Over-Monitoring: When Health Numbers Become the Enemy

I have a scale, but I hardly use it.

Why is it still collecting dust in my bathroom? It feels like an essential part of anyone’s bathroom. When used, I always have to wipe it clean before seeing the numbers appear once pressure is put on it.

Mentally, the numbers add up once in a while. On other days, it merely gives me that signal I hope is part of the overall work delivered.?

In today's age of quantifiable everything, we're obsessed with tracking our health metrics. More often these past years, I am asked what these numbers mean. Whether it is worrisome for health purposes.

Or is simply a snapshot of one’s life? From blood sugar to blood pressure, and the almighty scale, we want to know the exact numbers, and we want to know them now. But is this constant monitoring doing us any good?

The level of precision needs has turned into a paradox.

While self-monitoring can empower people of all ages to take an active role in their wellness, it can also lead to undue stress and anxiety. Minor fluctuations in blood sugar or cholesterol levels can send too many into a tailspin, leading to sleepless nights and unnecessary doctor's visits. Or checking in with me more than what is needed. The affirmation from a 3rd party is great, but overdoing it because a 1% spike onto a negative axis is not a road one wants to cross.

This is a bit of an issue and a challenge with perfection. As much as you are aiming for a perfect holiday, it may be perfect but the problem with perfection is that it actually does not exist. The same goes for our health. The numbers tell us whether we are on the road to the ultimate.

Humanity has become so focused on achieving "perfect" health metrics that we've forgotten the bigger picture. Our bodies are complex systems, and it's normal for our vital signs to fluctuate throughout the day. Even the most consistent measures across the day will fluctuate. Try to control your blood sugar levels or cholesterol every single day, and the stress levels will spike, and your state of mind will show you something you do not want to encounter.

With everything in life, even stepping on the scale without slipping off, it is all about striking the right balance. Health balance is a desire to love yourself, even when the numbers do not show it at that stage, and explore the options to seek out recommendations from those who may know a bit more.

Three key areas, alongside the huge benefits a coach can deliver in making you thrive.

One thing with chasing perfection is that we often do not set realistic expectations. It is of the greatest importance you cannot always control what the numbers show, as health metrics fluctuate. I am an avid proponent of not getting too caught up in the numbers. From calorie counting to adding 7% more weight to the bar, it doesn't really matter.?

The mind is such a powerful tool, and too many times, it is ignored. A second rule is to look at all aspects of wellness - which is more than just nutrition and exercise. As we are constantly bombarded with signals from the outside world, mindfulness and awareness are simple yet highly effective habits to slot into your life.

Finally, your journey is unique, and it all takes time. Seeing an influencer with a BMI below 15 does not say anything about your progress, your efforts, and what you aim to go for. Excessive monitoring does lead to anxiety, stress, and going too hard too fast. Consistency is key, set a reasonable schedule for checking vital signs, and just do not go overboard with 6 times per day meeting your scale.

The goal in health and to thrive is not a destination. It is a continuous process, a road with holes and obstacles, and to enjoy a thriving life whilst taking it.

As I enter the bathroom, I am happy to see my scale still works.

No need to change the battery.

The battery numbers work in my favour - lasting 10% longer than was marketed!

I learned the hard way how desperately primitive is the technology we have for monitoring the health of someone with a chronic illness. | Chris Toumazou