5 Proven Ways to Automatically Track Your Daily Life in Google Sheets

Daily routines often hide valuable insights. By automatically logging key activities in Google Sheets, you can spot patterns to boost health, cut costs, and nurture relationships—no coding expertise needed.

In this guide, drawn from my years of automating personal data tracking, I'll walk you through five real-world examples using simple Google Apps Script and tools like IFTTT. Copy the scripts directly into your own Sheets for instant setup.

Weight Logging with Daily Reminders

Once configured, simply step on your smart scale daily. It logs your weight automatically, and if you skip more than a week, you'll get an email nudge.

Choose a scale that integrates with Google Sheets via email notifications, direct IFTTT support, or native export. Research compatibility before buying:

• Enable email alerts to trigger IFTTT writing to Sheets.
• Use built-in IFTTT triggers with Sheets as the action.
• Opt for direct Sheets integration if available.

In my setup, my Weight Gurus scale required daily CSV exports to Sheets—not ideal, but effective until upgrading.

With data flowing in, open your Sheet, go to Extensions > Apps Script, and paste this code:

function myFunction() {
  var ss = SpreadsheetApp.getActiveSpreadsheet();
  var sheet = ss.getActiveSheet();
  var lastRow = CountColA();
  var lastDate = new Date(sheet.getRange(lastRow, 1).getValues()[0][0]);
  var thisDate = new Date();
  var DateDiff = (thisDate.getTime() - lastDate.getTime()) / (1000 * 60 * 60 * 24);
  if (DateDiff > 7) {
    MailApp.sendEmail("admin@989214.com", "Weight Log Reminder", "You haven't weighed in for " + DateDiff.toString() + " days!");
  }
}

function CountColA() {
  var sheet = SpreadsheetApp.getActiveSheet();
  var data = sheet.getDataRange().getValues();
  for (var i = data.length - 1; i >= 0; i--) {
    if (data[i][0] != null && data[i][0] != "") return i + 1;
  }
}

This script:

1. Finds the last data row.
2. Calculates days since last weigh-in.
3. Sends an email if over 7 days.

Learn more about emailing via Apps Script in our dedicated guide. Set it to run daily: Triggers > Add Trigger > Time-driven > Day timer.

Consistent weigh-ins keep you health-aware.

Track Home Energy Leaks via Door Activity

Rising utility bills? Monitor front door opens to spot air loss culprits.

Use a wireless camera like ReoLink Argus 2 for motion email alerts.

Parse emails in IFTTT to log timestamps in Sheets.

Analyze for peak activity days. Snapshot emails reveal who's responsible.

Pair with gadgets from our 7 Nifty Gadgets to Monitor Your Home's Energy Usage roundup.

Gym Visit Reminders

Log arrivals via IFTTT location trigger at your gym address.

Adapt the weight script: change if (DateDiff > 2) and email to "It's been [days] since your last workout—hit the gym!"

if (DateDiff > 2) {
  MailApp.sendEmail("admin@989214.com", "Gym Reminder", "It's been " + DateDiff.toString() + " days since you trained. Get to the gym!");
}

Optimize Sleep Patterns

Export Fitbit, Apple Watch, or Sleep as Android data to Sheets via IFTTT.

See our guides: Fitbit and IFTTT, Apple Watch vs. Fitbit.

Correlate with life events:

• Bedtime impact?
• Seasonal trends?
• Weekday differences?
• Gym effects?

Unlock better rest. Check 5 Ways to Fight Insomnia.

Stay Connected: Spouse Text Reminders

IFTTT Android SMS trigger for spouse's number logs texts.

Script alert after 4 days: "It's been [days] since your last text. Don't neglect!"

if (DateDiff > 4) {
  MailApp.sendEmail("admin@989214.com", "Spouse Reminder", "It's been " + DateDiff.toString() + " days since you texted your spouse. Step up!");
}

Unlock Life Insights with Google Sheets

These setups transform Sheets into a personal dashboard. Explore advanced scripts in 4 Google Scripts That Make Sheets More Powerful.