When juggling the demands of work and a personal life feel overwhelming, monitoring our mental and physical health can help.
But how can we keep tabs on our wellness with so little time to spare? The answer may lie in stress tracking devices, which provide valuable on-demand insights into our wellbeing, while we power on with our busy lives.
London-based personal trainer, Pilates instructor and wellness specialist, Aimee Victoria Long works with clients ranging from celebrities with hectic schedules to frazzled workers in the city. She knows too well the stress that busy professionals face, particularly those who try to balance a gruelling fitness regime on top of a busy work and personal life.
She says: “Thankfully the evolution of wearable technology over the years has transformed the way we monitor our wellbeing, particularly when it comes to managing stress and heart health.”
Why should we use stress-tracking devices?
Long explains: “As busy professionals in London juggle hectic schedules, stress-tracking gadgets offer valuable insights, allowing us to take control of our health and find balance amidst the chaos.
“Whether you’re navigating the high-pressure environment of corporate meetings or trying to squeeze in a workout after a long day, the right tracker can provide real-time data to help manage your stress levels and support your overall well-being.”
What is an expert’s advice for managing stress?
"Stress tracking devices are essential for frazzled professionals and those who overtrain, as they help monitor stress levels throughout the day,” she says. “By keeping an eye on stress, you can identify patterns and triggers, allowing the opportunity to take proactive measures to prevent more serious health issues, such as burnout or anxiety.
“The daily journal in some of these device’s apps is invaluable for tracking and identifying what might be causing stress and how it is affecting your recovery. You can now literally use a strap on your wrist to improve many areas of your well-being."
Here’s a look at some of the best stress management devices that not only help track your health metrics but also guide you towards a healthier, more mindful lifestyle.
Best stress monitors at a glance:
Shop below
Oura Ring Gen 4
The Oura Ring Gen 4 is a groundbreaking device designed for those who prioritise sleep quality and recovery. This sleek ring provides in-depth insights into your body’s readiness based on sleep duration, quality, and heart rate variability.
By analysing these metrics, the Oura Ring helps you understand your body’s signals, guiding you on when to push harder and when to take a break. Its subtle design means you can wear it day and night without it feeling cumbersome. Perfect for busy professionals, the Oura Ring helps you cultivate healthier habits and enhance your well-being with minimal effort.
Buy now £349.00, John Lewis
Apple Watch Series 10
The Apple Watch Series 10 offers a blend of sophistication and functionality that appeals to health-conscious users for various needs. This device tracks essential health metrics such as heart rate variability, sleep patterns, and daily activity levels, providing users with a holistic view of their wellbeing. Its intuitive interface allows integration with your iPhone, ensuring you stay connected while managing your health.
The watch also encourages mindfulness practices, featuring guided breathing exercises and reminders to move throughout the day. With its classsic design, the Apple Watch Series 10 is not just a handy wellness accessory; it’s a statement piece for modern professionals.
Buy now £399.00, John Lewis
Fitbit Sense 2
The Fitbit Sense 2 focuses on holistic health, making it an ideal choice for those looking to manage stress and improve overall wellness. With advanced sensors that measure electrodermal activity, the device provides real-time insights into your stress levels, allowing you to take action before anxiety escalates.
The Fitbit app features guided breathing exercises, sleep tracking, and personalised insights, helping you build a more balanced lifestyle. Its design and user-friendly interface make it easy to incorporate health monitoring into your daily routine, ensuring you stay on top of your well-being without sacrificing style.
Buy now £168.00, Amazon
Whoop 4.0
The Whoop 4.0 is a powerful tool designed for athletes or those who simply want to optimise their performance while managing stress. This subscription-based wearable tracks essential metrics such as heart rate, sleep quality, and recovery levels, providing tailored recommendations to help you achieve your fitness goals.
Meanwhile, the Whoop app delivers in-depth analysis, allowing you to understand how your body responds to training and rest, ensuring you maximise your potential without risking burnout. Its lightweight strap makes it comfortable to wear during workouts and daily activities, helping you to take control of your health journey.
Buy now £199.00, Amazon
Garmin Venu 2 Plus
The Garmin Venu 2 Plus offers a perfect blend of style and functionality, making it a great choice for those who want to track their fitness or well-being without compromising on aesthetics. This smartwatch features a vibrant display and a wide range of tracking capabilities, including stress monitoring and heart rate tracking.
With built-in GPS and multiple workout modes, the Venu 2 Plus is ideal for those looking to improve their well-being and gym-goers alike. Its extensive battery life ensures that you can stay connected and active throughout the day. Plus, the customisable watch faces allow you to express your personal style while staying on top of your health goals.
Buy now £460.24, Amazon
Muse 2: Brain-Sensing Headband
The Muse 2: The Brain-Sensing Headband is an innovative device designed to enhance your meditation practice and promote mental well-being. It has been created with brain-sensing technology to provide real-time feedback on your mental activity, helping you cultivate a more focused and effective meditation routine.
With EEG (electroencephalogram) sensors, the headband is designed to measure your brain activity, allowing it to detect when your mind is active or calm. Muse 2 offers access to a library of guided meditations led by experienced instructors, catering to various skill levels and goals. The real-time feedback enables you to adjust your focus and approach, ensuring you get the most out of each session.
Buy now £259.27, Amazon
Embr Wave 2
The Embr Wave 2 is a modern-looking device that helps manage stress through temperature regulation. By delivering soothing cooling sensations to your wrist, this device has been designed to help you to feel more comfortable and relaxed in high-pressure situations.
Whether you’re facing a stressful meeting or navigating a busy day, the Embr Wave 2 helps you regain control over your comfort levels. Its design makes it easy to wear throughout the day, ensuring that stress management is both effective and stylish.
Buy now £249.99, Amazon
Samsung Galaxy Watch 5
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 combines advanced health tracking features with smartwatch capabilities, making it a versatile choice for busy professionals. With stress management tools, heart rate monitoring, and sleep tracking, this device provides a deep view of your health.
Its sleek design and customisable watch faces ensure you stay stylish while managing your well-being. The Galaxy Watch 5 also offers integration with your smartphone, keeping you connected to notifications and apps while providing valuable insights into your stress levels and overall health.
Buy now £138.00, Amazon
Polar Vantage M3
The recently launched Polar Vantage M3 is the ultimate companion for those looking for a balance between fitness and wellness. This lightweight smartwatch is packed with advanced tracking features, including Polar Elixir sensor fusion technology, which delivers unparalleled insights into heart rate, sleep and daily activity.
Whether you’re tracking workouts or monitoring recovery, the Vantage M3 offers precise data to optimise performance and well-being. Its modern design and long battery life make it perfect for all-day wear, helping you stay connected and informed without compromising style.
Buy now £349.00, Amazon
Kardia Mobile 6L
The Kardia Mobile 6L is a portable ECG device designed to monitor your heart health in real-time. With the ability to detect stress-related heart rhythms, this essential tool empowers users to take proactive measures in managing their cardiovascular health.
Its compact design allows for easy use at home or on the go, providing peace of mind in knowing you have a reliable way to track your heart. For those prioritising their wellness, the Kardia Mobile 6L offers a convenient and effective solution.
Buy now £149.00, Amazon
Apollo Neuro
Apollo Neuro uses gentle vibrations to help users manage stress and improve focus. Designed to enhance well-being through neurostimulation, this innovative device can easily be integrated into your daily routine.
Whether you’re looking to relax during a hectic day or improve concentration while working, Apollo Neuro provides a convenient solution to enhance your mental state. Its discreet design allows for comfortable wear throughout the day, making it a valuable tool for those in search of a little more balance in their busy lives.
Buy now £274.49, Healf
Polar Vantage V3
This is a powerhouse for those who need insights to maximise their training potential. Featuring the innovative Elixir biosensing technology, Polar offers the most accurate optical heart rate tracking, blood oxygen measurement, and wrist ECG functionality.
With Nightly Skin Temperature and Recovery Pro, it provides a complete picture of your health and recovery, ensuring you train smarter and recover faster. The design, combined with advanced analytics, makes the Vantage V3 the ideal choice for those serious tracking stress levels from heavy training sessions.
Buy now £443.18, Amazon
Verdict
The Oura Ring Gen 4 takes the top spot as the best stress-tracking device as it highlights sleep quality and recovery in a detailed but easy-to-digest way.
This elegant ring offers detailed insights into your body's readiness, drawing on sleep duration, quality, and heart rate variability. By interpreting these key metrics, the Oura Ring helps you tune into your body's signals, showing when to push your limits and when to rest.
Its understated design ensures all-day comfort, making it easy to wear around the clock. Ideal for busy professionals, it supports the development of healthier habits and improved wellbeing with minimal hassle.
