25. Reclaim Your Health: The Surprising Benefits and Dangers of Smart Rings

Can smart technology support your wellness journey — or is it just another distraction? In this solo episode, Kate shares her personal experience experimenting with wearable devices like smart rings and watches. She breaks down the pros and cons of tracking data such as sleep and activity, discusses how constant connectivity can affect our mental state, and offers Ayurvedic insight into when and how to integrate technology with intention. Whether you’ve been curious about smart tech or are looking to recalibrate your relationship with devices, Kate offers a thoughtful guide to finding balance in a data-driven world. Episode Breakdown: Why Kate Chose a Smart Ring Over a Smartwatch → The need to avoid notifications and stay present during daily life and conversation. Experimenting with Data for Sleep & Health → Kate’s deep dive into using the Oura Ring and Evie Ring to track sleep, activity, and stress levels. The Cost of Constant Tracking → When data collection becomes obsession: how the Oura Ring impacted Kate’s mood, sense of self, and intuition. Sleep, Alcohol, and Deep Sleep Insights → How smart rings confirmed the negative impact of alcohol on sleep quality and shifted Kate’s evening habits. Fertility Tracking & Body Awareness → Why Kate prefers paying attention to cervical mucus over using devices for cycle tracking. Technology Hygiene: Managing Your Devices Mindfully → Tips for keeping your phone and wearable tech from taking over your life, including airplane mode, no-phone zones, and using an alarm clock. Final Thoughts on Wearables → How to use smart devices intentionally and why putting them away for seasons of time can support your health and mental clarity. Have you tried wearable tech to support your health? What have you learned? Let Kate know what you’re experimenting with — and be sure to subscribe for upcoming episodes, including her deep dive into herbal supports for sleep . Until then, take care of your body, your mind, and your relationship with technology. Relevant Links & Resources: Explore Kate’s Ayurvedic offerings: https://healwithkate.org . Stay connected: Follow Kate on Instagram @kateodonnell.ayurveda Acknowledge Sleep Tincture and Gummies: https://acknowledge.co Mentioned in this episode: This episode is sponsored by Acknowledge, makers of full-spectrum hemp tinctures grown on a regenerative organic farm. Visit https://acknowledge.co/ and try the Slim Sleep tincture with code KATE30 for 30% off your first order. Connect with Kate: https://www.healwithkate.org Ayurvedic Living Institute Membership: https://ayurvedicliving.institute/membership Cleanse Leader Training: https://ayurvedicliving.institute/cleanse-leader-training Deep Winter Self-Care Workshop: https://courses.ayurvedicliving.institute/courses/self-care-workshop-deep-winter Women's Health Collection: https://courses.ayurvedicliving.institute/collections/womens-healthhttps://courses.ayurvedicliving.institute/products/courses/copy-of-fall-community-cleanse-2024 Gift Guide: https://courses.ayurvedicliving.institute/products/digital_downloads/gift-guide