Wearables for cellular energy
3-minute read • Steve and Rachael Jennings
In our buzzing tech-driven world, health optimization wearables and apps have become our trusty sidekicks, promising to revolutionize our fitness and well-being. But as we keep tabs on our steps, heart rates, and sleep patterns, are we truly enhancing our health at the cellular level, or are these tools inadvertently draining our vital energy? Let’s dive into how our mission to optimize impacts the very core of our health—our cellular energy and mitochondrial function.
Wearables and apps have turned us into data-driven dynamos! 💥
They give us real-time health insights, transforming everyday activities into fun, measurable achievements. From the Apple Watch Series and Fitbit to Aura and Whoop, these gadgets can motivate us to move more, sleep better, and even spot early signs of health issues. Personalized tips and gamified challenges keep us on our toes and feeling fabulous.
But hold on a second! Sometimes, the constant pressure to hit those health goals can backfire. Remember Steve’s story from a few weeks ago? Have you ever felt anxious about not meeting your step count? Or frustrated when your sleep score was lower than expected? You’re not alone. Overemphasizing numbers might lead us to forget the qualitative aspects of health, like mental well-being and overall happiness. As my dad recently reminded me, "Healthy habits like regular exercise can combat anxiety, but obsessing over them can have the opposite effect."
Let’s talk about the unsung heroes of our health—our mitochondria 🦠
These tiny powerhouses generate ATP, the energy currency of our cells, fueling every action we take. Healthy mitochondria are essential for optimal physical and mental performance, making them a cornerstone of our well-being.
Here’s where it gets interesting. On one hand, regular physical activity encouraged by wearables can boost mitochondrial function and enhance cellular energy production. In fact, exercise can increase mitochondrial capacity by up to 50% (Reference).
On the other hand, the stress and anxiety from constant monitoring can increase oxidative stress, potentially harming mitochondrial health. For example, endurance athletes often experience significant improvements in mitochondrial function through training. However, studies indicate that the stress associated with constant performance monitoring can elevate oxidative damage, counteracting some benefits of the exercise (Reference).
Tips for Yeu to get the best out of your tech without compromising your cellular health 🧬
1. Set realistic goals: Focus on achievable health targets that promote gradual improvements rather than perfection.
2. Listen to your body: Pay attention to how you feel, not just the numbers. Mental and emotional well-being are equally important.
3. Prioritize quality data: Choose reliable devices and apps, and consult healthcare professionals for personalized advice.
4. Manage stress: Make time for stress-reducing activities like meditation, reading, prayer, or playing with your dog. These support mitochondrial health.
5. Be kind: Liberate yourself from the performance scorecard—kindness, gratitude, and joy can’t be measured by an app. As you envision a long, healthy life, remember how you treat yourself (and others) and the joy you find in life is key to truly living well.
6. Stick to the basics: Remember, there’s no replacing the simple things that form the base—like eating well, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep.
Creating the optimal routine at all costs can be counterproductive. If these tools overtake our intuition, the journey of self-improvement can lead to misery.
Our community members have shared some amazing experiences with health optimization tools 💚
These stories show how wearables can provide critical insights and lead to meaningful health improvements when used wisely.
One member said, "I used an Oura ring and it was a lifesaver. I discovered I only had 4 minutes of deep sleep per night. My colleague had more than an hour per night, so we exchanged our rings to see if it was accurate. Yes, I really had between 3 and 4 minutes of deep sleep. It’s why I was always so tired in the morning! I went to the doctor who gave me high doses of melatonin and I went up to 40 minutes per night. Amazing! I had forgotten what it was like to wake up happy and rested."
Another highlighted, "Same for the Whoop band. It‘s a great tool to monitor your stress level, sleep performance, and recovery, and help you reach your strain targets. 💪🏼 I would definitely recommend it. 😇"
By understanding the impact of these devices on our cellular energy and mitochondrial health, we can make informed choices that truly enhance our well-being. Let’s embrace technology as a tool to support, not dominate, our journey to a healthier, sustainable life!
Have you experienced the benefits or challenges of using health optimization wearables and apps? Connect with Yeu on LinkedIn to let us know!
Seize the years ☀️
Rachael and Steve Jennings | Father and daughter | Co-Founders, Yeu
This blog post was originally featured in our bi-weekly newsletter, Rise + Thrive, on June 8th 2024.
