Lifestyle
9 Mental Health Apps You Need To Check Out
Published
2 years agoon
Everyone needs a mental health day, right? How about more than a day? How about a lifestyle change? Are there mental health apps for that?
Our mental health has never been more critical and, thankfully, never been taken more seriously. Once people eventually realized that taking care of your mental state is just as important as your physical health, more and more have finally taken the necessary steps to heal. One effective and convenient method of keeping your mental health on the up and up is an app.
- Talkspace
- Moodfit
- MoodMission
- Sanvello
- Headspace
- Happify
- Shine
- notOK
- MoodKit
1. Talkspace
Here is the Coca-Cola of the mental health apps available. All you need to do is download the app, answer a few screening questions, pick your therapist, and then get to work. It’s an incredibly intuitive app and makes the entire process (which can be very scary for people) totally nonthreatening.
Talkspace allows instant online chat, video, or phone with the therapist of your choice. No sitting in a waiting room, no sifting through lists of psychologists to see who accepts your insurance. Just pull out your phone and hit your therapist up for a healthy chat.
“For the most part, we liked Talkspace’s sign-up process as it felt more personal, and we liked the opportunity to take a more direct role in choosing our therapists.” – opencounseling.com
2.Moodfit
Voted Best Overall Mental Health App 2020 and 2021, Moodfit acknowledges that mental health is an extremely personal journey and that every patient requires a specified process. This app provides a customizable set of tools to make your mental health journey entirely your own.
The app works by allowing users to select daily goals to complete and an accompanying activity that helps complete that goal. You also have a mood journal, gratitude journal, meditation and breathing exercises, sleep and lifestyle trackers, and so much more. Anything you need to take detailed notes on your mental health state.
“This app literally feels like a miracle. 2 days into my 7 day free trial of the membership, I was sold. I can track my moods and sleep, check off daily goals (and set reminders to do them!), see trends over time and see how they correlate with other variables, record thought distortions and challenge them, ground myself back from a panic attack, practice daily gratitude, and more.” – itskristint
3. MoodMission
Some of us need more convincing that taking care of your mental health is worth the effort. MoodMission provides evidence-based Missions to improve your health. For every answer the app gives there is scientifically-backed evidence to explain in full detail why it’s an effective method of therapy.
“I realized that MoodMission would be useful for those times when I was in need of self-care but felt too busy or stressed to prioritize it. With this app, all I would need to do is take a few minutes out of my day no matter where I was.” – oktotalk.com.au
4. Sanvello
Sanvello, originally named Pacifica, was originally designed for people struggling with depression and anxiety but has since expanded to be a full physical and mental health tracker. Like many of these apps, there are meditation exercises and mood trackers of sorts.
But, unlike the other apps, your therapist can have their own account as well. Patients can upload their information and therapists can keep track of it. This kind of collaboration between therapist and patient through an app allows for a more detailed, accurate, and measurable kind of therapy that only serves to help.
“[Sanvello] relies on mainstream respected psychological practices: cognitive-behavioral correcting of erroneous or unduly catastrophizing or insistent thinking, mindfulness, visualizations, self-tracking, goal-setting, and the option for peer support — all for free or, with the paid version, for less than a session or two of therapy.” – Psychology Today
5. Headspace
One aspect of mental health care is quieting your mind. Anyone with anxiety would scoff at the idea of a “quiet mind.” But Headspace has tools and methods that can take even the most on-edge, anxious person and make them meditate like a Buddhist monk.
If you’ve never tried or even considered meditation, Headspace is a great way to start. It provides users with basic instructions on mindfulness and walks them through. More advanced meditators might find this a little repetitive as the app seems to focus mostly on beginners.
“Headspace is the best meditation app we tried. We think its more structured courses – which give you the experience of taking an in-person class, but one that you can do anywhere – will get beginning meditators started and help them maintain the habit. The app also offers short meditations for emergencies or the occasional random quiet moment. We prefer Headspace’s design too, which includes a warm interface that has fun illustrations and a well-organized library of courses.” – NYTimes
6. Happify
Taking care of your mental health doesn’t have to be a depressing bore, it can be fun! Happify provides scientifically-based tasks and games that measure your emotional well-being. Think of Happify as a tool to help increase your happiness in a fun, engaging way!
Unlike a few of these other apps, Happify can be used for people as young as teenagers. Anyone who’s dealt with a depressed teenager may want to take a look at Happify as a tool to help them out.
“Initially, I was skeptical about the use of Happify for my own personal use, but I enjoyed using this app. The features did seem too simple, but then I read the research behind each activity and found myself more engaged than I expected. My favorite part were activities which brought me forward to mindfulness.” – Ellen Belluomini, Ph.D., MSW
7. Shine
Mental health journeys are undoubtedly personal. Shine knows this and aims to make your digital mental health experience as personalized as possible. With daily meditations aimed at people of all experiences, Shine helps you calm your anxiety effectively and personally.
Shine was inspired by the lack of mental health options for underserved communities such as women, POC and indigenous peoples, and LGBT communities. These are people who, more often than not, do not see themselves reflected in mental health efforts. And so, Shine was launched to be there for people who have felt pushed to the side or cannot find a therapist who can relate to their situations.
“Along with the audio tracks, Shine sends inspirational images and relevant educational articles through messaging. Shine also notifies the user daily for a check-in where the user types a gratitude list and self-care goal.” – One Mind PsyberGuide
8. notOK
It’s okay to not be okay. One of the most difficult parts of tackling your mental health issues is admitting to yourself and others that you are, in fact, not okay. notOK aims to make that part easy for you. Like a panic button, notOK hooks you up with some immediate support.
Like Talkspace, notOK connects you with someone amongst your friends and family that you trust to talk to. When you’re having a hard time, all you need to do is push that button and whoever is in your circle will come quickly to support you.
“One important message I’d give to parents of teens and tweens who will use this app: choose that trusted circle of friends and family together. And if your child receives a request to be in the trusted circle, make sure they’re committed (and prepared) to follow through if they receive an SOS alert.” – Katie Etue, Cool Mom Tech
9. MoodKit
The one thing that you can’t find in a standard First Aid Kit are tools to help your mind. That’s where MoodKit steps in. This one of a kind app is designed to aid in your application of coping mechanisms in your mental health journey.
MoodKit, using four integrated tools, helps you work on bringing your mood up, identify and work on unhealthy habits or feelings, keep track of your progress with a 1-10 mood scale, and allow you to keep a journal of your progress for your own peace of mind.
“It’s like having your own portable psychologist … packed with tools designed to improve not just your mood, but also your overall well-being.”
Whatever you choose will be based entirely on your struggles, your situation, and your goals. What’s critical is not necessarily which app you choose, but that you take your mental health as seriously as your physical health. There’s absolutely no shame in being honest about mental difficulties. You’re far better off taking that leap to better health than keeping it inside for fear of judgement.
Mental health matters, make sure you make yours matter.
Chris Blondell is a Philadelphia-based writer and social media strategist with a current focus on tech industry news. He has written about startups and entrepreneurs based in Denver, Seattle, Chicago, New Haven, and more. He has also written content for a true-crime blog, Sword and Scale, and developed social media content for a local spice shop. An occasional comedian, Chris Blondell also spends his time writing humorous content and performing stand-up for local audiences.

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Are you looking to maintain spotless floors effortlessly? With robot vacuums becoming increasingly capable and budget-friendly, these top-tested models can ease your household maintenance task. However, finding the right robot vacuum is easier said than done. We’ve curated a list to help you choose the best robot vacuum of 2023.
1. Roborock S8
The Roborock S8 is our number one best robot vacuum of 2023. It is the top tier of Roborock’s extensive collection of robot vacuums. This model is an upgraded version of the existing Roboroc S7 MaxV. Roborock has a dual-sensor mapping, hazard recognition system, and a more powerful suction motor. Likewise, its new cleaning head with twin rubber rollers is more resistant to hair wraps. The build quality is also excellent and easy to maintain, allowing a smart, effortless cleaning experience.
Pros:
- Excellent performance on bare floors
- Relatively easy to maintain
- A wide array of cleaning configuration options
- Impressively effective mopping system
Cons:
- Expensive
Price: $999.99
2. Dreametech DreameBot D10 Plus
Here comes a mid-priced robot vacuum and mop with an auto-empty station. The Dreametech Dreame Bot D10 Plus two-in-one robot vacuum is an efficient workhorse of a robot vacuum that also has a mopping module for hard floors. It has an auto-empty station that will empty its onboard dustbin into a giant bag that can be emptied in 30 days.
For anyone wanting hands-free sweeping and mopping, the Dreame Bot D10 is a must-have. It will sweep your floor to the schedule you wish to daily or even multiple times per day. Just set the schedule and forget that it is there. If you have hard flooring, fill the 145ml water tank with clean water, which will mop your hard floors.
Pros:
- Real-time smart tracking
- Auto-empty
- Voice notifications
- Strong suction
Cons:
- Large charging dock
- App download required
- Water-only mopping
Price: $399.99
3. Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra
Our next featured item is one of today’s most advanced robot vacuum cleaners. It can mop and vacuum floors simultaneously while requiring minimal human intervention. In addition, its built-in camera allows the robot to identify obstacles precisely. As one of the original models on the market with a self-cleaning dock, the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra has two water tanks and can wash the robot’s mop.
Pros:
- Great cleaning performance
- Efficient self-cleaning
- Good navigation
- Clever mop mechanism
Cons:
- Bulky dock
- Cable and small obstacle detection isn’t great
- Expensive
- No consumables included in the box
Price: $1,086
4. Bob Sweep PetHair SLAM
The Bob Sweep Pet Hair Slam robot vacuum is designed to tackle the challenge of pet hair and general debris on your floors. SLAM stands for Simultaneous Localization and Mapping. With laser vision and state-of-the-art mapping and localizing technology, Bob creates a map of his surroundings and plans the best cleaning path, providing full cleaning coverage of the entire house. Its advanced features make it stand out in the market of automated cleaning solutions.
Pros:
- Pet Hair Expertise
- Powerful Suction
- Advanced Navigation
- App Control
- HEPA Filtration
Cons:
- It is relatively pricier compared to some other robot vacuum options on the market
- Learning Curve
Price: $619.99
5. Shark AI Ultra™ 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum and Mop
This model from Shark is similar to other vacuum-and-mop combos, effectively cleaning floors. It has an easy-to-use app for cleaning a room or a specific area. The app is used for turning on the robot vacuum to clean even when you’re not home.
Pros:
- Excellent vacuuming and mopping power
- The app is easy to use
- It can be set to clean when you’re not home
Cons:
- Expensive
- Battery life and charging speed are not comparable with other robot vacuums
- Starter cleaning solution may not last a long time
Price: $699.99
6. iRobot Roomba 694
The iRobot Roomba 694 is the most affordable product on our list. Even without advanced navigation technology, it captured dust and pet hair. It offers slightly better battery life than its excellent predecessor, the Roomba 675.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Rarely gets stuck
- Seamless app setup
- Supports Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant voice control
- Allows for scheduled cleanings
- Detects and focuses on heavily soiled areas
Cons:
- Loud
- Missed some debris on carpets in testing
- Lacks smart navigation and mapping abilities
- No carrying handle
Price: $179.00
7. Ecovacs Deebot Ozmo T8 AIVI
This feature-rich hybrid vacuum and mop uses artificial intelligence to detect and avoid many obstacles other robot vacuums wouldn’t get.
The Ecovacs Deebot Ozmo T8 AIVI combines powerful cleaning capabilities with artificial intelligence and visual interpretation (AIVI) technology. This enables the robot to vacuum and mop different floor surfaces effectively and identify and avoid obstacles like shoes, cables, and pet waste.
Pros:
- Automatically recognizes and avoids obstacles
- Exceptional battery life
- Allows for remote home monitoring with a built-in camera
- Supports virtual boundaries
- Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant voice support
Cons:
- Expensive
- Mops with water, not cleaning solution
- Moderate learning curve
Price: $400.99
8. Eufy RoboVac G30
Measuring 12.8 inches in diameter, the Eufy RoboVac G30 is one of the smallest robot vacuums we’ve tested. It can clean where many other robot vacuums won’t fit, like under couches. The RoboVac G30 smartly navigates your home, cleaning in orderly lines instead of randomly bouncing from wall to wall like some other affordable models.
Pros:
- Compact, low-profile design
- Strong suction power for its size
- Well-designed app
- Easy to set up and use
- Works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant
- Features smart navigation for systematic cleaning
Cons:
- It doesn’t support strips or virtual boundaries
- Battery life is on the short side
Price: $400.99
Conclusion
Do you agree with our line-up and pick your own choice of the best robot vacuum of 2023? As mentioned earlier, these smart vacuums can clean different types of floors and even adapt to our schedules. They have cool features like maps of our homes and can be controlled with our phones. But remember, these advanced robots might be expensive, and setting them up could take some time. Still, they’re a big step towards having homes that stay clean with less effort.
Explore Owner’s Mag for more product and service reviews.
Lifestyle
Sweet Dreams Await: The Best Mattresses of 2023
Published
3 months agoon
August 16, 2023By
Carmen DayWelcome to a comprehensive guide that will transform your nights into a haven of unparalleled comfort and rejuvenation.
These days, finding the perfect mattress has become an art that combines science, sleep technology, and the pursuit of the ultimate slumber experience. Over the years, a myriad of mattresses have emerged, each promising to be the key to unlocking the realm of sweet dreams.
In this article, we’ll explore the best mattresses in the market in terms of design, material advancements, and personalized sleep solutions, helping you make an informed choice for a restful and revitalizing night’s rest.
1. Saatva Classic Mattress
Do you wake up with a sweaty back? Then the Saatva Classic Mattress may be your new bed buddy.
That’s because it’s made up of springs and foam; it’s perfect if you want the body-hugging effect. Plus, it’s best for different sleepers because of its various firm levels, namely plush, luxury, and firm. The price can be from $995 to $2710, depending on the firmness.
2. Helix Dusk Luxe
Another best mattress of 2023 is the Helix Dusk Luxe. This mattress is not too firm, and its medium support level is excellent for combination sleepers. The model is a hybrid one, with layers of foam over carefully placed coils to provide soft yet firm cushioning.
Oh, and if you love luxury items, you’ll love their features, like a moisture-wicking cover, ergonomic zones, and a built-in pillowtop for support. Finally, the cost of the Helix Dusk Luxe ranges from $1,099 to $2,349.
3. Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Cloud
Many hail Tempur’s classic memory foam mattress as the best luxury mattress. The Tempur-Cloud is a more affordable model that offers pressure relief for a low-cost price. The bed comprises three layers of proprietary foam that are great for taking the pressure off your spine, lower back, and hips.
The more you use the mattress, the more comfortable it gets. That’s because the foam adapts to your body shape for a snug fit! Plus, it’s currently on discount for $1,399.
4. Bear Elite Hybrid
Looking for the best mattress for back pain? That’s Bear Elite Hybrid. Aside from relieving your sore muscles, it has an adaptive cushion that promotes muscle recovery. This makes the Bear Elite Hybrid the best choice for people with active lifestyles.
Its other features include a cover that keeps you cool at night and a foil-over-coil design to provide cushioned support. Finally, it retails from anywhere between $1,721 to $3,565.
5. Leesa Studio Mattress
Wondering what the best affordable mattress is? It’s the Leesa Studio Mattress. With this low-cost option, you’re not sacrificing anything–not even the air quality in your home. Why? The Leesa Studio is Greenguard Gold-certified, meaning it has low emissions and likely won’t release a gassy smell.
This mattress comes with a knit cover to help prevent moisture. The model is firm but can sink when you first lie down, making it a great choice for stomach sleepers. The mattress is currently on discount for $749.
6. Casper Original Mattress
One of the best mattresses for side sleepers comes in a box. The Casper Original Mattress is a must-have for people who want a quick bedroom set-up.
Don’t let the packaging fool you. This memory foam mattress isn’t just an easy DIY set-up; like other luxury mattresses, it has zone layers designed for spine alignment. Plus, the mattress is currently $1,036 at Amazon.
7. Tuft and Needly T&N Original Mattress
Need a luxury-like mattress for the bedroom? The Tuft and Needly T&N Original Mattress is the one you’re looking for.
In fact, the mattress has an adaptive foam that contours your body. In addition, it’s got a graphic and ceramic gel in the foams to help regulate your body heat. So overall, this is the best mattress of 2023 that won’t break the bank. The mattress is currently on sale for $780 at Amazon.
8. The WinkBed
Want a mattress that reduces spine soreness? Check out The WinkBed. This is the best mattress of 2023 to soothe that pressure point. The mattress is made of polyfoam and pocketed coils, divided into zones based on gauge and strength.
The coils even wrap around the mattress to prevent sinking, so you can enjoy stable support. Finally, the spaces between the coils allow air circulation, so it’s a great option for sweaty sleepers. Because of the premium features, the mattress retails for $1,499.
9. Nolah Evolution 15
Thick mattresses are always either a hit or miss. Most people might like their plushness, but they often feel too soft. But the Nolah Evolution 15 isn’t like that. In fact, it’s got strong and stable support, making it the best mattress for side sleepers.
Oh, and because of the balance of cushioning, they even provide spinal alignment and prevent sores in your shoulders and hips. The mattress is currently on discount at $1,699.
10. Avocado Green Mattress
Last but not least, here’s a latex mattress option that’s both eco-friendly and suitable for people with allergies. For context, latex is an excellent alternative to memory foam mattresses because it’s naturally hypoallergenic.
For latex mattress lovers, this Avocado Green Mattress is the best mattress of 2023 for back sleepers prone to allergies. It has over a thousand coils arranged in specific zones for targeted support and firmness that’s great for back sleepers. The Green Mattress is available for $1,999 at Amazon.
BONUS: Eight Sleep Pod 3
Promoted as the ultimate solution for enhancing sleep quality, Pod 3 is Eight Sleep’s latest iteration of the Pod series. This new product integrates innovative, dynamic cooling technology into the sleep environment, offering an unparalleled sleep experience.
Serving as a remarkably advanced mattress cover, the Pod 3 boasts an array of sophisticated technologies specifically designed to regulate temperature with exceptional efficiency. The Pod 3 employs Temperature Autopilot, a feature that automatically configures the ideal temperature for an individual’s entire night of rest, thus promoting optimal sleep conditions.
Selecting the ideal mattress is a deeply individual journey that hinges on your unique preferences, sleep habits, and physical needs.
For one, Your preferred sleep position is pivotal in determining the level of support and comfort you require. In addition, materials can also make a world of difference – from memory foam and latex to innerspring and hybrid designs. Each material offers distinct advantages: pressure relief, motion isolation, or cooling properties.
Whether you find solace in the embrace of memory foam, the bounce of innerspring, or the natural resilience of latex, the mattress you choose will play an integral role in shaping your nights and, ultimately, your days.
Lifestyle
AI in Healthcare: Advantages and Limitations
Published
5 months agoon
July 13, 2023By
Skylar LeeArtificial intelligence (AI) is prevalent across various industries. It’s also integrated into the healthcare industry, helping providers and patients. But with the emergence of AI, is it doing more harm than good? We explore AI in healthcare below. Plus, we list AI-powered apps to help you with your health.
Advantages of AI in Healthcare
Automate Administrative Work
Healthcare providers can be swamped with administrative work in one day. That could take precious minutes off their day to help patients. But with AI’s help, they can reduce hours of administrative work and depend on AI to organize notes and data in a few seconds. Additionally, AI can help providers send reminders or notify patients about bills and insurance.
Access to Basic Mental Health Help
Going to therapy can be expensive. Although experts encourage patients to reach out to mental health providers for diagnosis and treatment, some AI chatbots can help patients with their mental health state. For example, if a patient is feeling sad at the moment and want someone to talk to immediately, an AI can follow a CBT-based framework to help the patient with their present emotions.
Analyze Trends and Data
Another benefit of AI in healthcare is helping healthcare providers with insights and data that take time to evaluate. For example, AI can identify possible diagnoses in a couple of minutes, saving patients’ lives sooner. Additionally, data can improve the patient-doctor relationship through communication and monitoring patient health without the need for an immediate consultation.
Limitations of AI in Healthcare
Diagnostic Concerns
Since AI can be trained to organize and analyze data, an AI may provide diagnostic information to patients. However, AI can provide inaccurate diagnostic information, making patients anxious or worried about their health.
That’s why AI should be trained extensively in this area. Or doctors should review AI’s suggested diagnoses before it reaches the patient. Some experts have said that AI should provide links to where it obtained data to ensure it doesn’t misdiagnose patients.
Data Privacy
One concern about using AI in the healthcare industry is the patients’ private data.
Strict rules are enforced to ensure that patient data is protected by organizations and compliant software applications. Although AI can be a helpful tool in analyzing patient data, it’s possible that AI could still make mistakes, especially if it’s untrained. It can make an error in showing the wrong patient data to another or analyzing data meant for another patient.
Lack of Empathy
AI can play a big role in patient care, especially in mental health. However, considering AI isn’t human, it will not grasp the idea of emotion. Sure, it could be trained with how emotions work. But it cannot empathize with a human when it’s experiencing emotional distress. It’s important to work in conjunction with a mental health professional to help you tackle your mental health concerns.
AI-assisted or AI-powered Health Apps
Note: All AI-powered apps on this list are safe to use and ensure that your data is secure.
Merative
Formerly IBM Watson Health, Merative is an all-in-one AI solution for hospitals, clinics, and other health institutions. An advantage of using Merative is making better decisions and enhancing the patient experience. Plus, it helps in imaging (radiology and cardiology) to create efficient and scalable workflows.
Even though Merative is ideal for health and government organizations, businesses can benefit from this too. They provide solutions for making better health decisions, such as insurance and health programs, for employees leading to happier and healthier employees.
ADA
If you want a personal AI-powered health app, ADA is one of the best options. What ADA can help you with is understanding and managing your symptoms. The AI suggests conditions based on what the users have submitted. After that, doctors review what the AI suggests. Finally, users learn possible conditions that they can show to their physician.
Babylon Health
If you want an alternative to ADA, you should consider subscribing to Babylon Health. Although their AI focuses on helping their doctors give proper care to patients, you can use Babylon Health to check symptoms too. But with Babylon Health, you can connect to a physician directly and set an appointment. Aside from this, Babylon Health can provide you with health insights.
Buoy
Buoy is another AI symptom health checker. However, Buoy ensures that they’ll be with you every step of the way. They can help you schedule an appointment with a doctor and to monitor your progress. Another thing to note is Buoy is community-based so that you can share your experience with other Buoy users too.
Youper
Youper is the first on our list of AI mental health apps. It’s an all-in-one solution for patients, employers, and mental health providers. The app has served over 2,000,000 patients and improved their patients’ well-being. Additionally, the AI runs on an evidence-based framework for helping patients manage their mental health.
Woebot
Are you not feeling great and just want to talk to someone immediately about what you’re currently feeling? Woebot is another AI mental health chatbot to consider. The Woebot AI will train with you by talking to you and checking in with you. Additionally, the AI provides personalized advice and action-oriented solutions to help you. You can download Woebot on Google Play or App Store.
Florence
If your goal is to become healthier in life, Florence is one of the best AI apps for that purpose. Are you forgetful when drinking your meds? Florence can remind you when to take them. You can also keep track of your health, like your mood, weight, and periods. Finally, you can rely on Florence if you need to buy medication and find a doctor.
Key Takeaways
AI has made significant strides in the healthcare industry. Providers can get more work done and assist more patients with their concerns. Meanwhile, patients can use AI to get suggestions about their concerns or access to basic mental health needs like talk therapy. While AI has impressed patients and providers, it still has a long way to go in providing more accurate data and empathizing with humans to enhance their experience.