When Wearable Tech Helps and When It Hurts
Smartwatches, fitness trackers, and health rings have changed the way we monitor our bodies. From tracking steps to analyzing sleep, these devices promise to help us stay on top of our health. But while wearable tech can be a great tool, it’s not always helpful for everyone. In some cases, it can actually do more harm than good.
The Good: How Wearable Tech Helps
For many people, wearable devices are a game-changer. Studies show that tracking fitness and health metrics can boost motivation and encourage healthier habits. Real-time data on heart rate, movement, and sleep helps users make informed choices about their well-being.
Fitness expert Rita Trotter points out that these devices can be especially useful for women tracking their fitness journeys. Reminders to move, take medications, or stay active help users stay accountable. Plus, some devices can even detect irregular heart rhythms or early signs of health problems, potentially saving lives.
Wearable tech also makes fitness more engaging. Many apps gamify the experience with challenges, leaderboards, and community support. Seeing progress in numbers or competing with friends can push people to stay active and committed.
The Downside: When Tracking Becomes a Problem
Despite all the benefits, constant tracking isn’t always a good thing. Experts warn that some people may develop anxiety over their health data. Instead of feeling in control, they become obsessed with numbers, leading to stress and compulsive behavior.
“If someone already struggles with health anxiety, seeing every tiny fluctuation in their heart rate or sleep patterns can make things worse,” explains psychologist Joanna Hardis. “It can create a cycle of hypervigilance and stress.”
Dr. Leslie Glenn Evans agrees, noting that excessive focus on biometric data can disrupt natural health habits. Instead of listening to their bodies, some people push themselves to meet arbitrary metrics even when rest would be better. Over-monitoring can even train the brain to stay in a constant state of worry.
Finding a Healthy Balance
So how can you use wearable tech without letting it take over your life? Experts suggest using these tools as a guide, not a rulebook. Set intentional goals like training for a race or improving fitness rather than tracking for the sake of tracking.
Hardis advises setting limits on data-checking. “Try reviewing your stats at specific times instead of constantly checking throughout the day,” she says. Practicing mindfulness and focusing on how you feel rather than just the numbers can also help maintain a balanced approach.
Another tip: Take breaks. Turning off your device on weekends or an hour before bed can give your mind a break from the constant influx of data. If tracking starts to cause stress rather than help, it might be time to scale back.
Wearable tech can be a fantastic tool but only if it truly supports your health rather than adding pressure. The key is to let the technology work for you, not the other way around.
