Who: Udip S.; 31; food and beverage manager; Jackson, Wyoming 

Helpful Oura insight: Udip improved his Resilience level from “Adequate” to “Strong” by focusing on better sleep and managing his stress throughout the workday.

What led you to Oura?

I first heard about Oura from longevity doctor Dr. David Sinclair and was intrigued that it could track metrics like stress and sleep. I became a member a year ago, and it’s a total game-changer. I moved to America from Nepal 12 years ago for school, and it has been a rollercoaster journey of school, jobs, and moving around the country. I have faced challenges and started to let the stress of it all build up.

Oura’s insights into my sleep, stress, and daily activity have allowed me to make smarter decisions and be more mindful about my habits. This has not only improved my productivity and mental well-being but also inspired me to explore ways to bring Oura’s benefits to my community in Nepal (more on this later). Overall, I’d say Oura has been a transformative tool in my life.

What have been your biggest takeaways? 

One of my key takeaways has been that stress is not the enemy—it’s how I respond to it that matters. I experience a lot of stress at my job as a food and beverage manager at a busy hotel. My daytime stress load is always high when I’m working, but when I improved my sleep, I recovered better overnight, which subsequently improved my Resilience level.

READ MORE: Resilience: Improve Your Ability to Recover From Stress

During the work day, I usually experience around three hours of stress. On my days off, I spend this amount of time in the relaxed or restored zone. It puts my stress into perspective—there will be days that are stressful and days that are restorative. It’s more about investing in meaningful activities that recharge me. For me, tagging my workdays and reviewing these patterns has been invaluable.

Caption: Udip’s stress levels during the work day versus a day off work.

Since focusing more on recovery, my Resilience level has gone from “Adequate” to “Strong.” It turns out that sticking to a consistent bedtime and ensuring quality sleep and stress management practices can turn a tough day into a manageable one. 

In addition to focusing on good sleep, I started practicing meditation by attending a Vipassana retreat. It gave me the mental tools to observe stress without letting it consume me.

Udip learned that stress isn’t necessarily the enemy—it’s all about how he recovers.
Member Tip: Access guided meditations and breathing exercises within the Oura App under Explore content.

READ MORE: How to Boost Your Resilience, According to Oura Members

What other habits have you changed thanks to Oura?

Another significant change I’ve made thanks to Oura is getting sober. Before using Oura, I didn’t fully grasp the impact a few drinks could have on my heart rate, stress, sleep, and recovery. Once I saw the data, it validated my decision to quit drinking, and I’ve been sober for nearly a year now. Eliminating alcohol has made a huge difference in my ability to handle stress—my body recovers more quickly, and I feel clearer mentally. I can’t overstate how grateful I am for that.

In addition, taking mindful breaks during the workday has helped me stay balanced despite my busy schedule. Whether it’s a few minutes of deep breathing or a quick walk, those pauses let me reset and stop stress from building up. What’s been most rewarding about this journey is seeing the ripple effect it has had on those around me.

How has your journey inspired others?

I’ve integrated these lessons into how I encourage my team at work. Whether it’s suggesting mindful breaks or promoting better sleep habits, I’ve found that small nudges can have a big impact on the team dynamic and how we handle stress throughout the workday. 

I’m originally from Nepal, and I hope to inspire my community there to join me on my path to a healthier lifestyle inspired by the positive changes Oura has brought to my life. For instance, my dad, who was initially resistant to trying meditation, joined a meditation retreat after seeing the positive changes it made in my life—at age 65! Another Nepali friend bought an Oura Ring after seeing my health journey—it makes me feel great that I’m inspiring others.

RELATED: With Oura, This Member Saw How Meditation & Breathwork Upped Her Energy and Focus

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