There are a lot of changes you can experience when you embark on a life of wellness. You might have a better sense of taste and smell if you quit smoking. Or you might find you breathe easier on those uphill walks after you’ve started exercising more regularly.
But, to help keep you from slipping from your goals, it’s good to track your activity, to have measurable guides that ensure you are keeping up your wellness pace.
You can find health tracking devices just about anywhere – some you may already have and don’t even know it! Here are four options that can help you meet your goals.
Pedometers
The mantra of the walking to good health theory is that everyone should take 10,000 steps per day. A pedometer is inexpensive and simple to use. This small device will count steps as you walk so you can more accurately measure your progress. Got an iPod Nano? It has a pedometer built in! Just remember, it’s not just the number of steps in your life, it’s the life in your steps! Pick up the pace to make the greatest achievements!
Activity Trackers
These wearables are based on the concept of the pedometer, but with high tech enhancements. They can monitor distance, pace, sleep quality, length of sleep. Some can calculate caloric intake and burn, monitor your heart rate, and also act as a timer and alarm. A useful bonus is the data an activity tracker collects can be loaded into an app to provide you with exercise cues, feedback, and rewards for healthy behaviours, helping to keep you motivated. Prices range greatly based on functionality, so there is something for every budget and every lifestyle.
Mobile Apps
There are dozens of activity tracking apps out there for you to download to your mobile device. The data these apps collect may not be as accurate as a dedicated activity tracker, but you will be able to select from a variety of different functions to fit your planned activities for little or no cost. And if you don’t like the app, you simply delete it!
Pencil and Paper
These never require recharging, they are completely customizable, extremely portable and cost virtually nothing compared to other technologies. The simple act of keeping a journal can change your life. Spend ten minutes every day writing down what activities you did, what you ate, what your mood was, what happened during the day, what time you got up in the morning and what time you went to bed that night. Then go back and review it regularly so you can see the progress you’re making. Low tech, high value!
