Did you know that there are over 1.8 million apps in the App Store? It can be hard to know where to start when it comes to picking apps for your watch, but I can help. Some of my favorite apps are free and come pre-installed, but others are must-have third-party downloads. You’ll be wondering where these apps have been hiding all these years!
Create Simple To-Do Lists That Actually Work
Reminders App
Scientists claim that checking off an item from your to-do list triggers a physical release of endorphins and can decrease your stress levels! The native Reminders app is probably my favorite native app on my watch.
While I prefer to write my lists on my Mac or iPhone, I enjoy checking them off on my wrist to avoid phone-related distractions. If you’re not a fan of writing them out, just use Siri to create your list in seconds. In addition to simple to-do lists, the Reminders app can be used to create smart grocery lists that will save you time and energy while you shop.
Things 3
If you want to try something different, the Things 3 app ($9.99) not only lets you create lists but it also offers complications so you can see some of your to-do items directly on your watch face.
Manage Your Time Better—the Easy Way!
Alarm and Timers
Productivity goes hand-in-hand with time management, and it can be as easy as setting alarms or timers using the native Alarm and Timers apps. Just use Siri to set up an impromptu timer or plan out your day by setting up lots of alarms—just don’t forget to set them to vibrate-only (as explained in the tip above) so you don’t disturb anyone.
Focus Timer
If you prefer something a little more structured and strict, the Focus - Timer for Productivity ($39.99/year) isn’t cheap, but it lets you carve out blocks of time to be productive and to take much needed breaks. Use it to schedule productivity timers for specific tasks and sync them across your Apple devices to keep you focused—it can even block distracting apps while you work.
The native version of this is the Focus Mode feature that lets you hand-pick which apps and people can send you notifications. It can even be paired with customized Apple Watch faces with relevant apps and complications for the occasion.
Capture Stray Thoughts and Take Notes On-the-Go
Voice Memos
Sometimes we think of the best idea at the worst moment and we either forget what it was or let it derail us from our scheduled plans. My solution is to use the native Voice Memos app to quickly record a stray thought or idea that I can revisit later. If you are running the latest software on your watch and phone, you can even get the transcription of your audio for easier access.
Whisper Memos
If the Voice Memos app is not to your liking, Whisper Memos - Speech to Text is a wonderful free app known for its transcription accuracy. It offers a complication so that you can start recording with a single tap to your watch face.
It can take a few days to establish an efficient routine incorporating these Apple Watch apps, but I promise that it will become second nature and you’ll never look back!
Which of the apps I mentioned is your favorite? Are there any productivity apps you love that I didn’t include? Email OntheWatch@iphonelife.com and let me know!
