Unfortunately, I must admit that I’m not someone who has a set routine to get through the daily tasks, despite my best efforts. Living with multiple chronic illnesses while working full-time and maintaining a personal life can be overwhelming, and even getting out of bed can feel like a significant accomplishment. The constant struggle between exhaustion and lack of motivation means that completing any tasks on my to-do list is often a gamble.

However, a few months ago, a friend suggested I try the Finch app to help me establish a gentle structure and make the most of my day. I had seen ads for this “self-care pet” on Instagram, and my friend’s recommendation was the push I needed to give it a try. Four months later, I’m still using the app consistently, and it’s become like having my own personal life coach.

Finch is a unique combination of a habit tracker, motivation app, and virtual pet. It allows you to raise a little bird, referred to as a “birb,” from an egg and care for it as it grows and learns. Unlike my experience with Tamagotchis, I don’t have to worry about keeping my birb alive, which is a welcome change.

Caring for my bird involves dressing it up in cute outfits, petting it, changing its home decor, and sending it on adventures. In return, my bird checks in with me throughout the day, offering encouragement and reminders to complete my goals, and celebrating my accomplishments. I use the free version of the app, which has been more than sufficient for my needs. However, there’s also a subscription-based version, Finch Plus, that unlocks additional items, guided exercises, and more features.

If you were to look at my goals list, you might find it overwhelming, with over 20 tasks to complete each day. However, these tasks vary in importance and range from basic daily activities like getting out of bed, brushing my teeth, and taking my morning medication, to more significant tasks like exercising or doing laundry. Finch takes a gentle approach to goal-tracking, focusing on accomplishments rather than guilt or shame. There are no consequences for not completing tasks, and the app highlights what you have achieved rather than what you haven’t.

Upon completing my goals, I’m awarded rainbow stones, which can be used to purchase items, clothes, and accessories for my bird. Over time, I can collect and raise cute “micropets” as companions for my bird, similar to the Petpets in Neopets.

Sometimes, it’s helpful to look at the bigger picture, and Finch allows me to group tasks into “Journeys” to track my progress in specific areas. These Journeys are color-coded and come with tiered rewards, which I earn as I level up by hitting certain milestones. Even if I don’t complete my “Exercise for 30+ minutes” goal every day, the three days I do exercise will count toward my “Get moving, get healthy” Journey.

Just opening the app every day comes with rewards, and I’ve recently achieved my longest streak of 32 days. While I was disappointed when I finally missed a day, I was more impressed by my commitment to showing up for myself. The app also offers themed items, rainbow stones, and daily quests, such as writing reflections or sending good vibes to friends, which encourages me to engage with the app and its community.

One of the unique aspects of Finch is its strong sense of community and support. The app allows me to add friends using a code, and our birds can visit each other’s homes, bringing messages or gifts. My friend and I often send each other encouraging messages and positivity, and some users even exchange codes with others online to expand their support network.

The app also allows me to gift the paid version, Finch Plus, to users who may not be able to afford it, which is a kind gesture that promotes kindness and support within the community. The app constantly reminds me that someone is rooting for me, whether it’s my little bird or another Finch user.

Finch offers various built-in tools to promote self-care, including guided breathing exercises, movement routines, and prompts for written reflections. The app checks in with me multiple times a day to track my mood and offers a “First Aid Kit” with optional activities to help me manage my feelings or anxiety. It also provides links to helplines for confidential emotional support.

I’ve tried several self-care and productivity apps, but Finch is the first one I’ve stuck with for an extended period. I appreciate how it can be tailored to my specific needs, with both pre-set and custom goals, and the virtual pet element makes it a joy to use. I’ve grown attached to my little birb, Ripper Jr., and the micropets we’ve collected. While I may not be a morning person who accomplishes five tasks before 10 AM, Ripper Jr. and I are still making progress and getting things done.