Have you been dying to quit something that you just can’t seem to shake? There’s a wearable for that.
The latest in wearable tech is here, and it’s called Pavlok: the wristband created to help users kick bad habits and sleep better. The company sent me one to test out, here’s what I learned:
Some things to know
Yes, there is a correlation with Pavlov’s dogs. Pavlovian conditioning was the inspiration for this device; it vibrates to reward you for good behavior and shocks you with an electric stimulus to train away bad habits.
It’ll set you back about $190 bucks and comes with a detailed instruction booklet and charger that plugs into a USB port. Download the app that goes along with the Pavlok, charge the battery up until the light turns yellow and you’re good to go. The app includes introduction videos, courses and more, making it a handy sidekick to this new wearable device. But keep in mind, you can only quit one habit at a time.
Break the habit
According to Pavlok’s app, the first step in changing habits is awareness. If you catch yourself doing the habit or craving what you’re trying to eliminate from your routine, simply zap yourself with the Pavlok and you’ll be on your way to a habit-free life. The app also says it’s vital to “become aware of the trigger causing the habit in the first place.”
The app is a vital part of the Pavlok and populates a weekly trends graph that provides insights on the most common times you are vulnerable to your habit. Simply add the habit you’re trying to quit, be it smoking, nail biting or something else and continue your regular activities like you normally would. You can even input a tentative schedule so the app knows when you normally act out that habitual behavior to give your Pavlok a head start. It also features motion technology, so if you’re trying to quit smoking and you bring your hand near your face, Pavlok takes notice.
And if you’re trying to sleep better and sleep-in less, the Pavlok can measure how many hours you spent in deep sleep, light sleep or restless sleep. It also allows you to set a sleep goal reminder along with bedtime and wake-up goals. However, I wouldn’t recommend tracking your sleep and kicking a habit at the same time. While trying to delete sugar from my life, I also tried wearing the Pavlok to bed. I found it hard to actually fall asleep because I was worried I’d get shocked by accident. That’s just not the ideal way to wake up.
If you run into any trouble, and I did when I tried to sync my phone and Pavlok, there are habit experts ready and available to help you whenever you need. Just request a live chat and they’ll sort you out in no time.
I should mention that the trouble I had with pairing the device was before Pavlok’s latest firmware update rolled out, so the chances of you having issues should be lower now. The update also included a new “Explore” section of the app, which means anyone can take advantage of habit changing resources, whether you own a Pavlok or not.
Oh, and yes, this was on Shark Tank. Now, watch me shock myself for the first time:
See. That wasn’t so bad, right?
Packaging bonus… the whole team signed the box!
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