A 2023 Institut Public de Sondage d’Opinion Secteur (IPSOS) survey has found that mental health is now one of the biggest concerns among U.S. adults, surpassing illnesses such as coronavirus, cancer, and obesity. With mental health becoming prevalent, more advancements are working toward better health. Among some of these innovations is the Finch app.  

Founded in May 2021, Thomas Aquinas Nugraha Budi and Stephanie Yuan created an app that makes self-care a daily habit and mental health care easily accessible. The app’s simple nature allows users to use it to their preference. While some may be ready to jump into rigorous training regiments, others may need positive affirmations and coaching to meet their goals. Fitness apps help achieve peak health with a plan. What if all you need is time to vent? What if you are struggling to get up and out of bed? What about getting dressed up past the usual sweatpants and T-shirt?

Finch is an app tailored for everyone with varying mental health needs. The app’s premise is that users take care of pets by themselves. The goals range from brushing one’s teeth to acts of service like buying a coffee for a stranger. 

Users check their goals, reflect, and take time for self-care exercises. This helps their Finch gain strength to go and explore the world. As the caretaking process progresses, users get a glimpse of their pet’s personality, discovering their favorite foods and songs through conversations held with their pets at the end of each adventure. 

I downloaded the app on the recommendation of a friend. I thought this would be something I would stick to for less than a month. Six months later, I am still logged in each morning to write my daily goals and wave my Finch hello. This app has helped me get more in touch with my emotions and mental health.

The more interactive the user, the more the virtual pet will grow. This app has helped keep me accountable. Additionally, seeing my mood progress through the days has made me realize that one negative experience does not make my day bad. It is just a negative moment surrounded by positive ones.

Once your Finch reaches adulthood, users gain access to a travel agency allowing finches to venture out of the forest into other areas of the world.

The Finch app has made me realize that taking care of yourself doesn’t require a lot, just consistency and motivation. 

My pet’s name is Stripe. He likes iced tea and milk chocolate. His favorite book is  “The Very Hungry Caterpillar,” he dislikes croissants. He sends me daily affirmations and reminders to complete my goals. 

The Finch app helps enforce a healthy, positive lifestyle, allowing users to become their best versions. To those seeking a digital health tool, this app is one of the best apps to download.