Smartwatch Benefits For Writers

This time of year, you'll likely see an influx of ads for smartwatches.

For many users, they're a tool for monitoring vitals and tracking exercise goals, plus they boast other health-related features, so seeing this uptick alongside discounted gym membership promotions is arguably inevitable as New Year's resolutions are being made.

Smartwatches aren't just about health, though, as they also have built-in features or downloadable apps that can be integrated into your everyday writing habits.

I haven't been a smartwatch user for all that long, but I've found plenty of ways mine helps with staying focused on my writing and makes some things a touch more convenient.

For context, I mainly use a Fitbit Sense 2 (part of a medical study I'm participating in) but also own a Galaxy 4. And as a quick tip, don't be afraid to look at refurbished watches if you're thinking about getting a smartwatch for yourself! My Galaxy watch was secondhand on eBay and cost a fraction of he retail price but works just as well.

Lack Of Distractions

Between my ADHD and having constant access to the internet in several forms, I am prone to getting distracted.

But as high-tech as a smartwatch is, there's only so much they can do. Some models have more bells and whistles and compatible apps than others but, for the most part, they're limited to things like displaying notifications and tracking vitals. You don't have the ability to doomscroll on your wrist—and that's honestly for the best.

This limited functionality means there's way less for you to get distracted by, making it easier to stay on track with your writing. It's the same reason I love my NEO2.

It's also worth noting that Bluetooth capabilities mean you can keep your phone tucked away without becoming unreachable. Let's face it: phones are a major distraction, but they're also a necessity. Having your phone connected to your smartwatch lets you keep tabs on essential notifications and take calls, so you can stay in the know without getting sucked into your phone.

Timing Writing Sprints

Writing sprints are a popular writing exercise. You set a timer for a given duration and focus only on your writing until the timer goes off. Simple as that.

There are plenty of ways you can keep track of your remaining time, including your smartwatch, whether you're a fan of the Pomodoro method or are just curious to see how long it takes you to finish editing a chapter.

Dictation And Notetaking

Inspiration can strike anywhere at any time. A smartwatch can help you take notes in the moment.

Some have dictation features that let you record voice notes either as audio or through text-to-speech functions. My Galaxy smartwatch has a teeny-tiny onscreen keyboard, but I rarely use it because it's too small for my fingertips.

These apps might also be able to sync with your other devices, too.

This way, whether you're in line at the grocery store check-out, half-awake in bed, or on the treadmill, you can corral all of your writerly thoughts until you have a chance to sort them out properly and won't have to worry about forgetting that one crucial detail that would fix everything in your story.

Music Controls

A lot of writers listen to music as they work on their WIPs and even curate playlists inspired by their stories. However, sometimes you just need that perfect song to set the mood, which can mean shuffling through and searching until you find it.

Smartwatches can have your music controls right at your fingertips, so you don't have to open your streaming app to skip a track.

This will, in part, depend on your app of choice and the smartwatch you have. My Galaxy has a compatible Spotify app, while my Fitbit does not; the latter does link to YouTube Music.

Some models have built-in speakers. I personally don't play music through my smartwatch because my wrist blocks the speaker and muffles the sound, but I appreciate the convenience of controlling music I have playing on another device.

Break Reminders

Smartwatch marketing focuses on health-related features, such as tracking your vitals and workouts. One I appreciate but haven't seen promoted as frequently is setting a break reminder.

Writing is a sedentary activity. We spend a lot of time sitting down, hunched over our desks like little literary shrimps. I also do a lot of my writing sitting cross-legged on the floor (including while I'm drafting this post), which I find comfortable but can lead to aches after longer stints.

Having a reminder to get up and move, even for just a few minutes, can keep you from falling into a rut.

To-Do Lists

Some smartwatches might have a compatible checklist app that pairs with your phone, allowing you to organize your objectives for the day.

This can be especially helpful if you've got a deadline approaching or have a larger project with a lot of little steps to get done.

Mindfulness And Meditation

Writing isn't all sunshine and matte blue Scooby-Doo fruit snacks. We all have our hard days. Maybe you've gotten a rejection letter from an agent or more negative feedback from a beta reader than expected, or you're just having difficulty concentrating.

Your smartwatch might be able to help! Many come with apps for breathing exercises or meditation to help ground yourself when you're stressed or can't focus.

Pausing for a few minutes can help recenter your energy and get you back on track.

Long-time readers of the blog know that I prefer keeping my writing low-tech. That being said, I'm happily surprised by all of the ways having a smartwatch has come in handy as a writer.

If you have a smartwatch, tell me about your favorite features in the comments! Are there any that have made your writing life easier?