The Best Apps To Nail Your New Year’s Resolutions

These apps will help you become the person you swear you’ll be every January!

New year, new you… at least that’s the plan, right? We all start January with big intentions, but actually sticking to those shiny New Year’s resolutions is a different story. Luckily, there’s an app for that — actually, there are loads! It’s nearly 2025, after all, and it’s time to start using our little black boxes for our own benefit. We literally have the world at our fingertips, so here’s your gentle nudge to Marie Kondo-ify your phone: delete that social media app you’re not-so-casually addicted to and replace it with something that brings you joy! Here’s some inspiration on the best apps for self-improvement, whether that means learning a new language, exploring a new place or beginning your meditation journey.

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If your resolution is . . .

To learn a new language, try Duolingo

You’ve heard it a million times before, but this language app really is one of the best for sticking to your goals. From the way it gamifies your progress to the user-friendly interface, Duolingo makes learning a new language both easy and enjoyable! There’s just one major setback for Hong Kongers: the app only offers Cantonese lessons for Mandarin speakers, so if you’re hoping to (finally) pick up some of the local language, you’ll have to look elsewhere.

Read More: The Best Mandarin & Cantonese Courses In Hong Kong

To exercise more, try AllTrails

If you downloaded MyFitnessPal as a pre-teen and were told to restrict your calories, you may be entitled to financial compensation. Okay, not really, but thankfully times have changed since exercise apps first came onto the scene. Something like AllTrails is a great alternative (especially in Hong Kong!) as it encourages you to get out into nature instead of hitting up an overpriced gym. With detailed trail maps that guide you through numerous outdoor activities, you’ll be working up a sweat in no time — all while taking advantage of Hong Kong’s natural beauty!

Read More: Beginner-Friendly Hikes in Hong Kong

To save money, try Rocket Money

Cutting back on spending is the most popular New Year’s resolution globally, every year. Well, this user-friendly app simplifies everything that comes along with budgeting and expense tracking, while also helping you manage subscriptions and bills. With features like automated bill negotiation and credit score monitoring, you can think of Rocket Money as your personal financial assistant. Its intuitive design also makes it very accessible, so you can take control of your spending habits without any hassle!

Read More: Girl’s Guide To Financial Independence 

To spend less time on social media, try Imprint

Trying to cut down on the doom-scrolling but not ready to put down your phone entirely? Imprint is here to help. The app takes big ideas from the world’s greatest thinkers and breaks them down into simple, visual snippets that a) you can actually remember and b) is formatted to replicate the sensation of scrolling through socials. Whether you want to master essential topics, pick up new skills or just have a few fun facts to throw into your conversations, Imprint makes learning quick, easy, and kind of addictive!

Read More: Where To Learn New Skills In Hong Kong

To be a better friend or partner, try Stardust

If you have a uterus, Stardust is for you. This free, women-owned hormone health app helps you understand and work with the phases of your menstrual cycle instead of fighting against them. Think personalised insights with a touch of astrology, like getting a cosmic guide to your body — plus, there’s a feature to share that information with your partner, so they can better understand your mood and reactions. Best of all, by knowing when you are most motivated (i.e. during ovulation and when the moon is in waxing crescent!), you might just find it easier to tackle those New Year’s resolutions.

Read More: How To Create True Intimacy In Your Relationship

To eat less meat, try HappyCow

Plant-based eating isn’t for everyone, but if you’re considering reducing your meat consumption (even if that’s only for one day a week!), HappyCow makes it easy. The app helps you discover vegan, vegetarian and plant-based eateries with user reviews, photos and a handy map feature, allowing you to check which restaurants with veg options are in your vicinity. There’s also a social feature to connect with like-minded people, so if your friends and family are carnivores, you can still eat with others!

Read More: Top Vegan & Vegetarian Restaurants In Hong Kong

To improve your mental health, try Calm

Sprinkle a little zen into your life with Calm, a go-to app for all things relaxation. The soothing interface offers guided meditations, calming music and sleep stories that whisk you away to dreamland. With a variety of programmes tailored to reduce stress, improve focus or help you drift off into a blissful slumber, you’ll be saying goodbye to chaos and hello to tranquility. Grab your headphones, you’re in for a treat!

Read More: Our Favourite Apps For Meditation & Mindfulness