The Real Dangers and Benefits of Wearable Health Trackers: My 5 years Journey

Ever wondered what truly happens when you start using wearable health trackers? Over the past three years, I’ve been immersed in this world, tracking every aspect of my health. From the initial excitement to the potential pitfalls, here’s what I’ve learned.

Key Takeaways

• Wearable health trackers can enhance your life by providing valuable insights and accountability.
• Obsessing over data can lead to anxiety and unhealthy behaviors.
• Understanding the phases of wearable usage can help you navigate the experience better.

When It All Started

I first got my hands on an Oura Ring in 2018, and by 2019, I was hooked. Since then, I’ve added various devices like the Whoop on my bicep and continuous glucose monitors to my collection. Let’s dive into what I’ve learned over these years.

The Lifecycle of a Wearable User

1. The Obsession Phase

When you first get a wearable, the excitement is palpable. You start obsessing over every metric – deep sleep, resting heart rate, HRV. The desire to optimize every aspect of your health can be overwhelming.

2. The Education Phase

After a few months, you start understanding how your behaviors impact your biometrics. Alcohol before bed? Expect poor sleep. Late-night coffee? Say hello to an elevated heart rate. This phase is all about learning and adjusting.

3. The Indifference Phase

Eventually, you reach a point where you feel you’ve learned enough. You understand what the wearable is telling you and how your actions affect your data. Many people stop using the devices at this stage, but some, like me, continue adding more wearables to their collection.

The Dangers of Wearable Health Trackers

Ortho-Insomnia

Capturing detailed data can cause anxiety, especially if the numbers aren’t what you expect. This can lead to a vicious cycle of stress and poor sleep.

Sleep Stage Obsession

Obsessing over sleep stages can be misleading due to the varying accuracy of wearables. Focus on overall sleep quality, resting heart rate, and HRV instead.

HRV Obsession

Heart rate variability (HRV) varies widely between devices and individuals. Don’t compare your HRV with others. Focus on maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Recovery and Readiness Obsession

Recovery scores can be helpful, but don’t let them dictate your day. Different devices may give conflicting scores. Use the data as a guide, not a rule.

Benefits of Wearable Health Trackers

Insightful Behavior Adjustments

Wearables can highlight the impact of behaviors like alcohol and caffeine consumption on your sleep and heart rate. This creates accountability and encourages healthier choices.

Stand Alerts

Regular notifications to stand and move can help counteract the negative effects of prolonged sitting.

Exercise Motivation

Wearables can motivate you to maintain a consistent exercise routine, helping you stay fit and healthy.

Illness Detection

Wearables can detect subtle changes in your body, like elevated temperature or respiratory rate, that might indicate illness, prompting early action.

Practical Tips

• Clean Your Wearables: Avoid skin irritation by regularly cleaning your devices and ensuring proper ventilation.
• Set Clear Goals: Know what you want to achieve with your wearable. Whether it’s better sleep or more exercise, having clear goals can guide your usage.

Final Thoughts

Wearable health trackers can be incredibly beneficial, but it’s essential to use them wisely. Don’t get lost in the numbers. Focus on the bigger picture and maintain a healthy relationship with your devices. Use the insights to guide your actions, but don’t let them dictate your life.

Ready to embark on your health tracking journey? Make sure to set clear goals and choose the right device for your needs. And remember, use the data to inform, not define, how you feel.