The Dilemma

After spending time on Reddit, I noticed two predominant strategies for Apple Watch setups: the first involves directing all notifications to the watch to minimize phone use, while the second entails disabling notifications to avoid constant buzzing. Unfortunately, neither approach resonated with me. The first option only increased my stress levels due to incessant notifications, while the second, although better, still wasn't quite right. I needed a personalized solution.

Before implementing my new setup, I often alternated between wearing my Apple Watch and leaving it off for extended periods. I found my motivation for workouts dwindling without it, prompting me to devise a new system.

One Watch Face to Simplify My Life

After experimenting with various configurations, I settled on one that has worked wonders for months. I realized that the key to a stress-free Apple Watch experience was to focus on what I genuinely appreciate about its features without adding unnecessary tension. Here’s my current setup:

The simplicity may seem underwhelming, but this is all I need from my watch. My experience has shown that anything more becomes overwhelming. My single display showcases my exercise rings, accompanied by just a few essential complications:

• Workouts: Essential for tracking my physical activity.
• Battery Indicator: To keep tabs on battery life.
• Timers: Particularly for steeping tea—seriously, I set timers for tea more than anything else.

The philosophy behind this approach is straightforward: if an activity doesn’t relate to these three features, my Apple Watch stays silent until I require it again. I've even disabled the Raise to Wake function, so it doesn’t light up while I’m typing on my laptop. I want my watch to serve me, not the other way around.

Section 1.1: Embracing Notification Silence

You’ve probably heard this before: minimizing notifications is beneficial. This concept is central to digital minimalism and has greatly aided me. It extends to my wrist as well. Adhering to my mantra of keeping the Apple Watch quiet unless actively in use, I've turned off notifications for all apps—fitness alerts being the lone exception.

To achieve this, access the Watch app, select "My Watch," go to "Notifications," choose an app, and switch from "Mirror my iPhone" to "Custom." From there, you can disable notifications for that specific app on your Apple Watch. Repeat as needed for other apps.

Subsection 1.1.1: The Dual-Wrist Approach

You might be thinking, "You're hardly using it as a watch." And that's exactly the goal. While I appreciate the fitness tracking features, I’m not fond of the Apple Watch's aesthetic. It’s not a traditional watch; it’s more of a computer on your wrist. Thus, my final adjustment has been to wear my Apple Watch on my dominant right wrist and a classic analog watch on my left.

I initially hesitated about wearing both a smartwatch and a traditional watch, fearing judgment. Surprisingly, in the months I've done this, only a couple of individuals have commented, and after explaining my reasoning, they were understanding.