Why Trusting Your Intuition Might Be Better Than Trusting Your Wearable | #THEHUE
Navigating the data from your wearables and understanding why the numbers might not tell you the full story.
In the era of wearable technologies in health and fitness, innovation has moved far beyond simple calorie counting. The prevailing trends toward the commodification of consumer data have spawned a whole new set of metrics and fancy gadgets. But is it wise to blindly trust these numbers and what do all these numbers really mean?
Wearable technologies have exploded into the scene with a narrative that companies can leverage. Through volunteered data to encourage and incentivise healthier living, many of us willingly buy these expensive products and offer our personal data daily, in exchange for helpful information that is supposed to enhance our wellbeing.
Let me be very clear. I am not here to criticise, as I, likely like you, am a consensual participant in this ecosystem of wearables and rampant data. My Apple Watch tracks my activity rings and outputs, my Oura ring monitors my temperature, movements, and sleep, and I subscribe to Eight Sleep for optimal slumber, while the Natural Cycles app tracks my feminine cycles.
I, like you, am a proactive beneficiary of these marvellous innovations. But, the aim of today’s article is not to shame wearables. Instead, it’s to raise a more critical question: what do all these numbers mean, and how do they impact our journey toward self-mastery? Is there a better way to use these technologies and what are their limitations?
Firstly, let me say that central to my perspective today is also my strong position against calorie counting and its overall ineffectiveness toward healthier living. But, that’s a topic I will explore in a future post. But, for now, if you’re curious, listen to this episode of the ZOE Science & Nutrition podcast on Does calorie counting work? – the Big IF Dailies, which will act as a great medium for some of the insights I share on calorie counting.
How should you approach your wearable data?
But, let’s return to today’s topic. My main concern is not about data privacy; I find some wearable data practical and valuable, and as I mentioned, I willingly share my data with these companies. What worries me most is the growing trend of our increasing reliance on such data. Remember, wearables and their metrics are not essential to our survival; they are modern luxuries.
Are you over-relying on arbitrary numbers instead of cultivating your own relationship with your body? Are you prioritising external validations over internal intuition in your pursuit of better living and health?
These questions started to intrude one morning as I woke up feeling delighted and excited to plug into my data-driven sanctuary. Feeling refreshed and well-rested, I enthusiastically opened my Oura ring app only to find a disappointing score of 68 as my sleep score. From school, we know 68 equals a D+ grade, which is certainly not how I felt.
My fleeting elation was abruptly dethroned. Why didn’t the number reflect my feelings? While I felt an immediate disconnect between the two data sets and even began to doubt myself. But what does a 68 sleep score on my Oura App really mean?
