why I’m obsessed with my Oura Ring (and you might be too)
I have been giddy to write this post on the Oura Ring and my obsession with it.
I’m not going to lie—my first experience misplacing this little gem had me a little too closely associated with Smeagol. If you’re not a Lord of the Rings fan, I’m going to ask that you kindly tolerate my occasional reference to fantasy worlds and realms that temporarily transport me out of this reality. For those who get the reference—you are my people.
While the Oura Ring may not give you power over others, it does give you the power to better understand the various factors that impact your overall health and well-being. From tracking your sleep and gauging your daily readiness, to managing stress and syncing your temperature with your cycle—this ring proves to be a small but mighty device.
morning check in
sleep: the unsung hero of wellness
The small nature of the Oura ring makes it an easy device to sleep with relative to other sleep tracking devices.
The importance of tracking sleep is often emphasized in reference to a sound wellness routine. Not only the amount of sleep, but the quality of sleep is a critical component in our bodies ability to rest, recover and rebuild. That’s where Oura shines. It tracks your sleep patterns and gives you insight into:
Total sleep vs. time in bed (how long does it take you to fall asleep?)
Your average oxygen saturation
Breathing regularity (are you snoring or experiencing disrupted breathing?)
These insights can help fine-tune your nightly routine. For example:
Do you fall asleep faster after reading vs. scrolling your phone?
Do you sleep better with a fan on or a window open?
All these little details add up to better sleep. Oura also breaks down your time spent in deep sleep vs. REM and how restful your night was (i.e., how much you were moving). It can even help determine your ideal bedtime and wake time by deciphering your chronotype (morning person? night owl?).
“Your chronotype defines your optimal sleep schedule that presets your body’s daily rhythms for digestion, alertness, and hormone release, among others.” — Oura
Against all odds, odds established by me and me alone, I’ve discovered I’m a morning type. This means I’m most productive in the morning, making this a great time to schedule workouts and take on important tasks. If you’re trying to embrace early mornings too, check out my ‘Creating Your Good Morning’ post for tips on how to rise and shine.
daily readiness: know when to push, when to rest
Oura generates a daily readiness score based on metrics like:
Resting heart rate
Heart rate variability (HRV)
Sleep quality
Recent activity levels
This score gives you a clear picture of how equipped your body is to take on the day. For example:
Did you complete a tough workout and need extra recovery?
Did that extra glass of wine lower your HRV?
Oura has made me way more aware of alcohol’s impact on my performance. I’ve consistently seen a 20+ point drop in my readiness score the morning after drinking. While I still enjoy wine on occasion, I now plan around it—especially when training for a race.
managing stress: what my body was trying to tell me
This feature was the most eye-opening for me.
This past year was incredibly stressful within my career. While everything in me felt ‘off’, Oura provided validation in the significant impact my job was having on my ability to cope with stress.That realization led me to make a change—one that allowed me to prioritize my well-being so I could better lean into my passion for caring for others.
May 6, 2024
Making a change that didn’t feel *right*.
March 31, 2025
Making a change that better aligns with me and my passions for health + wellness.
game-changer: temperature tracking & cycle awareness
This one’s my favorite feature—it’s completely changed how I understand my cycle.
Oura tracks your temperature while you sleep and provides data to better understand the timing of your cycle. It’s partnership with Natural Cycles is a game changer in deciding which birth control method works best for your body. Natural Cycles is the only FDA cleared birth control app that uses body temperature to prevent and plan for pregnancy naturally.
With Oura:
You wear the ring overnight—so there’s no need to remember to take your temp in the morning.
It tracks consistently at the same time every day, improving Natural Cycles’ effectiveness.
Used correctly, Natural Cycles is 93% effective. For me, traditional birth control pills caused uncomfortable side effects, so this option has been an empowering alternative.
This is not a call to throw traditional birth control in the garbage—only to raise awareness that there are options. Choosing how to protect your body is a deeply personal decision and should always remain exactly that: a choice.
Even if you’re not using Natural Cycles, understanding your cycle’s phases, how it impacts your mood, energy, and cravings? Another game-changer. I’m no longer surprised by my period. I know when I’ll feel my best and alternatively when I’ll need more down time.
Thanks to Oura, I feel more in tune with my body than I ever have.
information is just the start—empowerment is what you do with it
Like any device or tool, the data Oura gives you is just that—data. It’s what you choose to do with it that makes the difference.
If this post sparked your curiosity and you're ready to better understand your body, I highly recommend investing in an Oura Ring.
Before purchasing, check with your insurance—Oura indicates the ring, charger, and membership are HSA- and FSA-eligible.
So what’s stopping you?
The power is literally at your fingertips.
not sponsored, just obsessed
This post is in no way sponsored or endorsed by Oura—but I am able to refer a friend!
If you want to be that friend, click here to grab your own Oura Ring, start tracking your data, and take control of your health and well-being.