After a brain injury, it is normal to experience changes in how you feel your brain is working. It may be apparent that the brain is not functioning as it used to and processes such as memory, inhibition, motivation, and concentration may be affected. Due to recent technological advancements, there are numerous ways to leverage your smartphone to support daily living.
We have compiled a list of helpful and easy-to-use apps that will make daily tasks seem more manageable:
CONSIDER IT DONE!
Consider it Done! is an app that helps you to keep on top of your routine and keep track of what has been completed. The app presents a list of categories such as ‘Cleaning,’ ‘Activity’ and ‘Health.’ Within these categories, there is a list of specific tasks such as ‘Ate Vegetables’ or ‘Cleaned the Bath.’ Once you have completed a task for the day, you simply click on the icon, and it logs it as ‘DONE’ and registers what time it was completed. This app does not overcomplicate To-Do or Task-lists but instead keeps a clear record of what has been accomplished in a day.
Available on Apple Store (iOS).
Google Play (Android) alternative: Get It Done
FindMy
Regularly searching your home for your keys, wallet, or phone can be frustrating and time-consuming, especially when you have no recollection of where you could have left them. FindMy is an app that aims to solve this problem so you never misplace an important item again.
The app is pre-installed on all Apple products to locate the device but they have recently launched AirTags which can be purchased and attached to non-Apple products (one for £29, four for £99). They can be easily linked to your phone or account via Bluetooth. To locate your item, tap “Find,” and the tag will ring. You can also view the last synced location on a map which will alleviate the daily stress of misplacing your valuables. For Andriod users, a great alternative app is ‘Tile’ (starting at £30 per tile).
Available on Apple Store (iOS)
Alternative: Tile (Android & iOS)
PASSAVER
Companies are increasingly transitioning towards digital platforms and you may be required to have several different passwords to keep the accounts secure. Ordinarily, you may need a password for banking, online shopping, social media (Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn….). These different accounts require a minimum of 8 characters or 10, or numbers and letters, or capital – It may be overwhelming to keep track!
Passaver is a convenient app that stores your passwords in one place and divides them by category, so they are easy to locate and view when needed. When saving a new password, the ‘Secret Level’ can be set to Low/ Medium/ High for extra security.
Available: App Store (iOS) & Google Play (Android).
PLANTIE
Plantie is the perfect app for people who are easily distracted and unable to focus. Simply set a timer for how long you want to stay focused, set the ‘level’ of focus, and watch the flowers grow. Once the timer has been set, the phone cannot be used, or other apps cannot be opened without the plant dying.
This is a ‘no frills’ and free alternative to the ‘Forest’ app where users can plant real trees in countries all over the world if they achieve their predetermined focus goals. This adds additional incentive to stay focused.
Available: Apple Store (iOS)
Google Play (Android) alternative: Forest App / Focus Plant.
REMEMBER THE MILK!
Remember the Milk! is perfect for tracking and completing all once-off and regular tasks. It is very straightforward and easy to use. Simply, add (+) a task and set when it needs to be accomplished.
Tasks can be ranked by urgency and importance. If a task is regular (every week/ every month/ every day), it can be labeled as a recurring task. On the premium version, tasks can be divided into smaller subtasks, which makes larger goals feel more manageable.
Available: Apple Store (iOS) & Google Play (Android).
MINDWELL
Mindwell is a must-have app that combines meditation, mood, and sleep hygiene. There are personalised daily meditations that produce custom notes, such as isochronic tones, played at repeated intervals to optimise relaxation.
Every day, the app presents you with an image to assess how you are feeling at that moment (left). Select where on the quadrant resonates with your current mood, and then select what you would like to be feeling. From this information, a tailored meditation plan will be presented to inspire this mental state. This app is especially helpful to relax a busy or anxious mind.
Available: Apple Store (iOS) & Google Play (Android). In app-purchases.
FOCUS TO-DO
Similar to Plantie, Focus To-Do uses the Pomodoro technique to optimize focus and minimize distraction. Developed by Franceso Cirillo in the 1980s, this technique works on the premise of short-focused productive bursts with short interval breaks every approximately 25 minutes.
In Focus To-Do, you can write a list of what needs to be done, how much time you think it will take, and finally, set a timer. As you complete each task, you can click complete and choose the next task. This app has excellent features such as placing your phone face down until the time expires and prohibiting exiting the app for extreme procrastinators. It also offers a selection of “White Noise” sounds such as ticking clock or waves if you find it difficult to concentrate in complete silence.
Available: Apple Store (iOS) & Google Play (Android).
Are you interested in finding out other techniques or ways to support yourself and manage your symptoms after a brain injury?
We at The Psych Group support individuals, couples and families living with brain injury.
For more details, please contact:
Telephone: 020 8058 4060
Email: admin@thepsychpracticetpp.com
Website: www.thepsychpracticetpp.com
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