Use Your Smart Watch to Support Your Goals

Smart watches are so popular these days - it seems like almost everyone is wearing one. And there are so many uses! From taking phone calls on your wrist to giving you directions so you don’t get lost on your run, your watch can do almost anything.

There are a ton of ways your smart watch can support your health and wellness goals.

Here are a few of our favorites:

• Count your steps. Studies suggest people who track their steps end up walking more than those who don’t. Although no watch or app will count your steps perfectly, they are close enough to keep you motivated to keep moving. 

• Monitor your heart. Many smart watches automatically track your heart rate. This can let you know if your resting heart rate has lowered now that you are adding more walking to your fitness routine. The watch may also be able to alert you if your heart rate is unusually high or low or has a sudden change. 

• Stay active. Your watch can remind you to stand up every hour or let you know if you are close to meeting your movement goals for the day. Some apps also let you connect with others and engaging in some friendly competition can help you get moving. 

• Manage stress. Smart watches often have a built in app that guides you through a breathing exercise to help you calm down and focus. You can use it as needed or be reminded to breathe throughout the day. 

• Protect your hearing. Your watch can let you know if you are in a crowd and the sound levels are getting high enough to cause hearing damage. Some will even connect to your headphones and warn you if the volume is dangerously high. 

• Help if you fall. Some watches can contact emergency services if it detects a fall. They often also are an easy way to notify help if you have an accident and can’t reach your phone.