Why you should wake up mobile-free
What your phone does to your brain in the morning
In today's hyper-connected world, smartphones have become integral to our daily routines. From the moment we wake up to when we go to bed, these devices are constant companions. However, starting your day without your phone can bring many positive effects that might surprise you.
According to a Deloitte report, 59% of people check their phone within the first 15 minutes after they wake up. If this is you, keep reading to discover what this does to your physical and mental health and how you can change your habit.
Brain waves
When you first wake up in the morning your brain switches from delta waves, which occur in a deep sleep state, to theta waves, which occur during a sort of daydreamy state. The brain then moves to produce alpha waves when you are awake but are relaxed and not processing much information.
Now, by grabbing your phone first thing and immediately diving into the online world, you force your body to skip the important theta and alpha stages and go straight from the delta stage to being wide awake and alert (also known as the beta state).
The many benefits of a mobile-free morning
Increased Focus and Productivity
One of the most immediate benefits of ditching your phone in the morning is a significant boost in focus and productivity. Disconnecting from your phone in the morning helps to reduce the overwhelming feeling of having to respond to messages or emails immediately. This break can significantly lower your stress levels, making your mornings more peaceful.
Enhanced Mental Health and Sleep
The constant connectivity can often lead to feelings of stress and anxiety. Using your phone right before bed and immediately upon waking can disrupt your sleep patterns. By starting your day without your phone, you can improve your sleep quality and wake up refreshed and energized.
Connect with yourself before connecting with the world
Being present and attentive to the people around you can lead to more meaningful connections, as well as the ability to connect with your own body, mind and emotions before tuning into the entire world through the screen.
Poise clients with great results
As a feminine leadership mentor, I encourage all my clients to start their mornings without their phones, and the results are amazing. This simple change can transform both your brain and body.
Clients who adopt this habit report significant improvements in their mental clarity, focus, and overall mood throughout the day. They feel more present, calm and their sleep improves.
If you make this change and later revert to your old habits, you’ll quickly notice how much it affects your mental and physical health.
By breaking the habit of immediately checking your phone, you allow your brain to progress naturally through its waking stages, allowing a calmer and more mindful start to your day.
The best way to start your day
So, if you want the best tip for a good way to start your day, leave your phone outside your bedroom, get an old-fashioned alarm clock and start the day by connecting with yourself. Turn off all notifications and put your phone on ‘do not disturb’ so that you are not tempted to check your phone.
My advice is that you aim for one hour mobile free morning every day.
