For over six years, my Apple Watch was an inseparable part of my daily life. From the moment I woke up to just before bed, it was always on my wrist. I wore it everywhere—while swimming, working on the car, even on my wedding day. But recently, I made a change: I stopped wearing my Apple Watch at home. The results were surprisingly liberating.
The Shift to Disconnecting at Home
I’ve been a smartwatch user since the original Moto 360 was gifted to me in 2015, and I’ve worn one daily ever since. However, a recent period of sickness at home prompted me to skip wearing my Apple Watch for the day. It felt strange at first, but this small decision led to a profound shift in my relationship with technology.
For the first time in years, I wasn’t constantly aware of incoming notifications. I didn’t feel compelled to respond to every message immediately, a sensation I had grown so used to that it became an anxiety trigger. The “instant reply” pressure that typically accompanies modern communication was gone.
The Digital Minimalism Impact
This change aligned with my recent reading of Digital Minimalism by Cal Newport, which challenges the role technology plays in our lives. Although I hadn’t started the book before I stopped wearing my Apple Watch, its ideas about reclaiming control over digital consumption resonated deeply with the shift I had already begun.
Not wearing my Apple Watch revealed how much anxiety I had unknowingly been carrying. The constant flow of messages and calls always made me feel like I needed to be on alert, ready to respond at a moment’s notice. Without the watch, I found myself no longer reacting to every text or call, allowing me to enjoy activities with my family without distractions. Even if I missed a call, I realized nothing bad ever happened—important messages were always followed up by voicemails or texts, and calls that truly mattered were returned.
Rediscovering a Sense of Freedom
This freedom from constant notifications has significantly reduced my anxiety. I no longer feel the urge to check my watch every time it taps my wrist. When I’m at home, I’m able to engage more deeply in conversations, board games, or even movie nights without being pulled away by every digital alert. It’s a simple but profound change—being truly present in the moment without worrying about what’s happening on my wrist.
Keeping the Balance: The Apple Watch Still Has Its Place
That said, I haven’t abandoned my Apple Watch altogether. I still wear it when I leave the house. Whether I’m at a coffee shop, running errands, or driving, I appreciate the convenience of having notifications and navigation on my wrist. It’s especially useful for staying connected with my wife when I’m out and about, and I prefer using the watch’s navigation features over staring at a screen.
My Apple Watch continues to play a vital role in my fitness routine as well, tracking my workouts and ensuring I stay on top of my health goals. While I don’t wear it during at-home activities, I simply grab it when I need it and take it off afterward.
The Benefits of Digital Decluttering
Although I haven’t fully embraced a minimalist lifestyle in terms of technology, my experience of reducing my smartwatch usage at home has been life-changing. The anxiety has decreased, my attention span has improved, and overall, my day-to-day life feels simpler and more balanced.
For those not ready to fully disconnect, I encourage considering a step toward decluttering your digital life. Whether it’s taking off your smartwatch or adjusting your notification settings, small changes can make a big difference in reclaiming your time and peace of mind.