# How My Fitbit Sense Misinterpreted My Anxiety as Exercise
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Chapter 1: The Intersection of Wearables and Mental Health
Wearable technology is increasingly being marketed for mental health monitoring, yet the effectiveness of these devices remains questionable. To investigate this phenomenon, I spent several weeks utilizing a Fitbit Sense to track both my physical and mental well-being.
This device, equipped with a heart rate monitor and an electrodermal activity (EDA) sensor, aims to offer insights into stress management by analyzing subtle changes in skin temperature and heart rate. My objective was to assess how this technology could assist someone like me, who grapples with anxiety disorders.
At first, I attempted to monitor my heart rate during moments of heightened anxiety. For instance, after receiving a rejection letter, I noticed my heart rate spiking—an indication that my anxiety was escalating. The Fitbit inaccurately interpreted my elevated heart rate as physical exercise, categorizing my experience as being in the “fat burn zone” instead of recognizing it as an anxiety attack.
Section 1.1: Misinterpretations of Anxiety
Despite the data at my disposal, I often felt disconnected from the readings. My watch displayed a normal heart rate even when I experienced symptoms like muscle tension and irritability. This disconnect made me question the device's reliability, as it seemed to deny my lived experience of anxiety.
In discussions with my therapist, I learned that anxiety is primarily about an overactive fight-or-flight response. The body reacts to perceived threats by releasing hormones, which can lead to various physiological changes. Relying solely on heart rate as a measure of anxiety is insufficient and misleading.
Subsection 1.1.1: Heart Rate vs. True Anxiety Indicators
Section 1.2: The Role of Stress Management Tools
Other devices, like the Garmin Vivosmart, offer a more comprehensive view by measuring heart rate variability, which provides a more nuanced understanding of stress levels. However, constant self-monitoring can also lead to increased anxiety. A study from the University of Copenhagen suggested that while trackers can provide reassurance, they may also inadvertently create new stressors for users.
Chapter 2: Exploring Fitbit’s Features
In my quest for effective stress management, I delved deeper into the tools offered by my Fitbit. Instead of real-time feedback, it provides a daily “stress management score,” derived from various factors including physical activity and sleep quality. This metric reflects my preparedness for stress rather than my immediate state.
The first video, Belly Breathing Exercise: Calming the Body and Mind, offers techniques for managing stress through breathwork, highlighting the importance of mindfulness and relaxation.
The second video, Asking Doctor Mike About Fitness Wearables, provides insights into how wearables can impact health tracking and mental wellness.
The concept I learned in therapy emphasizes that managing anxiety goes beyond immediate reactions. Sustaining healthy habits—such as proper nutrition, hydration, and exercise—plays a significant role in long-term anxiety management.
Section 2.1: The EDA Scan Experience
One particularly beneficial feature of the Fitbit Sense is the EDA scan, which prompts users to take a moment for mindfulness by measuring sweat levels in response to stress. This brief, meditative exercise allowed me to focus solely on my breathing, providing a much-needed mental break.
By the end of my experience, I realized that obsessively tracking my physiological responses to anxiety was counterproductive. While I cannot transform my heart rate into a game, the Fitbit serves as a gentle reminder to cultivate healthier habits over time. Though it cannot replace professional therapy, it can certainly support my journey toward better mental health.