Five self-care apps to kick-off your semester

Bring balance to your routine with apps that support both productivity and wellness

In an age of endless distractions and packed schedules, finding a balance between productivity and well-being has never been more important. Whether you are a student, a professional, or someone looking to simplify your day, finding the right tools can make all the difference.

Notion

One of the most versatile options is Notion, which has gained popularity for its ability to act as a note-taking app, task manager and project organizer all in one. Its customizable templates allow users to create a workspace tailored to their needs, from tracking assignments to managing personal goals.

Notion is available on iOS, Android, Windows, Mac and through a web browser, with a free plan and paid tiers starting at $8.00 per month. It is best suited for users who want a highly personalized productivity system, though it does have a bit of a learning curve. However, once users get the hang of it, it can become an invaluable tool for centralizing tasks and notes in one place.

Finch

Finch, an app focused on emotional well-being, takes a more playful and supportive approach to self-care. Users are encouraged to care for a virtual pet bird by completing real-life tasks and wellness exercises. Each completed task helps your bird grow and explore new areas, making it a lighthearted way to build healthy habits.

The app includes goal-setting features for mindfulness, hydration and exercise, and urges users to check in with themselves throughout the day. Finch is available on both iOS and Android, with a free version and an optional premium subscription costing $12.99 per month. It is a great choice for those who seek a gentle reminder to prioritize mental health, especially for users who feel overwhelmed by everyday demands.

Habitica

Habiticia takes a similar approach to turning productivity into a game. Users can create avatars, complete tasks to earn rewards and even battle in-game challenges. Available on iOS, Android and through a web browser, Habitica is free to use with optional in-app purchases.

The "gamified" system makes completing everyday tasks more engaging, particularly for individuals who thrive on game-based motivation. It's an ideal app for those who prefer a playful, interactive experience and want a bit of fun injected into their daily routines. While Habitica may not appeal to everyone, it is especially helpful for users who need a boost of motivation to tackle their to-do lists.

Owaves

For those looking to manage both their time and well-being in one place, Owaves offers a visual, circular planner designed to help users allocate time for exercise, mindfulness, sleep and social interactions alongside their work tasks. The app's interface promotes a more balanced approach to productivity by encouraging users to see their day as a holistic routine rather than a never-ending to-do list.

Available for free on iOS and Android with in-app purchases, Owaves is especially useful for individuals seeking a healthy work-life balance. Its colourful interface makes it stand out from traditional planners and helps users schedule time for self-care without feeling guilty about stepping away from their tasks.

Tweek

If you prefer a minimalist, straightforward approach to task management, Tweek might be a better fit. This digital planner organizes tasks into a weekly view, focusing on simplicity and avoiding the complexity that comes with more feature-heavy apps. Tweek is available on iOS, Android and web browsers, offering a free version as well as a premium plan starting at $4.99 per month.

The app's clean, paper-like interface makes it feel as intuitive as jotting tasks down in a notebook while providing the convenience of digital reminders and syncing across devices. Tweek is perfect for individuals who want to keep their productivity system clutter-free and efficient.

It's important for users to try different approaches to managing time, tasks and self-care in order to determine what works best for their unique needs. Whether you prefer customization, a focus on wellness or playful experiences, rest assured there is an app out there fit for you. The key to productivity in 2025 isn't about doing more, it is about working smarter and finding balance, making sure to take care of yourself in the process.