How Taking Off My Apple Watch Helps Me Disconnect at Home

For over six years, I wore an Apple Watch constantly, from waking to bedtime. Recently, I stopped wearing it at home, and the change has been surprisingly liberating.

My Smartwatch Journey

My smartwatch journey began in 2015 with the original Moto 360. Since then, a smartwatch has been a daily companion.

It was with me everywhere: swimming, showering, working on the car, even at my wedding (a gold Apple Watch Series 4). The only exception was sleep tracking, which I tried briefly. The idea of not wearing it daily was initially foreign, but the experience has been transformative.

Rethinking All-Day Smartwatch Use (At Home)

I haven't abandoned my Apple Watch completely. However, I no longer wear it at home all day. A period of illness prompted me to leave it off, and that simple act changed my perspective. The absence of constant notifications was striking. The "instant reply" anxiety I previously felt vanished (my wife can attest to this!).

Cal Newport's Digital Minimalism further influenced my decision, though I'd already made the change. The book highlighted technology's grip on my life and encouraged mindful disconnection.

Improved Life After Disconnecting (At Home)

I hadn't realized how much anxiety my Apple Watch caused. Every notification felt like a demand for immediate attention. Now, at home, I'm less tethered. My computers provide alerts when needed, but during family time, there's no wrist tap interrupting conversations or movie nights.

The compulsion to answer every call immediately also lessened. The fear of missing something crucial has diminished. We used to live in a world where missed calls were commonplace; the immediacy of today's technology felt overwhelming.

The surprising truth? Nothing catastrophic happened when I missed calls. Important contacts left voicemails or texted. It's incredibly freeing to not be constantly on call.

Since removing my Apple Watch from my daily routine at home, my anxiety has reduced, my focus has improved, and my life feels simpler and more fulfilling.

The Apple Watch's Continued Importance

Some suggest simply adjusting notifications. However, I prefer to keep notifications active when I'm out. My Apple Watch remains essential when I leave the house. It's invaluable for navigation (I prefer wrist taps to screen-based directions), and for staying connected while away from home. It's also crucial for tracking workouts.

My Apple Watch isn't going anywhere, but reducing my daily tech use has significantly improved my well-being.

Decluttering Your Digital Life

If you're not ready for complete digital minimalism, consider decluttering your digital life. It's a similarly freeing experience.

• Apple iPhone
• Apple Watch

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