We’ve come a long way from computers the size of a room. We now have wearable “computers” that can be used for health and fitness tracking. Thanks to these fantastic innovations athletes, healthcare professionals, and regular people now have access to extensive health information via their smartphones. Research shows that more than 30% of individuals in the United States now use wearable health-tracking technologies, with over half of them using these devices regularly. As researchers improve their research, there’s a possibility of having smart glasses or smart exercise clothes in the near future. But until then, here are some great wearables to help you on your mental health journey.
Apollo Neuro
The Apollo Neuro is a small, slightly curved rectangular box which can be worn on the ankle or wrist. It is designed to deliver “novel touch therapy which is felt as waves of vibration.” It works by sending smooth, mild vibrations to your wrist or ankle, which, according to the manufacturer, induces a nervous system reaction. The Apollo features seven modes based on how you want to feel. This product differs from others on the market in that they not only guide the wearer on how to respond to stress, but they assist you in relieving stress.
Sensate 2
The Sensate 2 looks like a smooth river rock, except it’s lighter. According to the company’s website, it is placed on your chest during use and mixes vibrations, or “sonic frequencies,” with carefully crafted soundtracks to improve relaxation. Sensate 2 takes advantage of the bone conduction phenomena. Your chest vibrates, emitting a frequency that signals the vagus nerve to relax. This nerve is responsible for the way your body reacts to stress. The designer of this product, Stefan Chmelik, believes that adding a physical sensation to the experience of neuro-enhancing sounds could at the very least double and probably significantly increase the calming effects a person may feel.
Muse 2 headband
The Muse 2 headband is built to take meditation to a new level. With built-in sensors to monitor brain waves, the headband uses advanced signal processing to translate brain waves into sounds of weather. According to the creators, the more mindful and focused you are during meditation, the more you’ll hear calm weather which can help improve your meditation practice. The headband monitors whether your mind is busy or relaxed and then converts that information into music, guiding you back to being quiet and concentrated. If you wish to be more active in your meditation practice, the Muse 2 headband provides accurate insights and accountability.
