It Started with a Migraine
Last Tuesday, at 2:47pm, I was in the middle of a meeting with my team when it hit me. Not a brilliant idea, not a sudden inspiration—but a migraine. The kind that makes your skull feel like it’s been drop-kicked by a mule. I squinted at my smartwatch, the bright screen mocking me, and thought, “I can’t take this anymore.”
You see, I’d been chasing productivity like it was the last slice of pizza at a party. My smartwatch was my sidekick, buzzing reminders, tracking my heart rate, counting my steps. But that day, it became my enemy. The constant notifications, the glow in the dark, the data overload—it all contributed to the pounding in my head.
So, I did something drastic. I took it off. And I haven’t looked back since.
Meet My New BFF: A Pocket Watch
Let’s call him Marcus. Marcus is a vintage pocket watch I found at a flea market in Austin. He’s got a little wear and tear, a story to tell, and he doesn’t buzz, beep, or glow. He just… ticks. And honestly, it’s kinda liberating.
Now, I know what you’re thinking. “Sarah, you’re a tech editor for a smartwatch website. What are you doing with a pocket watch?” Well, hear me out. I’m not saying smartwatches are evil. I’m saying they’re not the be-all and end-all. They’re not the only way to stay connected, productive, or healthy.
And look, I’m not alone here. I’ve talked to alot of people about this. My friend Lisa, for instance. She told me, “I feel like I’m drowning in notifications. My smartwatch is just another screen demanding my attention.” And she’s not wrong. According to a study by the University of Maryland, 68% of smartwatch users feel more anxious and distracted because of their devices.
Which… yeah. Fair enough.
But What About the Benefits?
Oh, I know. Smartwatches are great. They track your fitness, monitor your health, keep you connected. But here’s the thing—I don’t need all that. Not all the time. Not every second of every day.
I mean, let’s talk about fitness tracking. I’ve been using a simple pedometer app on my phone for about three months now. It tells me how many steps I’ve taken, and that’s it. No heart rate monitoring, no calorie counting, no sleep tracking. Just steps. And guess what? It’s worked just fine.
As for health monitoring, well, I’m not a doctor. I don’t need my watch to tell me if my heart rate is high. I can feel that. And if it’s something serious, I’ll go see a professional. Not my watch.
And connections? I talk to people. On the phone, in person. I don’t need a tiny screen on my wrist to tell me who’s texting me. I can wait until I’m free to check my phone. It’s called patience. It’s a virtue, look it up.
The Joy of Missing Out
You’ve heard of FOMO, right? Fear of Missing Out. Well, I’ve embraced its opposite: JOMO. The Joy of Missing Out. It’s a beautiful thing. It’s the joy of not knowing what’s happening on Instagram right now. It’s the joy of not responding to a text immediately. It’s the joy of being present, in the moment, without distractions.
And it’s not just me. There’s a whole movement of people embracing slow living, digital detoxes, and intentional tech use. It’s not about rejecting technology—it’s about using it on our terms, not letting it control us.
So, if you’re feeling overwhelmed, if you’re tired of the constant buzz, beep, and glow, maybe it’s time to take a step back. Maybe it’s time to embrace the quiet rebellion of slow living. Maybe it’s time to find your own Marcus.
But What About the Community?
Now, I know what you’re gonna say. “Sarah, you can’t just disconnect. What about the community? What about the local events?” And you’re right. Community is important. That’s why I still keep an eye on topluluk etkinlikleri yerel aktiviteler. But I don’t need a smartwatch to do that. My phone is more than capable. And honestly, it’s nice to disconnect from the constant notifications and just enjoy the moment.
Final Thoughts (Kinda)
Look, I’m not saying you should all ditch your smartwatches and run out to buy pocket watches. What I am saying is, it’s okay to take a break. It’s okay to disconnect. It’s okay to embrace the quiet, the slow, the simple.
And if you do, you might just find, like I did, that life is a little sweeter without the constant buzz. So, give it a try. You might be surprised by what you find.
But honestly, I’m not sure but maybe you won’t. I mean, it’s your life, your choice. I’m just sharing my story. Take it or leave it.
About the Author
Sarah Thompson is a senior editor with over 20 years of experience in the tech and lifestyle niche. She’s a self-proclaimed slow living enthusiast, a coffee addict, and a firm believer in the power of a good nap. When she’s not writing, you can find her exploring flea markets, hiking with her dog, or curled up with a book and a cup of tea. She’s also probably ignoring her phone.
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