Why Your Fitness Tracker May Increase Productivity At Work

Your fitness tracker could help you identify why you're not productive at work, according to a 2021 study in IEEE Pervasive Computing. For the study, some 300 people using fitness trackers shared their data pertaining to their work commutes, including the 30-minute time periods before and after commuting. By analyzing the heart rates and activity levels of participants, data revealed that people who experienced high levels of stress before, during, and after their commutes weren't as productive on the job as those with lower stress levels.

Subigya Nepal, the lead author of the study paper, told Dartmouth University that the key to the study was twofold: assess stress and pick up on the physiological reaction to that stress. One of the goals of this research is to use the findings to create wearable technology that senses when a commuter is stressed and recommends tailored solutions like listening to music or podcasts or calling a friend.

Simply sticking to better routines may be the secret to productivity, Pino Audia, a business professor and senior scientist for the 2021 study in IEEE Pervasive Computing, told Dartmouth. According to NBC News, there are several habits you can implement with the goal of being more efficient throughout the day. For starters, plan ahead. That means wrapping up your day by getting prepared for tomorrow. Next, resist the urge to hit the snooze button. This may be easier said than done depending on your chronotype, but getting plenty of quality sleep the night before so you can hop out of bed on time in the a.m. is crucial.

Drinking water, meditating, and exercising are also important for replenishing hydration, clear thinking, and boosting endorphins that reduce stress. The National Institute of Mental Health connects a lack of natural light to depression and low energy, so pencil in a few minutes during your day to soak up some sun.

Caffeine often gets a bad rap, but it's okay to enjoy your morning cup of joe (or tea) in moderation. While you're at it, go ahead and whip up a wholesome breakfast because skipping meals can actually do more harm than you think.

Lastly, make a point to spend time with friends and family. Healthy relationships serve as a good reminder of why you work so hard in the first place.