Both iOS and Android phone users are starting to notice a new metric built into their Whoop app. It aims to help individuals better understand and manage their stress levels. This appears to be a gradual rollout as not everyone is seeing the change just yet.
Whoop Stress Monitor
The stress monitor analyzes real-time heart rate variability (HRV) and heart rate data, providing users with an easy-to-digest metric. For example, if your heart rate is higher than usual and your heart rate variability (HRV) is lower than usual, it may indicate that you are stressed.
Previously, the Whoop app only showed HRV readings while you were sleeping because the metric can fluctuate wildly with daily activity. However, the activity tape records HRV 24/7.
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Explaining the rationale behind Whoop Podcast Episode #29, Emily Capodilupo, Director of Analytics, explained, “Even though we take it 24/7 throughout the day, we chose to measure it while we sleep when we’re doing that.” Noise from all incoming inputs can mitigate HRV.” She added that presenting an average HRV across the day could be misleading and the focus is on providing users with actionable data.
Easy to understand data
The stress monitor assigns a score from 0 to 3, with higher scores indicating increased levels of stress. The app compares the collected data with the last 14 days and thus creates a baseline in order to be able to better assess fluctuations in the values. The data is also compared to a person’s typical resting heart rate.
A major concern with any type of stress metric is the impact of exercise, since physical activity can lead to an increase in stress. To counteract this, Whoop designed the software to limit the impact of exercise on stress metrics. When users log physical activities like running or cycling, the app adjusts the stress level based on the intensity of the workout. We are excited to see exactly how this turns out in practice.
The Whoop app displays stress monitor results in two separate graphs. The first chart shows the user’s current value and the second a daily timeline. By providing real-time information on stress levels, the feature aims to promote greater awareness and contribute to overall well-being.
breathing exercises
Whoop’s CEO tweeted that he’d spent a decade thinking about developing the stress monitoring feature. In addition, the app update also includes breathing exercises developed in collaboration with neuroscientist and human performance expert, Dr. Andrew Huberman.
These exercises meet various needs such as: B. Improving sleep, reducing stress and maintaining alertness. Users can expect more breath logs to be added to the app in the future.
Stress remains a major factor affecting mental and physical health for many of us. Adding this new feature to the Whoop app is a useful upgrade. It provides users with a resource to effectively manage stress and maintain a more balanced lifestyle.
You can check out our hands-on review of Whoop at this link.
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