Leaving the house without my phone feels like a nightmare. The thought of doing so intentionally? Unthinkable! What if I miss a photo opportunity? How will I pass the time while waiting in line? What if an unexpected event occurs, like a natural disaster or a sci-fi scenario? The possibilities are overwhelming. However, in an effort to regain control over my screen time, I decided to leave my phone at home for an entire week, relying solely on an LTE-enabled smartwatch. This experiment has been on my mind for quite some time, as I, like many of my fellow elder millennials, find myself glued to my phone. While my job requires frequent phone use, I felt it was time for a break.
Despite my skepticism toward minimalist phones that often lack essential features, I found the idea of a cellular smartwatch to be a viable alternative for those looking to reduce their screen time while staying connected. With a smartwatch, you can still send messages, check emails, and listen to podcasts while enjoying life. The dream of experiencing life without constantly staring at a screen enticed me. Would I feel more connected to those around me? Could this shift help alleviate my anxiety and tension? The results were mixed, but the journey was enlightening.
On the first day, I paired my Apple Watch with my iPhone 13 Mini for this experiment. Although I considered using an Android phone with a Pixel Watch, I felt that introducing an AI assistant would complicate the process. I envisioned myself enjoying a cappuccino at a sidewalk café, savoring the summer day while occasionally reading the newspaper. However, the reality was far from glamorous. I found myself swiping furiously on the watch's small screen and pulling over on my bike to check for missed calls.
Throughout the day, I often caught myself dictating messages into my wrist, feeling both absurd and liberated. My first afternoon was marked by a brief panic when I rushed back home to log into Strava and Spotify on my phone to ensure they would work properly with the watch. This was a clear reminder that the Apple Watch relies heavily on the iPhone. Nevertheless, I set out on my bike, feeling a mix of excitement and anxiety. At the coffee shop, I discovered that typing on the watch's tiny keyboard was surprisingly accurate, though tedious. Voice input was a more efficient option, but speaking to my watch in public felt awkward. My first day ended with a sense of accomplishment; instead of scrolling through my phone, I engaged in a few pencil-and-paper Sudoku puzzles, which felt rewarding.
On day two, I ventured out to Pike Place Market with my smartwatch. I must confess that I cheated a little by carrying a second phone as an e-reader, but it lacked a cellular connection, and I kept it in e-ink mode. I downloaded a book by Ali Wong to the Kindle app, allowing me to enjoy a good read while minimizing distractions. I powered off my iPhone, knowing it would serve as a last-resort backup. This decision led to an unexpected realization: with my iPhone off, I would not receive notifications on my watch. While I could still access apps like messaging and email, I missed out on Slack notifications due to its absence of a watch app. However, I welcomed the temporary break from work-related messages.
Despite the challenges, I successfully managed a 40-minute call to my sister, which I considered a win. I also left my phone at home while picking up my child from daycare, knowing I could make emergency calls if necessary. However, my resolve faltered when it was time for my nightly Duolingo lesson. Old habits crept back, and I found myself scrolling for far too long before putting my phone on the charger. Lesson learned: setting boundaries around phone use, especially before bedtime, is essential.
On the third day, I faced the challenge of relying on public transit without my phone. While riding the bus, I questioned whether I should get off at the Union Street stop or Columbia. I had glanced at the directions earlier but found myself anxious about missing the correct stop. Normally, I would have checked my phone for reassurance, but using the watch's navigation felt cumbersome. Instead, I decided to trust my memory and successfully got off at the right stop. This small victory felt empowering as I navigated the city without my usual crutch.
However, my confidence waned when I offered to share an Uber ride home with a friend and realized I had no way to request a ride. Thankfully, my friend helped me out, but it raised concerns about what I would do without such assistance. I could have relied on public transit to return home, but the experience highlighted the importance of planning ahead.
As the week progressed, I found myself slipping back into old habits. I often brought my phone along as a backup for tasks outside the watch's capabilities, like finding nearby restaurants and placing orders. On one occasion, I had to take my husband to an outpatient procedure, and leaving my phone at home felt irresponsible. Nevertheless, I maintained my no-phone policy when it made sense. Using the watch's audio cues and haptic taps, I found navigating with Apple Maps while driving surprisingly effective.
Despite a few missteps, I emerged from this experiment with a newfound awareness of my phone habits. I no longer felt the need to keep my phone at my side constantly; instead, I often forgot where I left it. I began using my AirPods and watch to listen to podcasts or turning to my Sudoku book during downtime. This shift in perspective was a welcome change.
Conducting this experiment took more planning and discipline than I anticipated. I realized the importance of being conscious of my surroundings and having necessary contact information readily available. For instance, it would be wise to store Uber's phone number in my contacts for future reference. Keeping my phone out of the bedroom and following a minimalist approach to technology can also help mitigate phone addiction.
I found that I needed to pay closer attention to charging my watch than ever before. Investing in a high-performance smartwatch could be beneficial for anyone looking to reduce their phone dependency. Additionally, having access to an AI assistant would enhance the smartwatch experience, allowing for better management of calendars and documents. Although I still have a long way to go in managing my phone use, I believe that a combination of tools, including a cellular-connected smartwatch, can help support healthier habits.
Ultimately, I learned that creating new habits requires a focus on enjoyable activities rather than feelings of deprivation. Having a jigsaw puzzle or Sudoku book readily available can help redirect my attention away from my phone. It’s a practice that takes time and effort, but it’s essential for reclaiming focus in our increasingly digital world. This smartwatch experiment wasn't a definitive solution, but it provided valuable insights into my relationship with technology. Moving forward, I plan to keep my cellular smartwatch on my phone plan, allowing for more opportunities to disconnect from my phone and engage with the world around me.
