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New Year, New Apps: The Alternative New Year's Resolution List

Alternative Apps To Make Resolutions Actually Worthwhile (And Doable)
Thomas Tamblyn

By now you'll have seen these features in the papers, magazines and online: 'New Year, New You'. They're all suffering from a problem though which is: they won't work.

Finding the best New Year's Resolution apps isn't about taking the same old expectations and applying them to everyone. Some of you don't want to become fitness freaks and personally, I'd kill before I give up my glass of wine.

Instead let's address the things that matter to you day-to-day - like the fact you're not sleeping as well as you could, or that actually your friends keep going to all these exhibitions and you're beginning to feel like a bit of a social recluse.

Or maybe you'd like to get fitter but not have to endure the hateful world of fitness trackers and app-based competitiveness.

Don't panic, here is the Huffington Post's alternative New Year's resolution list including how to become a superstar DJ, discovering if you have a castle in your back garden and how to get fitter by running from zombies.

New Year, New Apps
Sleep Better - Sleep Cycle Alarm Clock(01 of09)
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There is no excuse for a bad sleeping pattern other than a new series of Luther or perhaps when humans first land on Mars. Both are years away so it's about time you gave your body the rest it deserves. Sleep Cycle Alarm Clock will make sure you get to bed on time and then gently wake you up when you're in your lightest state of snooze. It doesn't need any fancy accessories you just place the phone (plugged in) under your pillow and you're good to go. Give it a week and you'll feel like a new person.Price: £0.69 on iOS and Android
Become A Spy - MIXED Cocktails(02 of09)
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Why should you have to go into an expensive bar to feel like you're working for the government? You shouldn't. MIXED Cocktails is your encyclopaedia to alcoholic nirvana. With over 400 recipes all beautifully explained you'll be creating old fashioneds that would put a smile on Don Draper's face. Who could ask for more than that?Price: £Free on iOS
Eat Healthier - The Photo Cookbook(03 of09)
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Cooking is tiresome, time-consuming and ultimately a complete waste of time. At least it used to be until this photographic gem came along. If, like us, you find cooking to be a club that everyone else seems to be a member of then fear not. The Photo Cookbook is a visual masterclass in making quick, simple and terrifyingly healthy food. It's not all easy, but it is all delicious, and worth the effort.Price: £2.49 on iOS, Mac OS X and Windows
Move More - Zombies, Run!(04 of09)
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Zombies, Run! is, if you hadn't already guessed, unlike anything else on this list. If you're struggling for motivation when you run then this app handily provides an incentive: escaping a giant horde of zombies. With a full-blown storyline written by award-winning novelist Naomi Alderman the app takes you through 'missions' as you run for your life. Create your own playlists within the app and look back on your finest escapes. It's about time you stopped suffering and turned running into the game it was always meant to be.Price: £1.99 on iOS & Android
DJ Your First Club - Traktor DJ for iPhone/iPad(05 of09)
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They always make it look so easy. With so much technology surrounding them as well, it really should be. Sadly DJ-ing isn't something you can just pick up, but it is something that you can learn and there's no better tool than the one professional DJs use. Traktor DJ is an entire mixing desk in app form. Start off slow with all the autopilot features enabled and then, as you get better, remove the training wheels. When you think you're ready, check out the excellent BBC Introducing site for some top tips on how to get your first gig.Price: £2.99 on iOS
Explore - National Trust(06 of09)
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When was the last time you just went for a drive? The chances are that without you even knowing there's a stunning piece of countryside, an ancient castle or prime piece of 30s architecture around the corner. Your gateway to the UK's hidden treasures is this, the National Trust app. Block out those childhood memories of being dragged round old houses and go explore again. The app lists each property and provides opening times, beautiful high-res images and contact info. Price: £Free on iOS
Become A Columnist - HuffPost Blog(07 of09)
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OK so this might seem like a bit of shameless self-promotion but actually step back and think about it. Where else can you become a published writer online? With thousands of bloggers you'll be joining a community that writes about everything from current affairs to feminism to healthy living. Maybe you want to write your first film review, or perhaps you're reaching the end of your tether with the local council. Write, get involved and become part of the discussion. It's addictive, challenging and you'll love it. Price: £Free on Chrome, Firefox, iOS, Android
Learn A New Language - Duolingo(08 of09)
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Rosetta Stone might be the industry standard but it can't be with you everywhere. Duolingo can. It doesn't know what stubborn means so when it bugs you with alerts telling you to keep learning you feel far less inclined to throw the offending article out the nearest window. Learning a language is hard. It's hard and it requires patience, absolute devotion and the kind of attitude that doesn't object to spending hours listening to Italian radio shows. What you get in return though is priceless.Price: £Free
Cut Down On Coffee - UP Coffee(09 of09)
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We don't know about you but we drink a lot of coffee. It's not done deliberately, it just happens. Thankfully though there's a way of keeping your caffeine addiction under control. UP Coffee is Jawbone's rather niche solution. Start logging your coffee intake and after a week the app will have a personalised picture of whether you're drinking too much and how it'll affect your sleep from day to day. Don't worry, this isn't about giving it up, it's just about getting a better nights sleep.Price: £Free on iOS
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