With its distinct pixilated style and gentle preset reminders, the Aloe Bud app is enjoyable and fun to use, meaning you’re even more likely to meet those goals.
How Does the Aloe Bud App Work?
The basic version of the Aloe Bud app is free to use. When you’re getting set up, the app does recommend using reminders to make the most of it. However, the scheduled reminders and notifications all require you to opt in, and you choose whether to use them at all.
When you first get started with the app, three options appear on your home screen: breathe, hydrate, and motivate. For each option, you can adjust the activity card and set reminders that suit your schedule. You have a lot of control over the reminders. They may send alerts on certain days of the week, for example, or even several times a day if you prefer.
Like many reminder apps focused on your wellbeing, Aloe Bud helps you cut through distractions and stay on top of your own personal care. After using the app for a little while, you’ll get a sense of the best time to send yourself reminders for each activity. They are easy to adjust at any time.
From this point, you can select additional activities by tapping on the plus sign in the upper left-hand corner of the screen. From there, you may select options for moving around, stretching, taking medication on time, checking in with friends, going to bed on time, eating more fruits and vegetables, and much more.
Plus, each option includes three different icons you choose from for the reminder. It’s a helpful way to personalize the app to your particular needs and preferences, or whichever blocky image speaks to you the most.
In this case, I added options to eat more vegetables, write out reflections, and make notes of new things I learned each day. Then I set a daily alarm for each activity. The alerts are relatively unobtrusive, and they are easy to dismiss if you’re not able to pay attention to the app at that moment.
When you complete a task, either by filling out a prompt or simply hitting the complete button, the task lights up on your home screen. That’s all you have to do. This ease of use fits in well with the app’s minimalist, simple design.
To review your completed tasks at any time, including any notes you’ve written, tap the icon in the upper center of the app. (The image of this icon depends on which task you completed most recently). From there, scroll through the list of your activities on the app.
After getting accustomed to the design and its functions for a few days, I enjoyed using the Aloe Bud app. The alerts never became overwhelming or annoying; instead, they nudged me toward healthy habits like taking a break to breathe or drink more water. Best of all, you have control over every reminder and its schedule. For the most part, the free version of Aloe Bud is a handy tool for establishing healthy habits.
Download: Aloe Bud for iOS (Free, in-app purchases available)
What Does the Paid Version of the Aloe Bud App Provide?
There are three options for in-app purchases with the Aloe Bud app: Premium Reminders, Custom Reminders, and the Bundle. The Bundle includes both Premium and Custom Reminders.
The Premium Reminders offer additional motivational sentences for each activity. In other words, the phrases that appear as locked in the free version of the app are now available. You also get the option to enable or disable these messages.
Meanwhile, the Custom Reminder option lets you write whatever you like for any activity. It’s a simple way to add a personalized touch to your scheduled alerts. You also get the ability to turn that reminder on and off as needed.
The upgraded features do offer an enhanced experience, but the app’s basic functionality is not changed.
Should You Download the Aloe Bud App?
If you’re into simple, straightforward self-care options, Aloe Bud is definitely worth a try. The total customization it offers for reminders makes the app fit neatly into your daily routine, rather than the other way around.
Plus, the blocky, colorful graphics add to its appeal. Sometimes it feels like receiving self-care advice from an old 8-bit game (in a good way).
In addition, the free version gives you access to nearly all the content, and it doesn’t include advertisements. The paid content is a one-time purchase, so you don’t have to manage recurring payments if you do decide to upgrade.
However, the Aloe Bud app is currently only available for iOS. A version for the Google Play Store is in the works, but at the time of writing in August 2022, Android users are unable to download the app.
And while some people will appreciate the Aloe Bud app’s complete simplicity, others may want more content from a mental wellness app. In these cases, you might consider more robust options such as the mental health app My Possible Self or Finch, the self-care app with a virtual pet. These offer more support and resources for care.
For the most part, though, the Aloe Bud app is a solid tool for managing your self-care on even the most hectic days.
Schedule Time for Wellness With the Aloe Bud App
The Aloe Bud app encourages you to make time for personal care throughout the day with gentle, encouraging reminders. This simple app with charmingly retro graphics offers an easy way to schedule time for rest, hydration, movement, motivation, and much more.
Whether you need a reminder to regularly check in with friends or simply reflect on your day, the Aloe Bud app offers a helpful nudge any time you need it.
