By Kaya Patel ’22 and Annika Inampudi ’21, Arts and Entertainment Writers

As of the time we’re writing this article, the entire world is in effective lockdown. Busy city streets are now empty, people are standing six feet apart from each other in the grocery store, and the idea of going into a crowd is a foreign concept. The hazy future can feel both daunting and claustrophobic, and the constant barrage of bad news isn’t really helping. It can feel, sometimes, that we lack control. Technology has been the only unchanged variable in this new form of life. In that spirit, we’ve compiled six apps that can hopefully bring some light to lockdown life. 

One of the hardest parts about social distancing is finding new ways to connect with friends and family. While Facetiming and social media are great ways to chat with friends and family, two apps in particular have been all the rage since quarantine began. The first is Netflix Party, an extension that allows anyone with a Netflix account to watch movies with friends and comment as you’re watching, making your movie nights feel a little less lonely. The other app is Animal Crossing: New Horizons. With this game, you have control. Life is idyllic — you can go wherever you want, build whatever you want. At a time where the coronavirus has dramatically changed the idea of human contact, Netflix Party and Animal Crossing bring social gatherings into the online world.

During a time like this, it’s easy to get caught up in the news. Checking Twitter feels like going into a warzone. Meditation is a really good way to help.  Simple Habit and Smiling Mind are two meditation apps that can help prioritize your mental health during quarantine. Smiling Mind has a variety of mindfulness programs, including one designed to help people cope with the implications of the pandemic. The second app, Simple Habit, provides 5 minute meditation sessions based on what you hope to gain from your mindfulness practice. 

Social distancing doesn’t have to also mean “sitting on your couch.” After months of walking between classes, playing sports, and just being outside, it might be hard to find the motivation to exercise. If you’re looking for home workouts, Nike Training Club could be the perfect guide. Regardless of the equipment you have or the intensity you desire, you can find workout plans that suit your personalized goals. Even more — during the pandemic, their premium membership is now free! While working out is extremely important, it’s not the only thing to prioritize when it comes to our health; many of us are becoming dehydrated. To fix this, My Water is an app designed to monitor your water intake and set reminders for you each day, making hydration less daunting and more manageable. 

Times may be tough, but it’s important to remember that there are so many resources available, and you are not alone. During this rough transition, technology has been a place of comfort and familiarity. While these apps may not be the perfect solution, hopefully some can make you just a bit happier and healthier until we can all be together again.