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Everyone has a bad day sometimes. Maybe you’re missing home or the economy isn’t treating you kindly. Maybe your love life isn’t going well or your computer just crashed. If you’re down in the dumps, perhaps tech can help brighten your mood. Websites and apps can provide instant access to resources that can make the world seem like a more pleasant place.
Gratitude 365
Focusing on what you have instead of what you’re missing helps you appreciate the good things in life. Developer Benny Hsu was inspired to develop and app after reading a recent study by professors from Southern Methodist University and University of California, Davis about the effects of gratitude. The study showed that expressing gratitude can have significant benefits including:
- less depression and stress
- more likely to help others
- exercised more regularly
- made more progress toward personal goals
Hsu, who last year launched the app Photo365, developed Gratitude 365, an app that helps keep a Gratitude Journal to express what you’re thankful for on a daily basis. You can add a picture as a visual reminder.
The app creates a calendar of your gratitude pictures which you can view yourself or share with others using Facebook, email, Twitter and Flickr. The app is simple and intuitive to use so you can focus on your journal entries instead of figuring out the app.
Gratitude 365 is available for the iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch in the iTunes App Store, currently on sale for $0.99.
Happy Stories
Sometimes reading about the simple joys in life can help you forget your troubles. Even if you aren’t a new parent, you can still be inspired by Happy Baby Stories. This site, dedicated to the Save Babies Through Screening Foundation, shares happy stories. Most of the stories are about happy babies, but the site has other categories for happy stories, including New Beginnings, Happy Dads, Wedding Day Near, and Happy Bloggers.
You can read others’ stories of happiness and post a story of your own. Their goal is to get 1 billion stories of happier and healthier lives. The site advises, “Keep your stories positive because your thoughts become your words, actions, habits and lifestyle.”
Happy Baby Stories is currently unavailable.
Moodagent
If you ever wished for a personal DJ who could play music to fit your mood, check out Moodagent. Moodagent analyzes music to determine the mood of the songs, then lets you choose which mood(s) you want to hear. You can choose from Happy, Angry, Tempo, Tender and Sensual.
Recently, Moodagent joined with Spotify to create playlists based on moods for that popular radio service.
Moodagent is available free for iPhone/iPad/iPod Touch, Android devices, Blackberry, Mac and Windows. A premium app is available for iOs, Android and Blackberry that eliminates advertisements.
thankyouaga.in
Joy is contagious and thankuaga.in wants to spread joy to others. You may have heard of the collective good, but thankyouaga.in wants to collect good. The idea of this app is to post joy in your life, whether it’s a small event such as enjoying your meal, or a big one, such as an Olympic Gold Medal. You can use 140 characters to share your good news.
This five-star app is all about positive news, giving you peace of mind that there is good in the world.
thankuaga.in is available as a free app in the iTunes App Store for the iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch, with an Android app planned soon. You can also check out their Tumblr blog.
GlassCam
Sometimes seeing the world clearly isn’t the best solution. GlassCam turns your camera view into a stained glass work of art.
The app is simple, you open it and the view from your camera looks like a stained glass window. You can also use it with pictures in your photo library. The app lets you choose from eleven different effects and three different sizes, as well as regular or high-resolution images.
GlassCam is free in the iTunes App Store.
Koi Pond
If you don’t have a koi pond in your back yard, or even if you do, check out the Koi Pond app. Seeing the virtual fish swim around peacefully may be the escape that you need. Shaking your phone feeds the fish and touching the screen causes the water to ripple and the fish to swim away.
A bonus of this app is the peaceful sounds that can be played. This app can replace a sound soother.
Koi Pond is available for $0.99 for the iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch in the iTunes App Store.
Android users who want their phones to be a koi pond should check out Koi Live Wallpaper, free at Google Play.
Escape reality on Pinterest. There are plenty of stunning images to brighten your mood. Search for #Nature to be reminded of the joys of natural beauty.
Bottom Line
When life puts you in a funk, let tech brighten your mood. Tech may not be able to solve all of your problems, but it may put a smile back on your face.
Have you ever used any of these tech tools to brighten your day? Do you have any other ideas for using tech to lift your mood? Let us know in the Comments section below!
Hi Carolyn,
I’m not having a good day, but I don’t really think these ideas will help. I do like Pinterest though. I see amazing pictures on there from past and present.
My pancreas is a little inflamed and I have a cold that won’t go away. I’ve resolved to have a few days of no alcohol and healthy eating! I should feel better in time for my Sunday outing taking photos, the weather forecast is a little better too. I photographed the wider part of the local river last winter and went back a few weeks ago, but the light wasn’t great. I hope for some good pictures this time, the bridge over the river did makes some local people curious though. It’s amazing what you see through a camera lens that can be missed because of all the other distractions.
I have written my blogs for tomorrow and so for a change I’m in front! I think I will be photographing an event in a pub next week, so that will be different.
Hi Mike, You’re right, there are many problems that tech can’t solve. These ideas were to help lift your mood, but sometimes tech just isn’t the answer to your problems.
I hope you feel better very soon, Mike! 🙂
I gravitate toward humor; wherever I can find it.
Some of these apps seem to have some potential; sometimes it just takes a little nudge you get a smile back on your face.
I know that Benny Hsu dude; we used to connect back in my early days. I think he’s a Gator man from Jacksonville with family in the restaurant business. I didn’t hold him being a Gator against him however……….:).
Hi Bill, I had no idea you were well acquainted with humor! 😉
Yes, these apps may just put a smile on your face when you need it. I have a folder on my iPhone labeled :-). It can come in handy. Not all problems are solved by a positive outlook, but it can help to always look on the bright side of life!
Benny Hsu makes great apps so I was excited to share his new one with Wonder of Tech readers.
Go ‘Noles!
This is a cool post and I love what you’ve shared here Carolyn.
I love Benny’s app of course, I knew he caught the fever so I’m proud of what he’s done.
I definitely am going to check out the GlassCam because I think that would be an awesome way to spice up photos you already have but want a whole new look. The rest of these seem really wonderful as well but you already know my situation and not carrying a phone around all the time with apps. I also don’t carry my iPod everywhere I go either but will use it for the camera function.
Thanks Carolyn, love this post. Ya done it again girl.
~Adrienne
Hi Adrienne, Yes, I am very grateful to you for introducing me to Benny’s apps. He really develops top quality apps that I’m excited to share with Wonder of Tech readers.
I’m glad you’re getting GlassCam. It’s such a beautiful app, you can’t help but smile when you use it. Plus the app is free! :-bd
Hi Carolyn,
You just made my day. The app KOI live wallpapers looks amazing. As a matter of fact I am a great lover of fish & aquariums but still can’t believe that I had no clue of it. It has over 31k downloads including me, I just installed it 🙂
Hi Justin, I’m so glad you like the Koi Live Wallpaper app. I had it on my Android phone for a while and loved it. Seeing fish swim around certainly brings a sense of serenity.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us, Justin! 🙂
Hi Carolyn
I tried moodagent after reading about it on your blog and seriously its not not even cool from the technology point of view its like it understands your mood. Like a best friend, it helps me to calm down when am angry and soothes me on my bad days (like yesterday). I though I would drop by and let your readers know so they can enjoy the tool. Thanks for writing about it 🙂
Keep up the good work!
Hi Mike, Welcome to The Wonder of Tech! I’m glad you enjoyed Moodagent. It’s great when technology can be used to help us feel better, even improving our mood. Music can have a very powerful effect on our moods, but finding the right song can be challenging. Moodagent is a great tool to help us find the music easily!
Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts with us, Mike!
Hello Carolyn,
Right Now, I’m not having any bad day, my life, my relationship, everything is going fine. But its good to be prepared for worst who knows what comes next.
So, I’m going to install all interesting apps you shared. I’m already using Kai Pond, Pinterest and remaining will be in my phone as I hit submit button.
BTW, Thanks for the information.
Hi Romy, Welcome to The Wonder of Tech! I’m glad life is going so well for you, but you’re wise to be prepared because everyone has a bad day at some point. Perhaps if you’re prepared with these tech tools your bad day won’t seem nearly as bad! 🙂
Thanks for visiting and sharing your thoughts with us!
Hi Carolyn,
I just ordered my very first smart phone. Your post is very timely as I will be looking for Aps to use. The ones you’ve shared sound very interesting!
Hi Jamella, Congratulations on your first smart phone. That’s very exciting! Which one did you end up getting?
You will find plenty of great apps reviewed here at The Wonder of Tech. Let me know if you need any specific recommendations!
🙂
Carolyn, I purchased the ZTE origin. This is described as an entry level smart phone, which is just what I need. I looked at the iPhone a couple of months ago and was totally overwhelmed.
The phone is on back order, but as soon as I get it, I will come to you for app recommendations!
I have used several of these. Happy Stories actually hit me up as a dad blogger a few weeks back during #dadchat to tweet my story to them (which of course I did) I think it’s interesting how technology has taken on a “life” of its own to promote happiness. It reminds me of the drive-thru churches years ago where you could pray on the go….lol….I guess the quicker society gets the more we try to find happiness in all sorts of ways. I think it’s fascinating that most people continue to look for happiness but never realize that true happiness begins from within….just my two cents for the day….
Aaron
Hi Aaron, Excellent point. Sometimes we are focused way too much on the external issues and not focusing on what we need to do to make life better. But tools such as Gratitude 365 can show us that there is much to appreciate in this world. Sometimes we just need to count our blessings.
I truly appreciate you stopping by and sharing your two cents with us, Aaron!
Hi Carolyn,
These apps have some potential in their own way.Although i prefer to get myself busy.I like mood agent the most.
Most of the times my mood gets upset with no reasons and i just plug my earphone and listen to loud music so that i can’t hear anything and kill my bad mood.And this app will surely going to help me.Just had a review and downloaded it.Will check it out when next time my mood swings.
Thanks for sharing these apps Carolyn.. 🙂
Hi Aditya, Yes, sometimes listening to music can help us adjust our mood, but you have to find the right songs. I like that Mood Agent can help you do that easily. 🙂
I LOVE these Carolyn! I’m especially going to download Benny’s app – he’s the consummate inspiration. These are perfect gems for the start of the school year, which is the best opportunity for optimistic living!
Hi Ruth, I’m so glad you like these apps. You’re right, they can help you look on the bright side of life, which is a great way to start the school year!
Also be sure to check out today’s post on apps that can help kids learn! 🙂
Ha haa .. Koi Pond was the FIRST app I bought on an iDevice. It was way too cool to pass it, several years back (though now not anymore).
Interestingly, we had a diff use for Koi pond too. I play as part of a band, and we once covered a Pink Floyd song (from the Momentary Lapse of Reason album). As every PF song, this has some spl sound efx. There was a sound needed as if someone walking on water with splashing sound. Koi Pond was the answer. We connected the iPad to the mixer, and one guy had to open the song with walking on shallow water with the splashing sound. Perfect!
Apple devices let you be creative, in ways you can never think of!
Hi iRewardChart, Yes, Koi Pond was one of my first apps on my iPod Touch many years ago and I still keep it on my iPhone.
What a great story that you have about Koi pond! Such a creative use of the app, especially when there weren’t a lot of apps in the App Store.
Koi Pond is also a favorite with kids. My girls named the fish and loved to shake my iPod Touch to feed the fish. 🙂
Thanks for sharing your Koi Pond story with us!
Carolyn – Tech can really brighten ones mood for sure. There were days when we used to spend time doing absolutely nothing while waiting for a train or plane. Now, we have smart phones and tablets which can keep us busy. However the apps that you mentioned can even lighten up our mood and make our day better, one should really thank tech for bring us good things in life.
Moodagent sounds interesting, i should try that out.
Hi Praveen, Excellent point. Tech can put us in a better mood just by distracting us from the annoyances of life. No more is waiting in a long line or at the doctor’s office as tedious as it used to be since we have tech to keep us entertained! 😉
I was aware of Pinterest but the others are new to me. I’m going to check GlassCam. It seems like a fun app. Also I would love to have Moodagent. Music has a calming effect on me and if I play songs to pep me up, it works. Thanks for sharing Carolyn!
Hi David, Welcome to The Wonder of Tech! Yes, GlassCam is a fun app. It certainly makes the world prettier.
I hope you enjoy using Mood Agent. You’re right, music can have a strong impact on our moods so Mood Agent might be a very useful service to you.
Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts, David.
Gratitude is a wonderful thing.
I think it is easier when we feel loved and cultivate a life of love. Rather than some trick we put our brain though. I’ve tried both lol
Having central, deep loving relationships can really be a strong foundation from which we can follow our dreams.
What do you do if you don’t have those in place though? That is tough… I guess we must look for the right relationships and be vigilant in surrounding ourselves with happy, healthy people that like us?
Comments
Hi Geoff, Thank you very much for sharing your seven sentences of eloquence with us. You constantly inspire.
Thanks for the tools, MoodAgent is definitely something I’m going to check out. I typically listen to music that matches my mood anyway, and usually either scan through the mp3’s on my computer or head over to youtube to find something that fits. Glad to see that there is a program out there that does this for you.
Hi Kevin, So glad to see you here at The Wonder of Tech. Yes, it can be difficult to sort through music to find tunes to fit your mood but Mood Agent can do it for you! 🙂
Hi thanks for the article. I think to make article that can help people get back their mood is a benevolent. May the light be with you always 🙂
Anyway, one more website I used to open when my mood bad is Youtube. There are a lot of funny video there.You can also watch motivational video or searching of relaxing music.
Hi Akira, Welcome to The Wonder of Tech! YouTube is a great suggestion. You’re right, there are a lot of uplifting videos on YouTube. This is one of my favorites: Where is Matt?