make sure this is the year you finally conquer them?

How about an app? PCMag has come up with one to help you with each of the top 13 resolutions. Because a lot of these apps have a social component, you most likely won't be journeying down the road alone, particularly if you're on a treadmill surrounded by the hordes of people who just joined your gym this month.
If you need one app to rule them all, meanwhile, keep track of your resolution progress with Strides (iOS) or Resolutions (Android). For something a little more specific, check out our slideshow.

Lose Weight  

You'd be hard to come by a better friend in your weight loss than MyFitnessPal (iOS and Android). It makes calorie tracking easy, with a database of over 5 million foods. If something's not there, enter it manually or scan a UPC code. But it's the integration with fitness trackers and apps that really makes it a winner and gives users an overall picture of calories in, calories out.

Get Fit 

if you just want to tone up, forget the jokes about gym fees gone to waste. Pact (iOS, Android) puts your money directly on the line by paying you when you go to the gym and taking money out of your pockets when you don't. If slimmers thighs don't motivate you, a slimmer wallet will.
For meeting fitness goals, there's FitStar (iOS, Android). Complete with custom workouts, HD Video, and connectivity to fitness trackers, the app and a little determination can help you get in shape.

Eat Healthy Food

Food is no longer just food.Get the goods on GMO's and other food issues. True Food (iOS) and the Center for Food Safety (Android) let you know what's in that package beyond the nutritional info.

The only way ti know exactly what you're eating is to make it yourself. You should also make it delicious.

Do both with Spark Recipes (iOS, Android). You can search the database of over 500,000 recipes to find the ones that fit your taste and nutritional needs. If you're not skilled in the kitchen, there are video demos and plenty of tips.   

Quit Smoking

Aside from the fact that it's difficult to text and smoke at the same time, your phone can help you put down that cigarette for good. MyQuit Coach (iOS) creates a personalized plan for you to quit smoking. Android users can do the same with Quit Smoking.

For additional motivation in the form of meditation, supplement a stop-smoking app with Quit Smoking With Andrew Johnson (iOS, Android). The Sean Connery-Sounding hypnotherapist is soothing and effective.

Get a Better Education  

There's no wisdom like the wisdom of experience. At TED Talks around the world, experts in every field showcase their experience in easily digestible segments. You can get that directly on your phone (iOS, Android) to get smart on the go.

For more traditional lessons in a variety of fields, you can listen to lectures on iTunes U or take classes on Coursera (iOS, Android). For more, check out the Best Programs to Learn to Code.

If you're looking expand your horizons by learning a new language, then Doulingo (iOS, Android) is the way to go. Each lesson is short and to the point and interactivity reinforces what you learn.

Get a Better Job

Mid-winter is the time when you're most likely to feel stuck in a rut. The new year brings the possibility of a new outlook and one of the best ways to ride that feeling is to find a new job. Linkedin (iOS, Android) lets you manage how employers see you and puts you in touch with you colleagues and employers past, present, and future.It also lets you job hunt without tipping off your current boss.

You'll want to make sure that your resume is in top shape if you do get a call. Use Resume Star (iOS) to make sure it. - and you - look your best on paper (or as an attached Word doc). You won't have to worry about format, fonts, or anything except filling in what you're best at. Android users can try My Resume Builder.

If your connections and resume snag you an interview, make sure you're prepared by reading up on what interview questions you're likely to get asked and even the scoop on whether the company's a place you want to work.Glassdoor (iOS, Android) has reviews of work places from current and past employees, salary ranges, and the lowdown that it might otherwise take you months at the water cooler to learn.

Save Money 

Budgets might not be your thing. Mint (iOS, Android) does not mind. Plug in some basic banking information, make a few decisions about what you want to spend on what, and Mint keeps you in line.

With a budget taken care of, what about actually setting aside some savings? Try Acorns (iOS, Android). The app takes into account your income and spending and then finds how much you can spare and socks it away into socks and bonds.

Manage Stress 

Stop stress before it starts with Pacifica (iOS, Android). This app help you track and analyze your mood each day and guides you through ways to improve it. If you need support, you can share with your friends, family, and therapist and even join the Pacifica community of users.

Breath in, breath out. Andrew Johnson will also help to keep you Stress Free (iOS, Android) with some meditation. We also have a round up of some other apps that will help you stay calm and get some sleep and even apps that connect you to therapist.

Manage Debt 

Having debt can drag you down mentally. Feel free in the new year with a plan to pay it down with Debt Free for iOS. Android users can do the same with Debt Payoff Planner.

Take a Trip

Get out of here. No, really. Go see the world. Travelocity (iOS, Android) provides inspiration and gets you deals on flights and hotels.

Once you know where you're going, get the best places to go while you're there with Trip.com (iOS, Android). The apps community has recommendations for where to stay, what to eat, and the best things to do in over countries.

 

Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle

Climate change is for real. Do your part to inhibit it by finding out where you can recycle just about anything with iRecycle (iOS, Android).  

Drink Less Alcohol

If you want to cut down on the booze, a good way to start is by drinking more water. Waterlogged for iOS, is the way to keep your resolution afloat. Android users can download WaterDrink Reminder for similar benefits.

If you want to take things a step further, then track your alcohol consumption with  DrinkControl (iOS, Android). Seeing how much you have had over the course of a month can have a sobering effect all on it's own.

Volunteer to Help Others

Giving your time is a gift that gives back to everyone, including yourself. Find volunteer opportunities in your area with Volunteer Finder on iOS or Volunteer Near You on Android.