The brightest way to shine is by being fully, imperfectly yourself.
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Posted June 1, 2025 | Reviewed by Gary Drevitch
“Have you seen the bubble room?” I stood in that spectacular corner of the high-rise building with an impressive view of the city below. I took pictures to remember the place. But as I walked away, I wondered if I had given myself enough time to appreciate the view myself. I couldn’t say.
In lives that sometimes seem to try to spin faster than the planet, multitasking is a given. Whether in pursuit of productivity metrics at work or crossing every task off of a personal to-do list, the aim of negotiating multiple responsibilities has a way of insinuating itself way into our lives. Is this juggling approach preferable? Common sense might say yes, but research suggests otherwise.
One field study found that multitasking interfered with flow states and performance (Jeong and Hwang, 2016). Other investigations have found that dual focus can activate our stress systems (Becker et al., 2023). Over time, intensive multitasking, as with media usage, may increase susceptibility to mental health challenges like anxiety and depression (Becker et al., 2013).
So, how can we re-embrace the lost art of doing one thing at a time? It is as simple as it sounds, but not necessarily easy in practice.
Often, we are divided even in our thoughts, moving from one idea to the next.
In dialectical behavioral therapy, a core feature of mindfulness is doing something “one-mindfully” (Linehan, 2015). One-mindedness is the quality of focusing on one task at a time, even if this means redirecting ourselves over and over like we would a hyperactive puppy.
When spending time with others, taking time to genuinely attend to the person we are with rather than giving in to distraction frees us to listen more effectively, enhancing the relationship. On the contrary, poor listening satisfaction (often resulting from multitasking) is one of the strongest factors in the dissolution of marriages and partnerships (Salazar and Nguyen, 2019).
Giving up on a lifelong habit of multitasking immediately is not realistic. Yet, practicing the art of doing one thing at a time can take place through activities as small as listening to a song, holding an in-person conversation with no technology present, or enjoying a cup of tea.
If you find this difficult, you are not alone! As a society, we are in a sort of multitasking crisis. Yet, with training, it is possible to build this skill.
In a productivity-obsessed culture, multitasking is everywhere. The accessibility of smartphones, social media, and other devices only enhances the phenomenon. Yet the reality is that doing more than one thing at once can decrease our performance, interfere with flow states/creativity, and have adverse mental health consequences. Taking brief moments to focus on one thing, whether manifested through listening to birdsong, doing a specific work-related task, or even writing a blog post, can allow us to strengthen the muscle of mindfulness.
References
Becker, L., Kaltenegger, H. C., Nowak, D., Rohleder, N., & Weigl, M. (2023). Differences in stress system (re-) activity between single and dual-or multitasking in healthy adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Health psychology review, 17(1), 78-103.
Becker, M. W., Alzahabi, R., & Hopwood, C. J. (2013). Media multitasking is associated with symptoms of depression and social anxiety. Cyberpsychology, behavior, and social networking, 16(2), 132-135.
Jeong, S. H., & Hwang, Y. (2016). Media multitasking effects on cognitive vs. attitudinal outcomes: A meta-analysis. Human Communication Research, 42(4), 599-618.
Linehan, M. M. (2015). DBT® skills training manual (2nd ed.). The Guilford Press
Salazar, L. R., & Nguyen, T. (2019). An examination of work-life balance, listening satisfaction, and relationship dissolution among m
Jennifer Gerlach, LCSW, is a psychotherapist based in Southern Illinois who specializes in psychosis, mood disorders, and young adult mental health.
Get the help you need from a therapist near you–a FREE service from Psychology Today.
Psychology Today © 2025 Sussex Publishers, LLC
The brightest way to shine is by being fully, imperfectly yourself.
Self Tests are all about you. Are you outgoing or introverted? Are you a narcissist? Does perfectionism hold you back? Find out the answers to these questions and more with Psychology Today.

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Fitness coach who helped Nita Ambani, Anant Ambani lose weight shares why workouts alone may not help shed kilos  Hindustan Times
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I’m a huge fan of fitness gadgets. If there’s a new wearable making waves, chances are I’ve already tried it or at least added it to my wishlist. Over the years, I’ve been wowed by a few and let down by many. From tracking every step with an Apple Watch to analyzing my workouts with a Garmin, I’ve tested just about every fitness tracker on the market. So when I started noticing the Oura Ring showing up on the fingers of wellness influencers, elite athletes, and even friends who don’t usually care about this stuff, my curiosity kicked in.
The Oura Ring promised something different: a sleek, screenless wearable that focused less on how many workouts you crushed and more on how well you recover, sleep, and handle stress. I ordered the sizing kit, picked out the Rose Gold color, and committed to wearing it every day. And while I wouldn’t use it as my sole fitness tracker, especially for in-depth workout stats, after three months, I can confidently say the Oura Ring changed the way I think about fitness. It helped me shift from obsessing over numbers and calorie burn to understanding my body’s rhythms and prioritizing recovery.
In this article, I’ll break down what the Oura Ring actually does, how it compares to other fitness trackers I’ve used, and the surprising ways it influenced my habits, mindset, and overall wellness routine.
The Oura Ring is a smart ring developed by Finnish company Oura Health Ltd. Unlike the wrist-worn trackers most of us are used to, the Oura Ring collects health data from your finger, an ideal place for picking up accurate signals like heart rate and body temperature. It gathers metrics on activity, sleep, heart rate variability (HRV), respiratory rate, and body temperature, then syncs all of that data wirelessly to a companion app via Bluetooth.
Before you even receive the ring itself, you start with a sizing kit. Oura sends a set of plastic rings in various sizes and asks you to wear your chosen size for 24 hours to ensure it fits comfortably during both day and night. Once you’ve locked in your fit, you place your order. The latest version, the Oura Ring Generation 4, starts at $349 and goes up to $499, depending on the color and finish. There’s also a monthly membership fee ($5.99/month) for full access to insights and trends.
Design-wise, the Oura Ring is sleek and minimal, more like a piece of jewelry than a fitness device. It’s lightweight and surprisingly comfortable to wear 24/7, even while sleeping or showering (it’s water-resistant). There’s no screen, no buzzing notifications, and no flashing lights, just a simple, subtle band that quietly tracks what’s happening under the surface.
So what exactly does it track?
Here are the standout features:
Unlike the Apple Watch or Fitbit, the Oura Ring isn’t trying to be your digital assistant or workout coach. There’s no screen to check notifications, no GPS for running routes, and no wrist buzz to break your focus. Instead, it’s more like a quiet observer, collecting high-quality data and translating it into actionable insights, especially around sleep, recovery, and long-term wellness. For those who want a minimalist, non-intrusive approach to health tracking, it’s a standout.
Getting used to wearing the Oura Ring was surprisingly easy. I already wear rings and other jewelry regularly, so having a ring on 24/7 didn’t feel out of place. That said, it is a bit bulkier than a typical band – more noticeable than a wedding ring, but not distractingly so. If you’re not used to wearing jewelry, it might take a few days to adjust. Still, it never interfered with daily activities, workouts, or sleep.
While the ring itself is sleek and subtle, the app took a little more time to get comfortable with. It’s packed with data, some of which I’d never really paid attention to before. Heart rate variability? Respiratory rate? I had no idea what those numbers meant or why they mattered. I had to do some digging, but once I understood the basics, the app became incredibly intuitive and useful. The dashboard is clean, and each section (Readiness, Sleep, Activity) offers easy-to-digest insights, along with deeper metrics if you’re the data-nerd type.
Pretty quickly, checking the app became part of my morning routine. I’d wake up and immediately look at my sleep and readiness scores. And yes, it influenced my behavior. I started trying to go to bed earlier just to see if I could nudge my scores higher. I took more rest days without guilt when my readiness was low, and I often felt better for it.
What impressed me most in those early weeks was how eerily accurate the ring seemed. One night, after indulging in some late-night pizza and beer (we’ve all been there), I woke up feeling groggy, and my sleep score reflected it. The app gently asked if I had eaten too close to bedtime, noting that it could disrupt my sleep. I was shocked it picked up on that, but also a little impressed.
Another moment that caught my attention was when the ring flagged “signs of strain” in my body. I didn’t feel sick at the time, but the next day, I came down with a cold. It’s wild when your wearable knows you’re getting sick before you do.
And then there was the time I flew to Copenhagen. I’m a very nervous flyer, and the app noted that I’d experienced significantly higher stress levels, specifically, 11 hours and 30 minutes more stress than usual. I couldn’t help but laugh, as it was pretty spot-on.
Oura made me shift my focus from chasing numbers to actually listening to my body. Instead of obsessing over closing Apple Watch rings, I started tuning into what I needed, and the difference was huge.
With Oura’s daily readiness score, I started respecting rest days instead of feeling guilty about them. If the app suggested I was in recovery mode, I’d skip the workout or opt for something gentler, and I felt better in the long run because of it.
I used to think sleep was just a side note to fitness. Oura changed that. The ring showed me how things like exercising before bed or eating late really disrupted my sleep quality. Once I prioritized rest at night, my energy during workouts improved dramatically.
Oura helped me notice patterns I used to ignore, like subtle signs of stress or illness. Whether it was a dip in heart rate variability or a spike in temperature, the ring flagged it early. That helped me adjust my workouts, rest when needed, and stay healthier overall.
After three months of wearing the Oura Ring daily, here’s what stood out – the good and the not-so-good.
As I mentioned earlier, Oura helped me shift from a numbers-obsessed mindset to a more intuitive, balanced approach. It encouraged me to tune into how I was feeling, not just how much I moved.
The battery life is impressive and lives for up to 8 days on a single charge. But what I loved most was how easy it was to keep charged. I got into the habit of popping it on the charger while I showered, and that was usually enough to keep it at 90-100% all the time.
This ring is sleek and stylish and is way more subtle than my Garmin or Apple Watch. It blends in with almost any outfit and even looks great at dressier events. I appreciated having a health tracker that actually looked like jewelry.
If you’re looking for in-depth workout data, this isn’t it. As a runner, I still relied on my Garmin for pace, distance, and performance stats. Oura tracks duration, calories, average heart rate, and pace, but not with the precision or depth of a dedicated sports watch.
I personally didn’t miss having a screen, but it might be a downside for anyone who likes real-time updates or checking stats mid-workout. If you’re used to that instant feedback, this could feel like a step back.
The $5.99 monthly fee isn’t outrageous, but it adds up, especially on top of a $349-$499 device. If you’re on a budget, it’s worth factoring in.
The ring is made of titanium and generally durable, but it’s not immune to scratches. I noticed a few small dings after weightlifting. To avoid further damage, I started using a cheap rubber cover during workouts, and that helped a lot.
In an ideal world, I’d get 10 hours of sleep a night and work out for at least an hour. However, that’s just not realistic for the average person. So sometimes, Oura’s advice to go to bed earlier or get in more or less movement during the day just isn’t possible (and can be a bit frustrating).
Overall, the Oura Ring was definitely worth it for me. It’s not just a fitness tracker, it’s a tool that helped me rethink how I approach health, emphasizing recovery, sleep, and body awareness over raw performance metrics.
I’d recommend it to wellness-focused users who want to prioritize sleep quality, recovery, and long-term health rather than just counting steps or tracking workouts. It’s perfect for anyone who appreciates subtle, continuous insights and prefers a minimalist design that doubles as stylish jewelry.
On the other hand, if you’re a serious athlete or someone who needs detailed real-time workout stats and GPS tracking, this probably won’t replace your dedicated fitness watch. Also, if you want instant feedback during exercise or prefer no subscription fees, the Oura Ring might not be the best fit.

Growing up in the U.K., I always considered the U.S. Army a large, powerful group of patriotic soldiers. Army soldiers worldwide have to be pretty fit and strong to keep up with the daily demands of duty. Maintaining a high level of physical fitness is key for the job. 
After a recent review, the U.S. Army is changing the physical fitness test and performance standards for soldiers in combat roles. Army data from nearly 1 million test records helped create the new performance standards and scoring system. The Army recently announced that these changes aim to “enhance soldier fitness, improve warfighting readiness, and increase the lethality of the force.” Let’s look at what the changes involve and when they will be taking place.
For some of us, working on our fitness means jumping in all at once with a detailed plan, while for others, it just means staying committed to a 30-minute workout session two or three times a week. We all prefer different ways of improving our wellness and achieving our fitness goals. I let many of the viral fitness trends pass on by, especially if they sound like a fad that’s more hype than anything valuable. 
Sometimes, fitness trends are worth trying, and for many of us, the 30 Strong Challenge might just be one of them. Let’s look at what the 30 Strong Challenge involves and the potential benefits.
When it comes to fitness trackers, few people have more expertise than Tim Rosa. As the former CMO of Fitbit, he researched the reliability of the data they provide constantly, both individually and in larger studies.
Given his expertise, Rosa felt like the right person to approach to learn more about the reliability of fitness tracker data. He’s also deeply involved in sleep research in his current role as CEO of Somnee, so we asked him a wide range of questions about fitness tracker reliability, how sleep-related wearables are becoming part of the information equation, and the evolving role of AI in this technology. The following is everything that Rosa shared with us.
The lowdown on fitness trackers
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Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office Champions Mental Health for Law Enforcement with New Initiative  Hoodline
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Research officer, Melbourne Social Equity Institute, The University of Melbourne
Professor of Law, La Trobe Law School, La Trobe University
PhD Candidate, La Trobe Law School, La Trobe University
Panos Karanikolas is a member of the Victorian Mental Illness Awareness Council (VMIAC). He received funding for this research from the National Disability Research Partnership as part of a partnership with VMIAC.
Chris Maylea receives funding from the Australian Research Council, National Health and Medical Research Council, and national and state legal aid commissions.
Hamilton Kennedy does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.


University of Melbourne provides funding as a founding partner of The Conversation AU.
La Trobe University provides funding as a member of The Conversation AU.
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In an emergency, police are often the first called to the scene. But they are rarely equipped to deal with complex mental health crises.
Following recent parliamentary inquiries and royal commissions there has been a push – led by researchers, advocates and some senior police officials – for a shift to a health-led and paramedic-first response.
South Australia is one of a number of states trialling a program based on a “co-responder” model. This means trained specialists accompany police to some mental health call-outs in the community.
So, how do co-responder programs work? And are they effective? Here’s what the evidence says.
Mental health legislation in all states and territories gives police the power to use “reasonable force” to transport people who “appear to have a mental illness” to hospital to prevent harm.
In most cases, this involves police taking people experiencing mental health crises to hospital emergency departments, without help from mental health clinicians or paramedics.
Overburdened emergency departments have long wait times for mental health and are often inadequate at responding to people experiencing distress.
Those who need mental health support may not need a hospital stay.
One study found only one in five (23%) of those taken to emergency by police – usually after expressing intention to self-harm – were admitted.
The strain on police resources is also significant. For example, in New South Wales, police now respond to triple zero calls about mental health crises in the community every nine minutes (in Victoria it’s every ten).
The mere presence of police alone can escalate already heightened emotional situations.
Police frequently lack training in mental health, with combative police culture and the militarisation of police training presenting significant problems.
Police often acknowledge they are ill-equipped to intervene in a mental health crisis.
Yet, about one in ten people who access mental health services have previously interacted with police.
These encounters can be risky and even deadly.
People who experience mental health issues are over-represented in incidents of police use of force and fatal shootings.
Police involvement can also lead to the criminalisation of people with mental health issues and disability, as they are more likely to be issued with charges and fines or be arrested.
Yet the main reason police take people to hospital is for self-harm or suicidal distress, and most are not deemed to be of risk to others.
In our research, conducted in 2021–2022, we interviewed 20 people across Australia who’d had police intervene when they had a mental health crisis.
Those we spoke to often had multiple experiences of police call-outs over their lifetime.
They told us excessive use of force by police had traumatising and long-term effects. Many were subject to pepper spray, tasers, police dogs, batons, handcuffs and restraints, despite not being accused of committing criminal offences.
For example, Alex*, said:
I was having an anxiety attack, and they pepper sprayed me. I had bruises all over my hands from the handcuffs they put on really roughly, even though I wasn’t under arrest. Then they took me to hospital.
In our study, people with mental health issues said they would prefer an ambulance-led response wherever possible, without police attending at all.
They also wanted to be linked to therapeutic and community-based services, including mental health peer support, housing, disability support and family violence services.
Co-responder programs aim to de-escalate mental health incidents, reduce the number of emergency department presentations and link people experiencing mental health crises with services.
These programs, such as the one being trialled in South Australia, mean mental health clinicians (for example, social workers, counsellors or psychologists) attend some mental health incidents alongside police.
Peer-reviewed research shows these kinds of responses can be effective when compared to traditional police-led interventions.
An evaluation of a co-response program in Victoria found the mental health response was quicker and higher quality than when police attended alone.
The success of programs in the United States and Canada shows many mental health crises can safely managed without police involvement, for example by addressing issues such as homelessness and addiction with health workers, and reducing the number of arrests.
While the evidence shows co-responder schemes are valued by people with lived experience, they are often limited by under-resourcing.
Co-responder programs are not universally available. Often, they do not operate after usual business hours or across regions.
There is also a lack of long-term evaluations of these programs. This means what we understand about their implementation, design and effectiveness over time can be mixed.
More broadly, the mental health sector is facing significant and ongoing labour shortages across Australia, posing another resourcing challenge.

Last year, the final report from the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System recommended paramedics should act as first responders in mental health crises wherever possible, instead of police, diverting triple zero calls to Ambulance Victoria.
However that reform has been delayed, with no indication of when it may be implemented.
A 2023 NSW parliamentary inquiry also remarked on the need to explore reducing police involvement.
Co-responder and ambluance-first models offer an improvement.
But our research suggests people with lived experience of mental health issues want more than ambulances replacing the police as crisis responders.
They need a mental health system that supports them and provides what they needed, when they need it: compassionate, timely and non-coercive responses.
*Name has been changed.
If this article has raised issues for you, or if you’re concerned about someone you know, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
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