For Christmas this past year, my husband surprised me with an Apple Watch. I’ve never expressed an interest in an Apple Watch, I’ve never hinted to him that I wanted an Apple Watch, and truthfully, having an Apple Watch has never even crossed my mind. I’m just not that person. I’m not the fancy type who keeps up with the latest technology–I’m a mom who spends the majority of my days at home with kids, changing diapers, wiping down counters, and fixing the next meal. What on earth would I need an Apple Watch for?
Although I tried my hardest not to, I definitely let my surprise at my gift show in front of my husband and kids. I just honestly didn’t know how to react to such a gift. For one, it seems like when you’re a mom, the only gift you really want is a nap and maybe a massage and why couldn’t he have just gotten that hint?? And two, Apple Watches aren’t exactly cheap, so that money could have really been more well-spent on about 50 other things I could think of at that moment.
But, a gift is a gift, and I thanked my family profusely for it. And then, it sat on my dresser. And sat. And sat some more. I just couldn’t bring myself to open the darn thing. I didn’t want to hurt my husband’s feelings, but really? An Apple Watch? What on earth would I use it for? Tracking how many times the toddler pooped that day? Ugh. I was paralyzed with guilt over having such a fancy item when, as a primarily at-home mom, my life feels decidedly unfancy. Eventually, in a series of unfortunate (or fortunate, depending on which way you look at it), I ended up missing the return window on the watch, so it was here to stay. And now that I’ve been using my watch, I have to admit–I kind of love it. Here are five reasons why this very unfancy stay-at-home mom is now an Apple Watch devotee:
Apple Watch Series 6
If you've had your eye on an Apple Watch, there are a lot of Black Friday sales going on for Apple products. You can choose from renewed or new options, as well as different series and features. Just keep in mind that if you purchase a renewed version off Amazon, the product won't be Apple-certified. And if you're on the fence about using an Apple Watch, as a mom of five, I absolutely love mine--it keeps me hands-free and off my phone, will still letting me do things like text friends or listen to podcasts through the day.
It’s Freed Me From My Phone
As a stay-at-home mom, I have a love-hate relationship with my phone. On one hand, I love it because it’s my only connection to the outside world that involves other people besides the toddler variety. But on the other hand, I hate it because I feel like I’m so desperate for that connection that I miss out on the real-life moments happening right in front of me. And although it sounds ironic because it’s a literal technology tether, having the Apple Watch has allowed me to be more present without constantly feeling like I’ll miss that text or that call that I so desperately want to get because I’m human and hungry for adult interaction.
I can move around the house, taking care of the kids, cleaning, or playing with the toddler and when I get any texts or calls, it’s as simple as glancing at my wrist or answering right through the watch. I don’t have to lug my phone around the house with me and I still get to feel connected to something other than my baby. Honestly, this single aspect of the watch has been life-changing for me and the primary reason why I love it. It’s given me back a freedom I didn’t know I was missing.
It’s Helped Me Get Moving More
I admit it: as an at-home mom, especially in the Midwest where it’s currently literally below freezing, I can get all too comfy on the couch with my toddler. And while I’m all for snuggling on a cold wintery day, the habit is getting a little out of control. So I love that my watch has (literal) reminders that it’s time to get up and get moving.
It’s Led Me to Cut Back on Social Media
Without needing my phone constantly near me for calls or texts, I’m always way less tempted to quickly hop on to Instagram or Facebook to check what’s new. Social media truly is not a healthy thing in my life a lot of days, and while it has its good parts, for me, less is more right now. And removing the temptation has helped me finally cut the cord for good. I even completely deleted Instagram from my phone last night. I’m free!
It’s Prompted Me to Have More Fun
This one will sound silly, but I’ve enjoyed the feature of the Apple Watch that lets you share workouts. My sister and I used to work out together, once upon a pre-pandemic time, and I miss that connection we have. With the Apple Watch, we can “share” workouts and I’ll get an alert when she finishes her workout, and vice a versa. It’s a fun way to feel like we are still working out together and plus, we have a bit of a friendly competition going on who can burn the most calories in their workout that day. (Fun fact: chasing a toddler burns a lot more than you’d think!)
It’s Put Me Back in Control
At the end of the day, an Apple Watch is not some magical portal to make my life as a stay-at-home mom easier. But I like that it’s allowed me to have more control over the kind of technology that can enhance my life, not harm it. Instead of a phone that I feel controls me (I’m just being honest), the Apple Watch feels like a tool that I get to control. I can listen to my podcasts while I clean, play music, talk to my husband while I change a diaper, go for a walk without worrying I will be away from my inbox for work for too long, and play with my baby while still having that outside connection that I long for.
I never would have guessed it and part of me still wishes my husband had just stuck with the nap-and-massage gift I really wanted, but as it would turn out, I guess I’m an Apple Watch person after all. Just not the fancy type, of course.
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