How the Oura Ring Helped Me Thrive

I wanted to take a moment to share something that’s been a game-changer for me over the past 5.5 years: my Oura Ring. Honestly, it’s like having a little wellness coach on my finger, and I can’t help but rave about how it’s helped me navigate so many ups and downs in life, from fitness to motherhood. Here’s a short journey of the last 5.5. years with Oura Ring. 

Finding Balance in Fitness

When I first got my Oura Ring, I was all about hitting the gym hard and staying active. It became my secret weapon for tracking workouts, sleep, and recovery. The ring tracks my activity levels and encourages me to move throughout the day, reminding me that even short bursts of activity add up. Research has shown that regular physical activity contributes to better mental health and cognitive function, which is especially crucial for managing ADHD ^[1]Rebar, A. L., R. C. Brownson, A. D. G. H. M. H. A. D. S. A. M. A. G. K. (2015). “The Effectiveness of Interventions to Increase Physical Activity: A Systematic Review.” *American Journal … Continue reading. Whether I was at the gym or simply chasing my little one around the house, the Oura Ring made it easy to celebrate those wins, big and small. 

Healing Injuries and Recovery

Injuries can be so frustrating, especially when you’re used to being active. When I was dealing with setbacks, the Oura Ring helped me pay attention to my body’s signals. It tracks recovery and readiness, guiding me to listen to what my body needs. The importance of rest and recovery cannot be overstated; adequate recovery is essential for optimal performance and injury prevention ^[2]Miller, J. M., A. A. L. McKenzie, and M. P. Bailey. (2017). “Recovery Strategies for Athletes: A Review of the Literature.” *Sports Medicine* 47(8): 1505–1525.. The Oura Ring gave me the confidence to ease back into workouts without rushing it, helping me heal without feeling like I was falling behind.

Improving My Sleep Routine

Sleep has been a constant challenge for me, especially during those early days of motherhood. With co-sleeping and breastfeeding, I quickly realized that I needed to optimize my sleep as much as possible. The Oura Ring tracks my sleep patterns and provides insights into how to improve my rest. Studies show that good sleep hygiene practices can significantly enhance sleep quality ^[3]Hirshkowitz, M., K. Whiton, S. M. Albert, et al. (2015). “National Sleep Foundation’s Sleep Time Duration Recommendations: Methodology and Results Summary.” *Sleep Health* 1(1): 40–43.

For someone managing ADHD and PMDD, quality sleep is crucial. Sleep deprivation can exacerbate symptoms of both conditions, leading to increased irritability and difficulty concentrating ^[4]Killgore, W. D. S. (2010). “Sleep Deprivation and Cognitive Performance.” *Current Opinion in Psychology* 1: 105–109. The Oura Ring helped me identify when I needed to wind down and the importance of creating a calming bedtime routine. Even on those restless nights, knowing I could take actionable steps to enhance my sleep quality was a game-changer.

Navigating IVF and Pregnancy

The journey through IVF and pregnancy is often filled with emotions, and my Oura Ring became a vital tool during this time. It provided insights into my stress levels and how my body was responding to the process. Research indicates that stress management techniques can be beneficial during fertility treatments ^[5]Boivin, J., M. S. Scanlan, and E. L. G. W. B. E. R. (2011). “Stress Management for Women Undergoing Infertility Treatment: A Randomized Controlled Trial.” *Journal of Psychosomatic … Continue reading. The Oura Ring was a comforting reminder that I needed to prioritize self-care and mindfulness, especially during the emotional rollercoaster of IVF. Tracking my sleep and recovery during pregnancy helped me understand my body’s needs better, ensuring I was doing everything I could to nurture myself and my baby.

The Early Years of Motherhood

As a new mom, those first two years can be both magical and overwhelming. The Oura Ring continued to support me by helping me track my energy levels and activity throughout the day. With ADHD and PMDD, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, but the insights from my ring helped me identify patterns in my energy and mental clarity. A study by Killgore (2010) highlights how sleep deprivation can exacerbate mood disorders, making it essential to monitor sleep quality. The Oura Ring has been instrumental in helping me manage these challenges. By understanding my sleep quality and recovery, I’ve been able to make more informed decisions about when to take breaks and how to embrace the moments when I feel energized.

It became my gentle reminder to practice self-care and prioritize my mental health amidst the beautiful chaos of motherhood. Balancing the demands of a new baby while managing ADHD and PMDD can be challenging, but the Oura Ring has empowered me to take control of my well-being.

In Summary

In summary, the Oura Ring has been more than just a fitness tracker for me; it’s been a holistic health companion that has guided me through various stages of my life. From fitness and recovery to sleep improvement and navigating motherhood, it has empowered me to make intentional choices that align with my well-being.

So, if you’re on the fence about investing in a health tracker, I highly recommend giving the Oura Ring a try. Here’s 10% off!