data

~ onehopefulyear

I discovered this morning my watch now measures the amount of time I spend in daylight.

In addition to this new feature, I’m able to access up-to-the-minute functions of my health: my blood oxygen level, how steady I am while walking, the rate at which I climb stairs and how many flights I’ve climbed, the duration and quality of my sleep, my respiratory rate, and my heart rate under a variety of conditions. Among other useful health data checkpoints.

But what I ask myself most often is … how do you feel?

I’ve been keeping my own sort of data. Little colored hearts on a calendar. Each color a measure of how I feel upon waking. Do I feel calm? Anxious? Rested? Happy?

I am (and feel) more than the sum of my data. And if I’m honestly able to answer how I feel, I’m more likely to ask and answer the next question … Why do you feel this way? And the next … What will you do about it?

These are important questions for me to ask and answer.

I know the health data my watch provides is helpful, and even necessary as I monitor a heart condition. And for the record, I’ll try to spend more time outside in daylight today than I did yesterday.

But my watch provides no measure for hope.

That’s one data point I’d like to keep track of on my own.

5 thoughts on “data”

  1. I’ve had some sleep issues for several months and find my watch has been very helpful in helping me track how much and quality of sleep (which is improving). However, you’ve focused on what really matters. I’m so encouraged by this and aim my focus more on this.

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    2. Hi Debby, I wrote a lengthy response to your comment on my phone, but it looks as though it did not post in its entirety. If you have additional questions about the CALM app, please let me know, It’s been incredibly helpful for me. Thanks again for your support! As always!

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  2. I also wrote a reply to this question that seemed to get lost. A couple of questions: is the app compatible with Apple Watch and is it subscription based? I’ve been taking Trazodone which has helped me get close to my goal of averaging 7 hours a night. My biggest problem was waking in the wee hours and not being able to get to sleep. My husband’s super power is sleep so he doesn’t quite get it. Go figure 😉

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    1. Yes, the app is compatible with Apple Watch, although not all of the functions will be accessible through the watch. I access most functions through my phone. I believe there is a free version, but I pay about $75 annually, and it’s the best money I spend. There are some lovely daily meditations and soundscapes, etc., but for me, the shining star is the sleep stories. Everything from Anne of Green Gables to a story about the Queen Mary ocean liner to a historic journey through Ireland. I almost never make it deeper than 5 minutes into a story before I’m asleep. I often wake in the morning with a headphone still in my ear! It’s like I can’t listen and spiral in my own thoughts at the same time, and the soothing voice of each storyteller just lulls me to sleep. Best of luck with this, Debby. Our sleep is restorative and so very necessary to a good day following. Be well!

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