My Week Without a Smartwatch: Insights and Experiences from Ditching It
Once a dedicated watch enthusiast, my collection ranged from vintage Casios to models featuring built-in calculators. However, everything changed when I got my first smartwatch. I explored the best of smart wearables and lost interest in conventional watches—until I stumbled upon the captivating Casio Manga Edition G-Shock. Enchanted, I acquired one and surprisingly traded in my smartwatch, leading to a transformative experience.
Day 1: Embracing the “Dumb” Watch
The primary motivation behind this transition was the stunning appearance of the Casio Manga Edition G-Shock. I anticipated admirers would be drawn to it, but I uncovered unexpected advantages beyond aesthetics.
Over time, my smartwatch had become my notification hub. Every call or message would prompt a glance at my wrist, creating a cycle of compulsive checking. This habit was particularly disruptive during conversations or meetings.
It feels inconsiderate to constantly check your watch in social settings. Yet, my instinct to analyze every notification made resisting the urge almost impossible.
With my new “dumb” watch, I found myself glancing at my wrist less frequently, enhancing my focus while working. Conversations with friends and colleagues became more meaningful, free from the constant distraction of notifications.
Although it might seem trivial, this shift enabled me to immerse myself in the present without the nagging worry of incoming emails. Additionally, the unique design sparked interesting conversations, allowing for more personal interactions while stepping away from screens—a significant advantage.
Day 2: Reduced Anxiety and Increased Free Time
Regarding screen time, I noticed that forgoing my smartwatch inadvertently minimized my smartphone use. By interacting with fewer notifications, I escaped the endless scroll of social media.
I utilized Focus Modes on both my Mac and iPhone to prioritize essential alerts, limiting distractions. For instance, on average, my daily screen time with a smartwatch hovered around four hours. After a week without my Apple Watch, I managed to cut that down to just over three hours—a notable improvement my eyes appreciated.
Moreover, the absence of a smartwatch contributed to lower anxiety levels. I no longer stressed about awaiting replies from clients, as my wrist wasn’t habitually lighting up. I was also free from the pressure of closing those fitness rings, which used to loom over me all day.
Day 4: The Downside of Missing Notifications
Of course, life without my smartwatch wasn’t perfect. When my phone rested on my desk, I could effortlessly catch calls and respond to urgent texts. However, slipping my phone into my pocket meant missing several notifications, as I couldn’t feel vibrations, given that it remained mostly on silent mode. A smartwatch served as my gentle reminder.
You might suggest simply increasing the phone’s volume, and while that is an option, it doesn’t work in many settings. In co-working environments where silence prevails, a loud ringtone would disrupt the atmosphere. Plus, in bustling areas of India, I often missed calls amid the chaos of traffic.
It’s a dilemma; on one side, not having a smartwatch aided distraction-free work. On the other, I risked missing critical communications.
Day 6: Longing for Essential Health Features
Having relied on smartwatches for a decade, I became accustomed to monitoring my physical activity—steps taken, distance traveled, calories burned. With the choice to now forego a smartwatch, I had let go of tracking such data.
While it’s true that smartphones can monitor these metrics, their accuracy lags behind that of dedicated wearables. Moreover, using apps like Google Fit drains smartphone battery life, something I was eager to avoid.
An alternative approach could involve a straightforward fitness tracker like the Xiaomi Smart Band 9. This way, I could gather fitness data without the distractions of a typical smartwatch.
Nevertheless, it’s not only the fitness stats I missed; it was the health monitoring capabilities of advanced smartwatches. For instance, the high heart rate alerts from the Apple Watch once warned me of a serious health irregularity. Plus, the convenience of taking ECGs or monitoring blood pressure directly from a smartwatch can be invaluable.
These features significantly enhance personal safety. For seniors, functionalities like fall detection and medication reminders can dramatically change their lives. Transitioning from a smartwatch to a traditional piece means giving up these critical benefits.
Day 7: Should I Return to a Smartwatch?
Throughout this week-long experiment, I realized that not sporting a smartwatch relieved me from battery anxiety. Modern smartwatches require daily charging, and there’ve been times I neglected to plug mine in, only to face an embarrassing blank screen hours later. Once, while traveling, I forgot my charger entirely and went a week without a timepiece.
In contrast, the Casio G-Shock boasts a battery life that spans years without needing replacement. The simplicity of having one less device to charge nightly is incredibly refreshing. However, certain features of a smartwatch still hold immense value. For instance, I crave access to health features and timely notifications, especially when I’m out and about.
Hence, I decided to establish a middle ground. While I’m desk-bound, I don my “dumb” Casio watch, knowing my notifications will come through on my Mac. But when venturing out for meetings, I switch to my smartwatch for crucial work alerts. On weekends, I leave the smartwatch behind to focus entirely on family without any digital interruptions.
If you’re contemplating a break from your smartwatch, I encourage you to take the leap for a week. This trial could help you realign your lifestyle and determine the circumstances under which you’d prefer to wear it.
This new routine has been transformative for me, successfully merging the benefits of both styles of watches. I relish the elegance of my Manga watch, which continues to capture my admiration, months after its acquisition!
All images by Sumukh Rao.
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