When discussing the digital revolution, there is a tendency to focus on the difficulties and drawbacks of too much screen time. But what about the positive side? As time goes on, more and more people are starting to use their smartphones and other digital devices to make positive changes in their lives by developing their mental and physical capabilities. Today, there are numerous apps on the market offering you possibilities to push yourself to achieve a higher level of physical fitness and cognitive advancement. So, what are the best options available, and how can they help you stay sharp in both body and mind?
Pushing your limits, but scientifically
When it comes to getting in shape physically, most of us need a little push now and again. While not all of us have the means or the inclination to hire a personal trainer, there is also a wide array of digital options that can perform a very similar job. While some people rely on a simple smartwatch to monitor their fitness, it may be worth identifying a specialized app to develop a personalized training program where you can set yourself realistic but challenging targets in your field of choice.
Whether you want to lift more weights, run faster and further improve your heart rate, or just raise your general physical condition, you are certain to find an application that will show you how to do it, help you monitor your progress, and even offer you advice and encouragement. The best apps will also use scientific data and the latest in artificial intelligence to help you calibrate your exercise regime, meaning that you can push yourself to the max without placing undue risks on your body. And if you find yourself getting bored of a particular routine, they will also likely be able to suggest a new set of combinations to freshen up your workout.
Enhancing your concentration
There is a similar dynamic at play when it comes to the field of brain training. Here, although some users are only interested in the entertainment side of things, memory and cognitive training apps are often used consciously to improve attention and enhance focus. While some people simply prefer applications that block notifications on your system so that you can focus on the task in hand, there are also many apps that are specifically designed to help you increase your attention span through interactive games and training exercises.
As well as enhancing users’ ability to concentrate, some apps also focus on improving their memory through specific games and activities. Usually backed by scientific studies and research, these kinds of applications tend to set people a specific, difficult task, such as completing brain teasers or memorising facts.
Some games, such as Vegas strip blackjack, require players to recall progressively harder combinations. Most versions of the game use four decks of cards which adds to the unpredictability and the number of possible outcomes with each hand dealt.
Small investment, big returns
Of course, all of the above in no way means that we should devote all of our time to screen time. An excessive reliance on technology can cause as many problems as it solves, while there are also plenty of off-screen solutions available. Yet there is no question that by utilising the potential of digital solutions in a smart, targeted way, it is possible to make significant improvements in terms of both physical and mental fitness. As with everything else, the most important thing is to strike a balance between training well and training too much.
Digital options are also highly accessible: training apps are almost always easy to find and use, highly accessible, and in most cases affordable to all. The fact that they are usually located on your smartphone also helps to reduce the obstruction factor – something that so often leads to resistance and a failure to build up consistent habits. Targeted training can also benefit all members of society, from children who would like to improve their concentration levels to seniors who want to maintain the highest possible level of memory and mental acuity, as well as everyone in between. Multiple studies have shown that a few minutes of practice each day can make a significant difference: after all, the longest journey begins with a single step.