Firstbeat Life Featured in ITV’s Tonight Show

Firstbeat Life was recently featured in a special episode of the UK’s ITV Tonight show, which focused on stress and its impact on everyday life.

The episode featured Oliver Patrick, a well-being expert and long-time partner of Firstbeat Life, who conducted a 3-day stress and recovery analysis on two professionals—Zak, a pastry chef, and Hannah, a secondary school science teacher.

The show revealed how stress affects individuals in high-pressure roles. Zak, juggling the demands of his fast-paced kitchen environment and the challenges of being a new parent, found it difficult to prioritize recovery. He often ate lunch on the go, barely taking time to sit down, rest, or reflect during his workday. Hannah, on the other hand, experienced stress that spilled over into her personal time, with her stress peaking on Sunday evenings and during her commute to work.

Oliver used Firstbeat Life to monitor Zak and Hannah’s stress, recovery, sleep, and their physical activity over three days and provided personalized coaching based on their results. Oliver’s advice included suggesting that Zak try to take proper lunch breaks with time to sit and eat mindfully, as well as spend time in nature to recharge.

For Hannah, Oliver recommended listening to audiobooks during her commute to shift her focus away from work and incorporating yoga into her routine to help her decompress.

Follow-up Firstbeat data showed promising improvements. Both Zak and Hannah experienced better recovery after adopting these small but impactful changes. Their personal stories highlight the value of using physiological data to guide meaningful lifestyle adjustments.

90% of adults have experienced high or extreme stress in the past year

The Tonight show also presented startling statistics on the state of mental health in the UK. A report from the charity Mental Health UK revealed that 90% of adults have experienced high or extreme stress in the past year, and 1 in 5 people had taken time off work due to stress.

This story showcases how minor, targeted adjustments to daily habits backed by Firstbeat Life data can significantly improve well-being. By combining personalized physiological insights with expert coaching, professionals can create more impactful services and develop deeper connections with clients.

Episode Summary of ITV’s Stress: Can You Beat It?