You’ve checked the rates for personal trainers and mindfulness experts and taking courses remains out of reach. However, you are still passionate about improving well-being in your life. An Amazon Alexa is enough to boost these efforts in subtle but surprising ways. Here’s what Alexa can do and how you can use a simple voice assistant as a wellness coach.
Sleep better
How can a humble tech item help you sleep? Don’t doctors generally tell people to stop using electronics before going to bed? Alexa may be an exception. If you have smart lights, ask Amazon Alexa to dim or turn them off at the same time every day to prepare your mind for bed.
You can also ask Alexa to turn on white noise if you’re the type who finds background noise soothing. It can set the scene for the ideal sleep scenario without you having to lift a finger.
Start with a short workout
It’s understandable if adding a trek to the gym for an hour-long strength workout is a challenge to your daily life. Alexa makes it possible to create a few minutes of movement during the day. The seven-minute workout is one of the most popular features on Alexa, touting these tempting benefits:
- Targets multiple muscle groups
- Improves heart health through cardio
- Lowers blood pressure
- Supports healthy weight loss
- Helps control cholesterol
The good news is that you don’t need any gym equipment to get it done, as it includes activities like jumping jacks, planks and squats. You start one workout and realize that seven minutes isn’t long. Feel free to start a new one, and before you know it, racking up your weekly workout minutes will be as easy as breathing.
If high-intensity movement isn’t your style, you can ask Alexa to guide you through yoga poses. You may not always be sweating, but it’s crucial to prioritize flexibility and balance as much as strength. Over time, Alexa’s familiarity with your habits will increase, making this possible provide accurate and relevant suggestions for personalizing your wellness regimen.
Connect other smart fitness technology
Do you have a Fitbit or other wearables? These devices integrate seamlessly with Alexa, making it easy to ask if you’re getting enough sleep or exercise during the day. Hearing the numbers out loud is a great motivation to build momentum toward fitness goals. If you’re too busy to check devices manually, just ask Alexa.
Speaking of apps, there are plenty of opportunities to experiment. Just ask Alexa to launch the compatible app and it’s done. If you have one specifically for stretching or Pilates, Alexa will be your coach – no calls, scheduling or money required.
Connecting Alexa to your calendar is another subtle way to use Alexa as your health and wellness coach. If you’re notorious for forgetting doctor appointments or fitness classes, you can set it up to remind you what’s on the agenda every morning. This way, you will always remember the favors your past self did to support your well-being.
Help with breathing and meditation
Involve meditation your daily wellness routine if you aren’t already. You get the most bang for your buck for almost any health activity – and it’s free with the help of Alexa. No subscription service is required. Ask Alexa to hold you accountable by setting up an automation to enter a Zen headspace at the same time every day.
You can also ask him to start a five-minute breathing exercise. You may not realize how your breathing is superficial throughout the day, especially if you do deep work and ignore breaks. Intentionally breathing fresh air does wonders to revitalize the body and mind.
If you want something even more accessible, ask Alexa for a quick one-minute mindfulness session. Water or bird sounds can fill your ears for a few soothing seconds before returning to your tasks. Combine this with daily affirmations to increase self-esteem and confidence.
Use what you have
Alexa, can you tell me a nutrition tip? Alexa, can you set a five-minute timer to make planks? Fitness and wellness resources are now available in your home, and Amazon Alexa has tons of helpful tools to complement your health and mindfulness goals. Alexa is constantly receiving new features, so stay informed and curious. You never know when your new favorite automation or app will come out, making your routines even more manageable.
