In this time of modernity, electronic devices especially mobile phones have become an integral part of our daily lives. The constant usage of phones has been so much that many people have adopted checking their phones immediately upon waking up. While it might seem harmless, using your phone right after waking can have several negative effects that many do not realize.
1. Impacts Mental Heath
One’s morning should always have a fresh start but using your phone to check notifications, messages, or social media feeds can hinder that freshness. In fact, it even triggers feelings of anxiety and stress if you see something that you did not wish to.
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The human brain requires time to transition from sleep to wakefulness. Checking your phone exposes your brain to a plethora of information which impacts this transition. Furthermore, studies suggest that the internet, specifically social media has negative effects.
Excessive usage of the internet leads to comparisons, self-doubt, and negative emotions which impact your mental health.
2. Disruption of Morning Routine
One’s morning should include a routine that helps you feel calm. Now, if you reach for your phone the moment you wake up, you will skip doing mindful activities.
When you first wake up in the morning, your mind is very active. During such a previous time, mindlessly scrolling through social media can disrupt a morning routine that can be so perfect.
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3. Impacts Productivity
Starting your day with your phone leads to procrastination as you do not realize for how long you have been using your phone. It therefore affects your productivity level. Using your phone first thing in the morning creates a sense of urgency that detracts from setting a productive agenda for the day.
What may begin as a quick glance at notifications can extend into prolonged browsing. At the end of the day, you would not even realize that feelings of guilt and frustration would overtake you in the worst possible manner, especially if you had many things to do.
4. Physical and Health Concerns
The habit of using a phone right after you open your eyes can disrupt your natural sleep-wake cycle. The blue light emitted by screens can interfere with the hormone that is responsible for regulating sleep. This hormone is known as melatonin.
Another thing that many do not realize is that excessive usage can even lead to a bad posture. How? Well, many use their phone right after they wake up, but still in bed. Spending too much time in awkward positions while looking at a screen can lead to neck and back issues, overall leading to a bad posture.
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It also affects one’s eyesight by giving them blurry vision. It happens slowly but steadily.
5. Disrupt bonds with people around
People who are addicted to phones spend so much time using them that their bonds are not as strong as they used to be with their family members. In this time of modernity, we have started valuing electronic gadgets like phones so much that we keep on ignoring our dear ones. This in turn leads to fragile relationships.
Here are productive alternatives to using your phone first thing in the morning:
1. Practice meditation or Mindfulness
Starting your day with at least 10 minutes of meditation or mindfulness can flip your day and for all good. This practice can help you reduce stress and set a positive vibe for the rest of the day.
All you have to do is find a quiet space, sit there comfortably, and focus on your breathing with your eyes closed. Chanting Om with each exhalation is something that will give you an added feeling of calmness. Simply concentrating on your breathing or even resorting to meditation videos on YouTube can be a productive alternative. This time spent in silence will make you more focused and calm.
2. Engange in Physical activity
There are two types of people, one who loves to meditate and do yoga, and the other type who loves going to the gym. Well, of course, there are some who love both as well. The point is, instead of reaching for your phone, consider doing some form of physical exercise. Whether it’s stretching, yoga, jogging, or a full workout, physical activity in the morning can invigorate your body and mind.
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Physical exercise on a daily basis especially in the mornings can boost your energy levels, and enhance your mood throughout the day. Plus, regular morning workouts help establish a healthy routine. In this time of modernity, many people have a messed up sleep schedule, doing exercise daily can help you tackle it.
3. Read a book
Opting out of using your phone and engaging your time in reading a book especially if it’s in a hardcopy form is another productive way to utilize your morning. Never go ahead with reading digital books in the morning, rather, resort to audiobooks if need be.
Reading for just 15-20 minutes can stimulate your mind, enhance your vocabulary, and provide inspiration. It is not mandatory to read self-help books, fiction is as good as anything. The whole point is not to use your phone first thing in the morning.
4. Journal and plan your day
Taking a notepad and using the quiet morning hours to plan your day or engage in journaling is another best alternative. Writing down your goals for the day not only showcases you as a mature productive individual but also makes you one, given that you fulfill it.
Journaling about your feelings is also a great way to reflect on how you are currently feeling and how you wish to feel throughout the day. This can enhance self-awareness and clarity, making you more focused and prepared for the day.
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5. Make and enjoy a healthy breakfast
Throw your phones and grab the veggies to make the best breakfast for yourself. Making breakfast as an enjoyable task rather than a burdening one can help you feel joy like no other. Consider including protein, whole grains, and fruits or vegetables in your breakfast to maintain a perfect diet balance.
Eating mindfully helps you remain fit and have better digestion. Doing it as a happy task before you proceed to start your day will certainly give you a sense of accomplishment.
To sum it all up, we can say with complete certainty that your phone can sure wait but your well-being cannot. So spend time doing things that will make you healthy and happy.Â
Also read: What Happens To Your Old Mobile In The Flipkart, Amazon Mobile Exchange Deal
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