Organize your life an app at a time

I am a self-proclaimed smartphone junkie. Remember my very first article for Lioness Magazine?  I talked about how sometimes we all need to “Step away from the smartphone” in order to find peace in our lives.

I still believe in stepping away from technology from time to time, but I also believe we can use technology, specifically apps, to make our lives less stressful and more productive.  Here are a few of my favorite apps/ websites that assist me with everything from studying the Bible to generating extra income.

Study the Bible- Every morning I access the online Bible app Youversion to read my daily scripture and my daily devotional. Youversion offers free reading plans to suit any Bible reader, from moms to business owners to those of us who find ourselves dealing with a personal struggle.  Youversion is free and can be downloaded to any smartphone device.  This way you’ll always have your Bible onhand. www.youversion.com.  

Get Fit- Want to shed a few pounds and make friends in the process? I downloaded My Fitness Pal a year ago after one of my fellow Lioness Magazine columnists told me about it. The app allows you to track your calories, exercise and weight. It also allows you to post your progress on your Facebook page or Twitter account. www.myfitnesspal.com

Earn your degree- When I enrolled at Bay Path College, I never dreamed I would be able to earn college credit while sitting at my laptop at my kitchen table. But I did, and now I have earned my Bachelor’s Degree. Most schools offer online learning, check with your local college to see what is offered.

Remember to call your grandmother/ mother/ other family member- I discovered Hassle Me after I kept forgetting to call my grandmother on Sundays.  She is 94 years old and hard of hearing, so contacting her via telephone was a process that had to be planned.  She is only “near” her landline phone at certain times of the day, so I programmed Hassle Me to remind me to call her every Sunday and to send a letter to her every Wednesday. I also use Hassle Me to remind myself to eat my veggies and drink more water. www.hassleme.co.uk

Get paid- I cannot tell you how many times I have been at an event and someone wanted to purchase my book or cd, only for me to have to turn them away because they didn’t have cash on hand. Well, not anymore! Now I pull out my handy Square card swiper and swipe away! The money is deposited into my checking account the next day. Square is a must-have for any female entrepreneur with payments to process on-the-fly. www.square.com

Check your smartphone/ computer to see which apps would work best for you.  Do you need more organization? A better understanding of the Bible? A healthier life?  Or even a college degree? There’s probably an app for that!

Crystal Senter Brown has appeared in Essence Magazine, Vibe Magazine and Redbook Magazine and has released three music cd’s and three books, most recently “The Rhythm in Blue” (www.therhythminblue.com.) But the role she is most proud of is being Adonte’s mother and Corey’s wife. Learn more about Crystal at www.crystalsenterbrown.com.