Mastering Life with Energy-Limiting Illnesses: My Journey with Visible Health
Experienced prolonged COVID symptoms and energy-sapping ailments? I tested a fitness band tailored for such individuals, and it transformed my existence.
Let's talk about living with an energy-sapping illness. My day often consists of battling notifications from fitness trackers and smartwatches, urging me to pump up my step count or get sweaty. But when my body shouts "Ease up!" and I'm faced with lifting heavy things or running marathons, the smartwatch can be more of a hindrance than a help.
After my diagnosis in the midst of 2024 and years deep into my fitness writing career, I found myself having to learn a whole new set of skills - pacing, establishing a baseline, and recognizing when my body sends out warning signs that I need to slow down. Thanks to some research and guidance from my doc, I stumbled upon the concept of "spoons," a metaphor employed by the disabled community to illustrate their physical, mental, and emotional capacity, measured as units of energy.
You guessed it! I was so over high activity levels - juggling three strength sessions a week, hitting 10,000 steps daily, and keeping up with a hyperactive dog and a 100-square-meter allotment. Guess who wasn't minding being stationary...? Yep, that's right, me. I kept pushing myself beyond my limits, landing in an energy crash. But then, lady luck came knocking on my door, bringing the magical Visible Health band to test. Here's how it revolutionized my life:
How Visible Health Took the Reins
Giving Visual Pacing a Boost
The Visible Health app offered me something I'd been sorely missing: I could finally visualize my pacing. Imagine not having a clue how much you're supposed to be doing! This app is like having a guardian watching over you, keeping track of your heart rate and assigning pace points for you to manage throughout the day. Plus, it's got categories for rest, active, and exertion, so you can't get away with burning through all your energy like I used to.
Embracing the Nuances of Chronic Illness
Why stick to a step goal, calorie burn, or weight loss target when you can track your heart rate, pulse, and symptom progression? The Visible Health band, made by polar and worn on your upper arm, helped me put the pieces together and understand what was causing me to crash. Got a heart rate spike? Something's high-demand. In the future, I'll be more mindful and take it easy if I tackle that activity again.
Keeping Tabs on the Ebb and Flow of My Illness
With the help of the Visible app, I got an early warning system on the days I'd be crashing hard. I started noticing patterns that went far beyond my wildest imaginations: like how much I suffered after a night of partying or how that long dog walk I fancied one day left me depleted for days. This info was not only a game-changer for me; it was invaluable to share with my healthcare professionals too.
Living Life at My Own Pace
The app rates your stability on a scale of 1-5, with 1 being "time to rest" and 5 gradually nudging you toward a regular person's lifestyle.I didn't fall victim to this gadget turning into a self-fulfilling prophecy, but I did use it to help me gauge my capabilities each day and make informed decisions about what I could (and couldn't) handle. On days I wasn't feeling so hot, I'd go easy on myself - maybe I'd skip the gym or just indulge in a movie night with some hot chocolate.
Instant Feedback for a Happier, Healthier Life
The app never fails to notify me when I've slipped into my exertion zone. Annoying, yes, but it helps me to shut down and give my body some well-deserved TLC. At first, it took some getting used to, but, in the end, it taught me the importance of listening to my body and taking breaks when needed.
Is Visible Health Worth the Investment?
Considering the unique features it offers and the profound impact it's had on my ability to manage my condition, I'd say it's a worthwhile investment. The device itself sets you back about $79.70/£64.70, and then you'll need to pony up $19.99/£14.99 a month or $179.88/£131.88 yearly for the app.
Want to test the waters without committing to a membership? No worries! The app offers a free version that tracks your heart rate variability using your phone's camera and the pad of your thumb. Sure, it won't give you as much detail, but it's still a handy option if you want to familiarize yourself with the app.
And lest I forget, Visible Health recently released a second-generation band with a five-day battery life - much better than the original band's need for daily recharges!
So there you have it - a program that has been a godsend in helping me manage my energy-limiting illness, all while maintaining some semblance of a normal life. Give it a try and see the difference for yourself!
- My journey with an energy-sapping illness involves battling fitness tracker notifications, urging me to increase activity, but smartwatches can sometimes be more of a hindrance than a help when my body needs rest.
- After my diagnosis and years into my fitness writing career, I had to learn new skills such as pacing, establishing a baseline, and recognizing my body's warning signs to slow down.
- The concept of "spoons," a metaphor used by the disabled community to illustrate their physical, mental, and emotional capacity, was a game-changer for me.
- The Visible Health band, worn on the upper arm, offered me the ability to visualize my pacing, track heart rate, pulse, and symptom progression, and understand what was causing energy crashes.
- With Visible Health, I received early warnings on days when my energy levels would be depleted, allowing me to share valuable information with my healthcare professionals.
- The Visible Health app's ratings helped me gauge my capabilities each day, make informed decisions about what I could handle, and live life at my own pace.
- Technology, such as smart home devices, gadgets, and education-and-self-development tools, can play a vital role in managing energy-limiting illnesses, like Visible Health did for me, promoting wellness, mental health, fitness, yoga, and overall personal growth.
