Apps designed to improve mood can make a difference. Dr. Patricia Areán of the University of Washington, Seattle, conducted a study involving 626 people with mild to moderate depression.

Those with moderate depression who used a cognitive training app experienced significantly better mood compared to those who did not.

One popular form of psychotherapy, called cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), has been shown to benefit many forms of anxiety and mood disorders.

There are now brain games and online apps that teach people how to use CBT to distract themselves from negative thoughts and learn to change behavior and improve their quality of life.

Other smartphone apps serve as portable wellness trainers, helping people live active lifestyles and discouraging choices that threaten their health.

Whether you’re trying to quit smoking, lose weight, exercise more, or maintain a serene mental state, there are many apps and programs to facilitate your goals.

These programs are a cost effective way to improve both body and mind health, and they are very convenient because most of us carry phones with us everywhere.