Smart Watches: The Good & the Bad
Smartwatches are everywhere these days, aren’t they? They promise to make us healthier, more productive, and connected. But are they all good news, or is there a downside we should know about?
On the plus side, smartwatches are great for tracking health metrics like steps, heart rate, and even sleep quality. They can motivate us to move more and give real-time feedback on fitness goals - which is exactly why I own one.
However, there are drawbacks too, I've certainly been addicted to how many steps I've done by 9am, exercise minutes in the week and how many hours I've slept. Studies suggest that constant notifications can increase stress, reduce focus -plus, over-relying on these devices might make us ignore our body’s natural cues. So, are they actually good or just 'another thing' to consume?
Balancing the benefits with mindful use is key to making the most of your smartwatch, it's got to be! Smartwatches can be a fantastic tool for improving health, but moderation is key. Use them to support your goals, not control them is important to getting the most out of the smart technology.
Well, that's my opinion anyway - what's yours?
p.s Apple or Garmin? ;)
References:
Patel, M. S., et al. (2015). Wearable devices as facilitators, not drivers, of health behavior change. JAMA.
Piwek, L., et al. (2016). The rise of consumer health wearables: Promises and barriers. PLOS Medicine.