From quickly checking the local weather, tasks for the day, or stock prices, your iPhone or iPad’s built-in widgets serve a range of functions. Beyond that, third-party widgets unlock even more fantastic capabilities, some of which can help you start each day on a positive note.
Here are some incredible iOS widgets that you can use to keep an optimistic mindset throughout the day.
1. Affirmations
Affirmations is as simple and as positive as a daily reminder app can get. The main screen shows nothing but the app’s name and a message of affirmation in the center.
In its settings, Affirmations gives you great options to change the message’s color, opacity, text size, and gradients. It also lets you change the app icon to other designs, including LGBTQ+ pride flag colors.
You can also change which kinds of affirmations you’d like to receive: appearance, mental health inspiration, positive reminders, and more. Some affirmations are seasonal, while others are universal.
The widget is available in three sizes. However, due to system limitations in iOS 15 and earlier, you can’t tap the widget to change the affirmation; tapping it simply opens the app.
Download: Affirmations (Free)
2. Scribblet
Scribblet gives you the ability to create your own small, medium, or large widget by drawing a picture that makes you smile or by typing your own personal affirmations.
One of the app’s most useful features, which requires an in-app purchase, is the ability to set a custom image for the widget. You can use this image as the widget’s background or you can simply display the image.
Choose a cute animal, an aspirational photo, or a meme that makes you smile and be reminded of your goals and positive thoughts throughout the day.
Download: Scribblet (Free, in-app purchases available)
3. Calm
Calm is a fantastic iOS app that is filled with daily guided and unguided meditation sessions, sleep stories, and calming music. The app also tracks your daily streak of meditation sessions, which helps encourage a mindfulness habit.
Though many meditations and features are for paying subscribers only, there are a few free open-ended and timed meditations available.
Most importantly, the widget is free and simple to use. It gives you a reminder to meditate or practice another type of mental health exercise and lets you start a session right from your device’s home screen.
Download: Calm (Free, subscription available)
4. Widgetsmith
Widgetsmith has been very popular since its release, and for good reason. The app lets you design your own widget with photos, the date and time, custom text, various icons, and colorful frames. You can also design the widget with hearts, holiday lights, and many other themes.
Widgetsmith is a great way to choose a custom photo from your library—such as a loved one or pet that makes you happy—that you can look at every day without needing to set them as your wallpaper. You can even schedule the widget to change to different photos, albums, and designs throughout the day.
Download: Widgetsmith (Free, subscription available)
5. Dark Noise
Dark Noise is perfect for those who love meditating to calm sounds and appreciate being able to customize their app experience. With Dark Noise, you can choose from a library of soothing ambient noises and types of white noise to help you quiet your mind when you’re feeling stressed.
You can customize the widget by selecting specific noises, changing its light and dark themes, and removing padding so it blends in with your home screen wallpaper. The app’s design is incredibly polished and the widget reflects that. If you love having an aesthetically pleasing home screen, you’re going to love the Dark Noise widget.
Download: Dark Noise ($9.99)
Widgets Are Fantastic Positivity Reminders on Your Home Screen
It’s all too easy to feel overwhelmed by the stresses and disappointments of daily life, and technology often seems exacerbate the problem.
But technology can help promote positivity, too. Thanks to your smartphone, you can have photos of people, pets, loved ones, and happy memories in your pocket. You can even show affirming messages and play soothing sounds straight from your iOS device’s home screen.
Yet another tool at your disposal for the fight against negativity, iOS home screen widgets might be just what you need to remember what makes you happy and help you keep a positive mindset.
