We all have times where we’re a little bit less than happy. Some of us even let depression slip in. Is there any way that an app can help you raise your personal happiness level? Get Happy, an app designed by Dr. Lisa Patterson-Kane attempts to help you make changes to improve your life, for under a dollar.
Overview
I’m a generally happy person, but I have my moments. I recently went through a divorce. While the divorce was “friendly,” there is still stress involved with dividing your belongings, finding an apartment, generally starting a new life. When this app came up for review, I volunteered. I seemed like a likely user for such an app, so I’ll give it a try.
The app allows you to rate how happy you are in four areas of life, “Relationships,” “Personal Growth,” “Leisure,” and “Work Education.” The app will then offer you personalized tips on how to improve your life in those areas.
As well as listing hints and tips to a better life while in the app, you can also set the app to use the notification center to “remind” you to have a better life by sending you “notifications” which are little tips that will pop up on your iPhone’s screen during the day. You can set the notification cycle to happen Daily, Every Second Day, Weekly, or Fortnightly, (Every two weeks.)
While trying out the apps, I have had the Tips Notifications set to daily. The notification pops up once a day, and it’s a short tip about how to improve your life. I found that the notification didn’t bug me, and if I took the time to read it, it was actually helpful. I also respond to photos of cute puppies and kittens too, so…
All of the tips can also be read from within the app, and the app allows you to select any of the tips as “favorites”, and also share the tip via Email, Twitter, or Facebook.
Verdict
I’m not much on pop-psychology, but I found the app did help me stop and think about how I could improve my life.
The rating system used to offer the tips is easy to set via sliders, and the color coding makes it easier to recognize what “pillar of happiness” it’s giving you tips in.
If you’re clinically depressed, for God’s sake, go get professional help. If you find yourself feeling a little blue, or just want to try and improve your outlook on life, give Get Happy a try. It’s only $0.99, and it can’t hurt.
The app web page does offer this disclaimer, and I think it’s worth repeating here:
The content of this application is for your information only. It is not a substitute for professional advice and should not be used as a standalone treatment for psychiatric or medical conditions. If you have thoughts of harming yourself or others, seek immediate assistance from a medical professional. Please consult your healthcare provider, psychologist or counselor if you have any questions or concerns.
Rating:4/5[rating:4]
Price: $0.99 – Available for the iPhone and iPod touch in the App Store [DIRECT LINK]
Pros:
- Easy to enter your happiness level in the various categories.
- Using the notification center for daily tips is a nice unobtrusive touch.
- The color coding of categories makes it easy to follow the areas of life you’re receiving advice in.
Cons:
- Doesn’t use the taller screen of the iPhone 5. (A pet peeve of mine.)
- Some users might need tips more often than once a day, twice a day, or even hourly notifications would be nice.
