Tracking My Time on the Apple Watch with 'Hours'

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I've always been a fan of tracking how I spend my time, especially in regards to work. I even tried to build an infographic week to week using chronographs. Unfortunately, I found the habit non-conforming due in no small part to the extra time it took to commit. Creating spreadsheets and manually inputing the time was also something I didn't find a benefit.

Fortunately, I found an app that I could use to create special tasks that I identified being core functions of my work. Hours, a free app, has proven to be highly beneficial for my time management. I truly enjoy sevaral features, that allow the individual task creation, ability to backtrack and adjust time if needed, data export features (as CSV or PDF), and reminder features.

Individual tasks can be created, and categorized under headings. In this case, I split it between my duties on campus and side projects.

Individual tasks can be created, and categorized under headings. In this case, I split it between my duties on campus and side projects.

Data can be exported based on timeframes, whether the past month, week, or a custom timeframe. Data can also be exported via email as a PDF or CSV file. 

Data can be exported based on timeframes, whether the past month, week, or a custom timeframe. Data can also be exported via email as a PDF or CSV file. 

While I have found Hours vastly enjoyable for my eccentric hourly tracking habit, I have been put off with constantly using my phone. At times, I have to go back and manually enter the time or adjust areas. Sometimes I forget to turn off the timer. That being the case, the smartwatch feature that Hours has integrated into their app has really been great. I like the fact that it supports glances, and also allows you to turn on different timers right from the smartwatch.

The app allows the user to quickly 'glance' at how much time they have spent on what task.

The app allows the user to quickly 'glance' at how much time they have spent on what task.

The user also has the ability to turn off/on individual tasks, and see how much time has been placed on each through the day.

The user also has the ability to turn off/on individual tasks, and see how much time has been placed on each through the day.

Overall, I have greatly found the smartwatch app easy to use, and has been a nice habit of mine that I have kept up with. I would highly recommend this app if you are into this type of stuff, or perhaps bill for time or services and want a way to share it with someone. For reference, refer to the next image on how the data is exported as a PDF:

As you can see, the time is exported by activities and the total time put into the activity that day.

As you can see, the time is exported by activities and the total time put into the activity that day.

Timothy AungstComment