By Marisa Hochberg : https://www.vogue.com/article/the-sanctuary-the-surf-lodge-new-wellness-venue
Smart technology is a great way to stay healthy, but it can also be a hassle. Set reminders on your phone to go for walks and track how many steps you’re taking. Then get frustrated when you forget to set multiple alarms for the same day or check in with your Fitbit app at least once a day. The good news is that these annoyances can be fixed. Here are some smart device habits you should adopt today to ensure you stay healthy and active this season:
Exercise tracker
In addition to regularly scheduled exercise, it’s important to keep track of the intensity at which you’re working out. While you may be able to tell if you did 30 minutes of cardio or walked for 30 minutes, it’s more important to note the intensity of your activity. This can be done by weighing yourself before and after your workout or tracking the calories you burn with a fitness app. The goal is to work out at a level that is challenging enough to burn calories but not so challenging that it interferes with your daily life.
Sleep tracker
Sleep is vital to your health, but it can also be a pain to track. If you struggle to fall asleep or wake up in the middle of the night, it can be difficult to tell if you’re getting enough rest. Apps like Sleep Cycle and Bedtime will help you track your sleep and see if you’re getting the right amount of rest. These apps can also help you solve other sleep issues like waking up at the same time every day, or being able to stay asleep when you’re sick.
Habit tracker
Most people have bad habits that they know are unhelpful, but are too busy to fix. If you’re trying to lose weight, for example, it can be helpful to create a “bad habit tracker” so that you know exactly when to make changes in your daily life. Use your phone’s calendar app to create a recurring event like “Drink a glass of water when my lips get dehydrated.” Then, when your lips get dry, you can remind yourself to drink water. Similarly, try to identify habits that you would like to replace with better ones. If you’d like to start eating more vegetables and fruit, create a “Vegetable tracker” where you note the vegetable you eat and when. This process can help you identify what you want to change, when you want to change it, and how you want to change it.
Remote trigger
Smart home devices are one of the most exciting features of the Internet of Things. They can automate daily tasks, like turning on an outdoor lamp when it gets dark. However, you need to be careful when using smart home triggers. Some devices are meant to be in one place at one time, like a lamp. Others, like a thermostat, need to be set to a specific location. If you’re using a remote trigger to control a smart home device, it’s important to keep it at the right distance from the device you want to turn on or off.
Stand up reminder
When you’re sitting down all day, it’s easy to forget to break up the sitting with short bursts of activity. Stand up reminders can help you stay active throughout the day. Use the phone’s calendar app to set up a recurring event like “Stand up for 15 seconds” or “Couch-hop for 30 seconds.” Then, record when you’re supposed to stand up and when you’re supposed to hop from one place to another. You may find that you don’t have much time to stand up, but you can break up a regular walk by lacing in some hops.
Take a walk, or run, or ride your bike
If you have access to a bike path or park, take advantage of the opportunity to get some movement in. Otherwise, try to squeeze in a short walk each day. Walking gets the heart pumping and muscles moving, while running and cycling are easier forms of exercise that can be done at any pace. Whatever form of walking you choose, pick a pace that keeps your heart rate up but doesn’t make you too breathless.
Stay hydrated
We’ve all heard the advice to drink water, but it’s important to drink enough water to replace what you lose through breathing and sweating. This can be tricky because you want to feel full but not too full. Aim for a glass of water every half hour or so for an easy way to stay hydrated. If you’re trying to lose weight, aim for a glass of water for every meal instead of eating something sweet or savory.
Don’t forget to breath!
While it’s important to get your steps in, it’s equally important not to forget to take deep breaths. Slowing down your breathing can lead to tension in your muscles and increased stress levels. Deep breathing can be done by taking a few large breaths in and out, or by closing your eyes and taking a few slow breaths with your eyes closed.
Conclusion
Smart devices can help you stay healthy and active during the winter months, but they can also cause headaches and confusion. Here are some habits you should adopt today to ensure you stay healthy and active this season.
