7 Things You Should Stop Tracking on Your Smartwatch to Improve Your Health

Stress Levels: A Double-Edged Sword

Smartwatches often track stress levels using heart rate and other physiological markers. While this can be useful, constantly monitoring stress can ironically increase it. The awareness of being "stressed" can create a feedback loop, where the act of tracking becomes a stressor itself. Rather than relying solely on your device to tell you when you're stressed, practice mindfulness and self-awareness techniques. These methods can help you recognize stressors and manage them effectively without the added pressure of constant monitoring.

Active Minutes: Quality Over Quantity

The concept of active minutes encourages users to engage in moderate to vigorous physical activity daily. However, the quality of exercise is often more important than the quantity. Focusing on active minutes can lead to a box-ticking mentality, where the goal is to simply reach a number rather than enjoy or benefit from the activity. Instead, choose activities that you enjoy and that challenge your body in different ways. This shift in focus can lead to a more sustainable and enjoyable exercise habit.