I’m all about creating healthier daily habits that make us feel good in our body, and mind.
This habit is especially crucial because it literally dictates your WHOLE entire day!
And what is that habit?
The habit of picking up your phone first thing in the morning.
I know it probably doesn’t come as much of a shock to you. This is one of THE worst habits to have in the morning. And honestly, who hasn’t done this, we’re all guilty of it! I mean what happens, when you pick up your phone hop on instagram, or check your emails, or even read the news first thing?
You’re more prone to get overwhelmed, stressed, anxious and worrisome, because it activates your stress responses. Especially if what you see is negative, it will set the tone and can put you on edge for the rest of your day!
It also interferes with your brain wave patterns.
When we wake up in the morning we move from the delta waves of deep sleep to theta waves which are an impressionable dream like state. According to the Scientific American: “Theta waves often free flow and occurs without censorship or guilt. It is typically a very positive mental state. ” This is a great time to get ideas, or to work with your subconscious mind to visualize your goals, or to use affirmations.
It makes it harder to prioritize and decreases productivity and focus.
I know when I start responding to people immediately, I feel a sense of dread because it feels like there’s an endless amount of tasks you need to get done. It gives us a false sense of urgency making everything seem important, when in reality the tasks can wait. It makes it harder for us to prioritize what truly matters.
It effects your mood.
Studies show that excessive cell phone usage increases sleep disturbances, depression and anxiety. If you’re constantly struggling with your mood, then you may also want to look at your overall phone usage. Checking your own screen time on your phone can definitely be eye-opening.
What can you do to change it?!
Make a mindset shift about it.
Go from thinking everyone needs my immediate attention and giving your attention and focus on other people, and tasks. I choose to shift my focus onto myself so I can show up as the version of myself that I like.
It starts the night before.
Set a bed time where you don’t touch your phone 1 or 2 hours before going to sleep. Put your phone on do not disturb, and put it into another room.
Find something else to do.
If you don’t have a plan of what you’re doing, you’re definitely more likely to start scrolling on your phone. So here’s what you can do instead:
- Make your bed
- Journal
- Exercise
- Do some visualizations of your goals, and life
- Stretch
- Take a walk
- Meditate
- Read your affirmations ( I like to keep a notecard with my affirmations on my night stand that I can grab in the morning and before I sleep.)
Give yourself at least 20 minutes before picking up your phone in the mornings and see how your life starts to transform and change. I like to give myself the first hour of the day without a phone! By making slight changes in your morning routine, you can start seeing big changes in your life. They all accumulate day by day, and may go unnoticeable at first, but it always adds up in a positive or negative way depending on which way you choose.
