Ditch the Scroll: Why Reaching for Your Phone First Thing in the Morning is Hurting Your Brain
By Julia Evans, World-Today-News.com – November 2, 2023
Most of us are guilty of it: waking up and immediately reaching for our phones. But this seemingly harmless morning reflex could be considerably impacting your focus, mood, and overall productivity. Experts are increasingly warning against this habit, citing the unique state of our brains upon waking and the detrimental effects of early-morning screen time.
The Power of the Morning Mind
According to Dr. Suzuki, as highlighted in a recent Instagram post, the period immediately after waking is a prime time for ”peak neuroplasticity.” This means our brains are exceptionally receptive to new information and primed for creativity, focus, and motivation. Crucially, levels of dopamine and cortisol - hormones vital for these functions – are naturally high at this time.
Though,this powerful window of possibility is easily hijacked by the allure of our smartphones. “Reaching for the phone right after waking up increases cortisol levels, depriving you of concentration and putting the nervous system into emergency mode before you’ve even taken your first breath,” Dr. Suzuki explains. Essentially, you’re kicking your brain into overdrive before it’s had a chance to gently awaken.
A Nation of Morning Scrollers
The problem is widespread. data from Virgin Media O2 reveals a surge in network traffic between 6:00 AM and 8:00 AM – precisely when most people are silencing their alarms. This indicates a widespread habit of automatic scrolling before even getting out of bed.
Psychologist Antonio Kalentzis of the British Psychological society echoes these concerns, detailing the negative consequences of this early-morning information overload.”This influx of information can lead to mental fatigue before you get out of bed, making your mind dispersed and less concentrated for the rest of the day,” he told The Independent.
Beyond Mental Fatigue: The Hidden Costs
The downsides don’t stop at a foggy brain. Morning phone use also:
* Disrupts Sleep Hormones: The blue light emitted from phone screens inhibits melatonin production, a key hormone regulating sleep. While the impact is greatest at night, morning exposure reinforces screen addiction and disrupts your natural circadian rhythm.
* Fuels Anxiety & Stress: Starting your day with a barrage of news, social media, or emails can breed anxiety and stress, setting a negative tone for the hours ahead.
* Promotes Procrastination: The endless scroll can easily lead to procrastination, hindering productivity and leaving you feeling behind before you’ve even begun.
* Threatens Eye Health: After hours of darkness during sleep, our eyes are notably vulnerable to strain from screen exposure.
Reclaim Your Mornings
The message is clear: breaking the habit of morning phone scrolling is a crucial step towards a more focused, productive, and balanced day. Consider leaving your phone across the room, or even better, in another room entirely. Instead, prioritize activities that nurture your mind and body – meditation, stretching, journaling, or simply enjoying a quiet moment with a cup of coffee.
Further Reading:
* [Characteristic symptom appears at night. It is worth doing a combo test](https://portal.abczdrowie.pl
