Apps like Duolingo can help you learn or master another language, but I've found one app that helps you take care of your mental health. When I downloaded Finch back in 2023, I didn't really hold much hope for it. I'd seen on Instagram ads that it was similar to having a Tamagochi (kids who grew up in the 00s will get understand the impact), and that you could set little tasks for yourself every morning, but I didn't realise it would have such a genuine impact.
Yes, it's gamified, and I do personally think that the paid plan of £69.99 a year is far too expensive, but it's a fantastic little appif you need a bit of extra motivation to stick to your to-do list. Plus it can be used almost to its full capacity, even if you don't want to fork out for it.
So, how does Finch work?When you download the app, you get to pick out a name for your self-care bird, and you can customise it with the colours you'd like it to be. The colours can be changed later, so don't stress too much. My bird is called Sparkles.
But then, you set yourself a to-do list which you'll have to complete every single day.
And every day, your self-care bird goes on a mission which takes six hours, and they'll come back and tell you something, and you have to choose a reply. Based on that reply, they'll gain things like compassion or interest in certain topics.
You can also explore different places around the world, although everyone starts in 'Finchie Forest'. When your bird grows into an adult, however, you'll be able to go to other places; potentially even destinations you've been in the real world.
You can also buy clothes for your bird and furnish your bird's home, which is where it goes to sleep every night, regardless of where in the world they may be.
But there are so many other things to do on the app. You can participate in mindfulness exercises, journaling, and breathing exercises to centre yourself.
It also asks you how you're feeling each day, offering additional support resources to you if you press the sad or very sad faces.
You can connect with friends and send each other 'encouragement' or a 'reminder to drink water,' which genuinely really helps. Weirdly, these reminders from pals always seem to come at the perfect time!
But you need to stay consistent with it; otherwise, you and your bird won't have the strongest bond possible, and it may not grow up to be an adult, which is when they can go on adventures across the world.
You can pay in in-app coins to repair a streak a couple of times, as far as I'm aware. But once that's been done once or twice, I think your streak may completely restart - which is sad.
So, it's more reason to go on the app every day and ensure that you're doing all the things you need to, and ticking off your to-do list so you can send your bird on adventures and keep that streak going for as long as possible.
You also get micropets, which are absolutely adorable. My personal favourite ones are the cats. You hatch one at random every week, provided you keep up with your goals.
And, if you keep up with it every day, you can collect prizes, such as decor for your home and more coins to spend in the stores.
Many of the clothes you get gifted can be sold on for their coin value, or alternatively, you can change the colour of them if it doesn't suit your birds' vibe.
After doing it for 500 days, it's definitely kept me more accountable for tasks, including taking regular stretch breaks away from my laptop, exercising every day, drinking water, and reading my book daily.
Plus, your actual bird will send random reminders, too, telling you it's proud of you, etc, which is a sweet touch.
I'm not saying that this app will single-handedly cure anyone's depression or anxiety; however, I think it could help to a certain extent.
On Reddit, someone wrote: "Has anyone tried Finch? I think it’s a really cute way to maintain your mental health. I just started using it tonight. The basic premise of it is that you care for this little bird by being kind to yourself.
I think this will discourage negative self-talk. By hurting myself, I hurt my little Chickie (that’s what I named him). But you can also set goals for yourself (tomorrow I have a goal to not use social media while working, which I’m really bad at doing), and also do little quizzes or other activities".
Another person replied: "Clinical psychotherapist here- I endorse this app! It’s like a hug when you didn’t know you needed one. It teaches self-compassion".
A Redditor wrote: "I've been with it for 64 days now and it has really helped my not so great days and kept me motivated to just get out of bed or change my clothes, and I feel 'productive' enough to not feel guilty".
One woman shared: "I'm on day 25 with 36% of the forest discovered! A few days ago, he went from toddler to child. He's growing up so fast. I never thought I'd become this engaged when I downloaded it.
"Surprisingly, I look forward to checking in with this little guy and sending him out for adventuring! I also love to hear what he has to say upon return. An adorable way to put a smile on anyone's face, daily".
