7 Apps to Inspire Positive Thinking

What does it take to be a positive thinker? Some swear by meditation, the laws of attraction, or daily prayer journaling. For others, it's a combination of deep self-analysis and some good, clean fun. Join us on this journey to find the upbeat in the every day, as we share 7 apps designed to help you keep your chin up and your spirits bright!

Live Happy
Platform: iPhone
Cost: $0.99

The experts agree that being happy has more to do with "doing" than just "thinking." Thanks to a new iPhone app developed by Dr. Sonja Lyubomirsky, professor of psychology at the University of California, Riverside, there's a way to seamlessly integrate happiness activities from the book The How of Happiness into your busy schedule (and most can be done on your iPhone.) Using personal preferences, the program prompts you to maintain a gratitude journal, set goals, engage in random acts of kindness, and several other tasks designed to provide long-term happiness and positive experiences. Think of this happy app as the "cliff's notes" to the self-improvement book you've always wanted to read - but may never get around to!

Sketchbook Mobile
Platform: iPhone and iTouch
Cost: $2.99

One of those apps you truly have to see to believe, this handy little "sketch pad" allows users to simply drag their fingers across their iPhone or iTouch screens to create breathtaking pieces of digital art. If the Flickr pool isn't evidence enough of the amazing art therapy that can take place with this app, consider the technical aptitude of this tiny wonder: it has 2500% zoom, 3-6 layers, 25 preset brushes, and the ability to save and email your creations! Taking doodles to the next level, Sketchbook Mobile allows you to release your creative genius, document the beauty around you, or just mindlessly unwind when you need it.

Pay Off Debt
Platform: iPhone, Android
Cost: $2.99

One of the most depressing things a person can deal with is a burdensome amount of debt. Thankfully, seeing even a tiny amount of progress towards repayment can actually lift your spirits, inspire to you pay more, and give you a sense of satisfaction and control over your finances. Enter the Pay Off Debt application, a simple "snowball" calculator and progress tracker that can show you how far you've come on paying off even the largest debts. With a projected pay-off date for all your entered debts (as well as a number of options to see how various payment amounts can affect that date), it's one of the most basic but reliable motivational tools we can recommend for a deflated asset sheet - and sense of personal worth.

Younicorn
Platform: iPhone
Cost: $0.99

While it may not hold your interest for months (or even weeks), this goofy and almost too-good-to-be-true app definitely has the potential to have you thinking happy thoughts. Just use the simple pinch and drag functionality to turn photos of friends and loved ones into portraits of a magical unicorn. (Yes, we said it - a unicorn!) You'll be instantly gratified by the 12 mystical backgrounds and the chance to see even the grumpiest of coworkers sportin' the silver horn. It's smart phone bliss for under a buck!

As you can tell from the video, the creators of this little gem clearly had a ton of fun making it.

Fitmind Positive Thinking
Platform: iPhone
Cost: $0.99

According to the developer's website, this high-tech app uses "binaural frequency programs that synchronize the frequency of your brain waves with those associated with a positive state of mind." We're not exactly sure what all that entails, but the features included seem promising. When used on different settings at different times of day, the frequencies (along with suitable background sounds that include ocean waves and forest sounds), can help you reach different levels of relaxation. The promise of a decent night's sleep may be worth it, alone. (Note: The developers suggest you consult a physician before using if you have any history of seizures.)

12 Steps AA Companion - Alcoholics Anonymous
Platform: iPhone
Cost: $2.99

While not everyone will be able to appreciate this app, and those that do probably wish to remain anonymous, those that attend the over 55,000 groups in the U.S. alone may find this app to more than inspiring.  (In fact, it may be downright lifesaving.) With all the tools you'd expect from an app based off of the "AA Companion" book, it has a sobriety calculator, contacts for AA offices and switchboards, and the Big Book's text with over 30 inspirational stories at the tap of a screen. Perhaps the biggest perk to this app that helps recoverers live one day at a time? The app itself shows up as an "anonymous" icon on the home screen.

Fortune Cookies
Platform: iPhone
Cost: Free

This yummy app includes all the fun of a fortune cookie - without the lunch bill or the calories! Make the cookie dance before you crush it against the side of your phone. When it opens, you'll be rewarded with one of many good fortunes (or create your own fortune for complete control of your destiny.) Fortunes can be easily emailed to friends, and the handy "karma calculator" lets you know of all the good fortune you have waiting for you in the days ahead. Pure fun for absolutely free, this high-rated app can't help but make you smile.

If your phone seems to only hassle you with urgent emails and stressful text messages, turn it into a tool for turning your life around. What ways have you used your smart phone to "think positively?"

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Linsey Knerl is the Community Manager for Wise Bread, a community dedicated to helping folks live large on a small budget. She loves savvy tech solutions that help her share the world with her children.