Life can be very stressful, especially for a high school student with a full plate—juggling AP classes, extracurriculars, officer positions, and helping siblings with homework. But keeping up with the pressure of a social life is never really cut out. Stress escalates to an entirely new dimension during college application season.

Our phones don't always have to be the enemy, even when excessive screen time is the primary source of worry. I've found a better way to use my phone than despairingly scrolling through TikTok or being overwhelmed by Instagram's highlight reels. By encouraging online groups, apps like Moodie, Study Bunny, YPT, Xiaohongshu (小红书), Quabble, and Nike Run Club have made me feel more productive.

When Social Media Becomes a Distraction

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I constantly read emails and messages about college, extracurricular activities, and school. After checking them, I end up in an endless social media cycle, feeling tempted to go on Instagram or TikTok and give in. Hours pass, and before I know it, it is 9 PM, and I still haven't begun my homework.

Aside from procrastination, social media impacts my mental health. As a student who barely has time to breathe, watching influencers party on beaches or travel daily makes me feel like I'm doing something wrong. It paints an image that my life is work and no play, despite my knowing that education and true connections should be my priorities.

To fight this cycle, I’ve turned to apps that help me stay productive while still feeling connected. Here are the ones that have made the most significant impact on my daily life:

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Moodie: Tracking Mental Health in a Fun Way

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I have always wanted to journal, yet I either forget or am too tired at the end of the day. Moodie makes it easy: It lets users track their emotions daily using fun icons—happy, sad, embarrassed, angry, etc.—and adds a small note describing how they feel.

Unlike most traditional journals, Moodie remains discreet among all other apps on my phone, much more so than an actual paper-and-pen journal would be. It helps me reflect upon the week—maybe patterns in moods or understanding how some of my habits impact my mental health.

Study Bunny: Gamifying Productivity

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Ever feel unmotivated to study? Well, Study Bunny makes learning a game in and of itself. You get a virtual bunny, and the more you study, the more you can feed and dress your bunny. Slack off, and the well-being of the bunny begins to decline, pushing you to keep your routine going.

The app also contains timers, study logs, and a reward system that eliminates the feeling of studying being a chore. If you have problems with focusing, I recommend starting with the Pomodoro method of 25 minutes of studying, followed by a 5-minute break. However, I ditch the brakes and power through once I enter the flow.

YPT: A Virtual Study Group for Motivation

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I am the kind of student who would rather study in a cafe or library since I don't like studying in one area constantly. When switching environments to study isn't available, YPT presents a workable alternative.

This application allows users to connect or form study groups, measure study time on specific subjects, and even reveal how productive everyone else is. It is quite a lot to know that someone else is also studying with me, even though it's not in person.

Xiaohongshu: An Inspiration Hub Sans Distraction

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Xiaohongshu, or Little Red Book, is more than a TikTok alternative; it's an inspiration hub without distractions. While Instagram and TikTok present even study accounts amidst a sea of memes and distractions, Xiaohongshu offers a feed with clear-cut purposes.

I use it for wellness inspiration, and several 6 AM pilates routines, study vlogs, and healthy meal ideas pop up without having to deal with mindless scrolling or viral trends. Since the feed is curated rather than popularity-driven, it's more like a digital vision board than a social media rabbit hole.

Quabble: A Daily Mental Wellness Companion

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Quabble is the total self-care app. It comes with a gratitude journal, meditation practice, breathing practice, and even a library of sleep sounds to let you sleep at night. There is also a mood diary and an anonymous community option, where you can express your feelings and get support without anyone knowing who you are.

I absolutely adore that treasure box—it's where you keep small, happy memories and can refer back to them when you're not feeling great. It's a wonderful habit substitution for using social media.

The only downside is that it requires a subscription to unlock the full version, but if you ask me, it's worth $3.99/month or $19.99/year.

Nike Run Club: Making Exercise Fun and Engaging

Exercise is the best way to de-stress, but motivation always fails. With guided runs, training programs, and real-time coaching, Nike Run Club reduces stress.

I wasn't sure if I would like a virtual coach telling me to push through a run, but it feels encouraging. It's like having a personal trainer reminding you why you're doing this. The app also offers at-home workouts, personalized fitness goals, and wellness guides, making it a great all-around fitness app.

Even if running isn't your thing, the app includes strength training, mobility exercises, and yoga, so there's something for everyone.

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Technology Helps Shape Better Habits

An American Psychological Association report in 2022 shows that 81% of teens cite school as a primary source of stress. Technology will either add to that stress—or eradicate it—based on how we decide to use it. By tracking my mood patterns with Moodie, keeping learning interesting with Study Bunny, reaching a virtual learning community with YPT, creating a personalized feed with Xiaohongshu, self-caring with Quabble, and working out with Nike Run Club, my phone has evolved into a tool utilized for productivity instead of anxiety.

If you feel overwhelmed by screen time, I highly recommend trying these apps. You may find that the right technology helps you reclaim time, reduce stress, and stay motivated.