Making a New Year’s resolution is the easy part. But keeping that New Year’s resolution? That can be a little more tricky. In fact, it’s often said that 80 percent of all New Year’s resolutions end in failure. But wait ― there’s hope! It is 2017 after all, and there’s a good chance that when it comes to making a change for the better, there’s an app (or tool, device, or gadget…) for that.

We partnered with Sleep Number to find out how to use tech to our advantage as we roll into the new year. Below, six offbeat tech tools to keep your resolutions on track in 2017.

1. Texts To Remind, Inspire And Motivate  

A little positive reinforcement can go a long way when it comes to sticking with a goal, and that’s where a text-messaging bot like Shine Text can help. Daily texts from Shine are meant to provide inspiration, confidence boosts and even personalized advice, which is why writer and speaker Maxie McCoy is a fan. “Text is a great medium for life-changing habits as we’re often overwhelmed with information, largely due to an inundation from social media, and text messages remain a sacred space,” McCoy says.

2. Tableware To Watch Your Waistline

For those who vow to make better choices when it comes to what they eat in 2017, there’s good news. Tableware that does nothing but collect and display foods and drinks are so old school. Instead, there’s now a plate that weighs and analyzes everything that’s on it; a bluetooth-enabled fork to measure meal speed; and a “smart” cup that lets you “hydrate intelligently,” according to its makers.

3. Virtual and Augmented Reality To Expand Your Mind

You’ve probably heard about virtual reality being used to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or even phantom limb pain in amputees. You might also, like most of us, associate it solely with gaming. But VR technology, by no means, stops there. With your smartphone, and maybe even some earbuds and a cardboard headset, you can expand your mind in some fun, trippy, and healthy ways. Whether you aspire to make 2017 the year you start meditating or traveling the world, VR can be the tool that gets you there. VR apps provide an instantly intimate environment that can make you feel like you are transported. And sometimes that’s exactly what we all need to improve our health and wellbeing.

4. Blue-Light Blockers To Rest Easier

If “sleep better” is on your resolution list (and it probably should be since 30 percent of Americans are sleep deprived), ban blue light before bed. Studies show that light emitted from electronic devices and energy-efficient bulbs disrupt the body’s circadian rhythms and negatively affect sleep quality. If you can’t quit your evening screen habit cold turkey, you may want to try biological LED lamps and light bulbs, originally designed for astronauts. Alternately, you can cover your devices with blue-blocking filters, or install a backlight-altering app on your devices that will shift colors in your display to the warmer-end of the color spectrum.

5. Wearables To Look More Chic Than Geek

The future of fitness trackers is a fitness tracker that doesn’t, well, look like a fitness tracker. Jewelry designers and fashion houses are getting into the wearables game, so you can now dress in showstopping necklaces, designer bracelets, and lux-looking rings with semi-precious stones that would look right at home during fashion week. There are many choices available, which is why Sara Dimmick, owner of Physical Equilibrium in New York City, says to consult with fitness friends and trainers “to get recommendations on which ones might be a good fit.”

6. Apps To Do Everything, Ever

Because there is an app out there to help you do almost anything, it’s hard to find a New Year’s resolution that isn’t made a little easier with the help of technology. Autumn Calabrese is the creator of the 21 Day Fix and a celebrity trainer. “With all of the new technology, sticking to your health and fitness resolutions should be easier than ever,” says Calabrese. “Anytime you have something or someone helping keep you accountable and tracking your progress, you are more likely to stay on track.”

  body and soul, health, healthy living