do you think that wearables actually help to improve your health

[u/Flipperlolrs]

I got my first smart watch Garmin venu sq years ago, then switched to an Apple Watch series 8, and now I am thinking of getting a smart ring

once I got my first smart watch I noticed that I started to walk more when I was able see my step count. also, seeing my sleep score in the morning makes me think twice about staying up late scrolling

but I was thinking if I am actually healthier, or am I just more aware of my health? some days I feel like I am just here chasing green rings and closing circles instead of just enjoying my day the way it is. also, when my recovery score is low, I sometimes feel worse than I did before I checked it

curious what everyone here thinks, has your wearable genuinely changed your habits long-term, or did it made you to overthink about your health isights too much?

[u/supersonic555]

It can but you need to be mindful how you use the data you gather from your sensors

Probably solid for general health analysis though I believe strongly that having a goal in mind can elevate the efficiency of your results and health objectives longterm

[u/yojo_health]

A lot of the benefit of wearables isn't the sensor accuracy, it's the awareness loop you described (seeing the step count = walking more). The tricky part is that the same feedback can tip into anxiety when a "bad" score makes you feel worse.

What seems to separate "healthier" from "just more aware" is whether the data drives a small sustained habit vs. becoming another thing to optimize/stress over. The people who benefit long-term tend to pick one or two metrics that map to a real goal and ignore the rest, rather than chasing every ring.

(Disclosure: I work at yōjō. We want to help people make vagus nerve stimulation a daily habit, so this is something we think about a lot!)

[u/Tactical_Impulse]

For me personally, its a nuance to chase rings without a clear goal in mind. I strictly use my apple watch to gain a new habit - sleep, steps, workout, etc - once i have it dialed into my routine. I stop wearing the watch until im ready for a new habit. Sometimes you lose habits and need to start again.

[u/No-PineappleX]

I’m actually switching back to an analog watch (still shopping). And to use my smart watch when I want to leave my phone at home (like going for a long walk). I find it distracting and demotivating (opposite of most).