Eating My Words
Remember how I said about one month ago that I am not going to get an Apple Watch because I am not engaging in emotional spending? My sister gave me her old one so all of us could try it out. I went first and grew very attached.
On day one, I thought it was uncomfortable, but the fitness tracking was cool.
On day two, it was less uncomfortable, and I discovered that some of the things I disliked were as simple as changing a setting.
On day three, I barely noticed it was there. It made me walk longer because I wanted to hear the rings close and get the fireworks. I wanted to see a big step count at the end of the night. It’s nice to be able to quickly look at my wrist and see whether someone wrote me. Seeing it on my wrist got me outside for a walk and eating better.
I have not been feeling great about my mind and body. Both have changed a lot during the pandemic. While ten minutes of meditation per day reset things nicely pre-pandemic, I need to carve out time to sit and breathe. And I have to move more. I need a reminder to physically get up, exercise, or simply stand by the window for a moment. I am not doing exercise classes. I have not purchased exercise equipment. So this is like a single-cost gym membership. Sort of.
I guess I need an external motivator right now.
4 comments
Is it really emotional spending if you know for sure you’re going to find value in it? I define emotional spending as buying something on a whim because I want it – not because it’s going to be useful. Buying something because you think it has the potential to get you to do things that you currently aren’t but should be is an investment. While not all investments pay off, a free trial is a good way to get a sense of whether it will. So, buy the watch.
Buy the watch. I am not a tech savvy person and I’m not super connected. I also never, ever buy expensive things for myself. But I love my Apple Watch and it has been a worthwhile purchase. I love that it tracks my exercise and steps. I find it reassuring because it’s less hard on me than I am on myself – I cut my elliptical workout short yesterday and felt guilty (was far too hungry to be working out, poor planning) but my watch closed my exercise ring because it knew I went on a very brisk walk earlier in the day with my family. And knowing if I’m getting a call or a text without having my phone on me is helpful.
I read somewhere that the mere act of owning and wearing a watch or fitbit or anything that calculates your movements/steps etc ensures that you increase your movement. As you pointed out, it pays for itself!
It sounds like you are using it for good… Those fireworks are super motivating (I saw them on the Fitbit, no apple watch), and anything that makes you physically feel healthier and better is a win I think! Enjoy!