How do smartwatches measure stress?

We know smartwatches are a great hit! The amazing features of smartwatches allow us to be updated and also be motivated towards fitness.

Not only this, smartwatches have accessed their features to better the person’s physical as well as mental well-being. 

Smartwatches allow people to monitor their stress levels. Not only this, but it can also tell you about the type of stress you are suffering from! But how? How can a smartwatch track stress? 

Thinking about it? 

How do smartwatches measure stress

Smartwatches use heart rate monitors to measure stress. One of them was the stress-causing activity, i.e. is also known as heart rate variability. Heart rate variability measures interval time between the heartbeats. Measuring heart rate is about reading an average number of heartbeats per minute. 

It is stated out, if you have a high heart rate variability, then it’s good. But, a low HRV reading person is associated with stress. 

Also, the people with low heart rate variability are choked of diabetes, heart disease, and cholesterol. 

Let’s understand it using an example. 

Our heartbeat pumps according to our mental and physical activity. If you’re walking around then your heart rate will be normal than a running person. Similarly, a tensed person’s heart rate will be different from a happy person’s. It all happens when our body releases stress hormones known as adrenaline when you are mentally or physically stressed. 

In simple form, stress is when your breath fastens, your muscles tightens, and your heartbeat increases. 

How Do Smartwatches Control Stress? 

Stress can be relieved from any kind of physical activity. Your regular exercise and meditation can help you to recover from severe stress or tension. 

Smartwatches do monitor and also motivate you to be fit therefore it acts as a fitness guide.

Smartwatch monitors the types of stress or disease suffering from, using your heart rate monitor and suggests to you the types of exercise you should indulge in. As a result, the body will release hormones to prepare for a fight. 

Are Fitness Stress Trackers Accurate? 

Moreover, as of my experience, Fitness Trackers are accurate. 

Fitness trackers use up the heart rate data to measure stress.  They can be accurate. 

To check its accuracy you can match the result drawn from your fitness tracker to your doctor’s prescription. 

What are the Best Stress Trackers in the Market? 

There are different types of trackers with different functionalities. Also, the type of tracker you need is up to your preference and want. 

For example, if you need to know the level of stress and list of exercises to heal it out, you may prefer a little less-advanced one, whereas, if you require a step-to-step guide then you must prefer a little advanced one.

Some of the best trackers I have listed below as of my experience. 

Fitbit Charge 3

Fitbit Charge 3 can be a great alternative if you’re looking for advanced health reports. 

Charge 3 monitors your heart rate continuously. It tracks 15+ activities and supports a battery life of up to 7 days. The Fitbit Charge 3 is stylish and also comes at an affordable rate.

Electrodermal activity is measured by electrical pulses in your sweat and is a reliable indicator of stress. You can measure your EDA by tapping to take an EDA scan. The Sense measures how many EDA responses you get in just two minutes.It helps to monitor your heart health and also your sleep quality. In addition, it also helps you reduce stress levels and anxiety.

Garmin Forerunner 235

Garmin smartwatch has an easy-to-use interface.

It consists of GPS, a heart rate monitor, calorie, and step tracking. It allows one to determine the current level of stress based on their Heart-Rate Variability. This device uses heart rate data to determine the interval between each heartbeat. 

The battery life is about 9 days in smartwatch mode, and 11 hours in GPS mode. It is water-resistant 50 meters. 

Apple Watch Series 6

The Apple Watch has always been very versatile with its features.

It is built with the usual GPS, heart rate monitor, phone syncing, and app support. It detects and records important data about your heart.

Apple requires an Apple Health app to read your heart data. Based on the heart data and advanced algorithms, the Stress Monitor in it, calculates your stress. Series 6 is also capable of measuring SpO2 levels. 

Apple Watch Series 6 supports Strava. It is water-resistant up to 50 meters and supports around 18 hours of battery life. 

Must read: Apple watch series 6 vs Garmin Fenix 5x plus

Amazfit Bip

Amazfit Bip has a built-in GPS and optical heart rate monitoring to track your stress levels. It also monitors your running, cycling, and walking giving you an idea of where you stand. It has a 30 days battery life, real-time activity tracker, dust, and is waterproof.

Conclusion

With the above information, we can conclude that watches are helpful when you are under stress. It is beneficial for those who have a hectic schedule and do not have much time to devote to exercise or fitness activities. 

At the end of this blog, I would like to say ‘bye’, but before leaving I would like you to mention your favorite stress-tracker. Do drop it in the comment section below.