Even though I keep a paper diary, well 2 or 3, I also have a host of apps that I utilise to keep me organised and help reduce my stress levels. Mainly my brain dump type apps as the time to offload always comes at the wrong moment when my diary isn’t to hand or my pen has just run out.

First FamCal has been a fantastic tool for me and my partner, and is completely free. He hates my obsession with paper diaries but still likes to know what’s going on and when. We also have shared childcare so it helps to see when we are free and when we have kids quickly at times. This app is fab as I can colour code each member of the family and we can both see what’s going on as well as input info as required.

Next up is Journey which is a fab brain dump/memory keeping style app. Its free to download but does offer a variety of paid options, though not necessary. I love the blank space you get to just get things off your chest and that you can include media as well. It’s a nice way for me to capture moments as well as just shout about something really crappy. I like being able to go back and look at what has been going on as well and remember past moments.

The idea of Journey was to be more grateful, however it developed very quickly into a more brain dum orientated space. So I have now turned to Gratitude Garden where I get 3 boxes specifically to outline 3 things I have been grateful for that day. It’s a quick 5-10 minute exercise before bed which leaves me going to bed thinking of positive moments rather than the negative crap and helps me sleep better.

The next is a bit of an odd app that I stumbled across and feel it works well if you want to break down really big projects. For example, when I was analysing my focus for 2019 I could use this tool to mind map it all and get all my thoughts down on paper. Mindly allows you to create a really detailed mind map and include media if you feel it necessary. The only downside to this app is that you can only have 3 mind maps at any given time on the free version. For me this is fine as I tend to use it for larger projects, but for someone who prefers to break lots of thoughts down then you may choose to pay for this one.

Finally, I have grown to love Insight Timer as it is packed with so many different forms of meditations from simple relaxation music to full guided meditations of varying length and depth. The styles are also varied so even for a beginner it is perfect. My favourite feature with this is the varying lengths of time with each meditation. Some only last 5 minutes which is ideal if I am wanting to calm down from a stressful event. Whereas others are 30-45 minutes which is perfect for those relaxing evenings I have to myself and I just want to unwind.

So a good mix of apps that inspire and help me through the daily grind of work, family and life to make me a happier and more wholesome person.