According to statistics, 71% of people check their phone within 10 minutes of waking up.
This is problematic for a number of reasons:
More Stress: Checking your phone releases adrenaline, which increases heart rate, pulse, and muscle tension. Rather than a relaxing way to start your day, checking your phone increases stress.
Less Intentionality: Checking your phone is the equivalent to giving someone (or something) control over your mind. Whether reading email, scrolling social media, or playing a game, turning on the phone is equivalent to giving permission to someone or something to control your attention.
Less Productivity: It is true that our phones and technology, when used correctly, can make us productive, efficient, and impactful. This blog is a testament to the fact. But it is also true, when used incorrectly, our phones can also become a distraction from our most productive selves. And that sets a dangerous precedent for our day.
Less Fulfilling Relationships: Not everyone sleeps next to another human being (and only a percentage of those who do wake up at the same time as their partner). But if you do, turning your attention away from your partner and toward a digital device, can get in the way of your most important relationship.
So…
If you want to break the habit of checking your phone first thing in the morning, here’s a list of 21 things you could do instead:
1. Use the restroom.
2. Talk to your spouse or partner.
3. Take a shower.
4. Look out the window.
5. Drink a glass of water.
6. Brush your teeth.
7. Stretch your body to improve circulation.
8. Write out a to-do list for the day.
9. Make breakfast.
10. Meditate or pray.
11. Write in a journal.
12. Read a religious or inspirational book.
13. Get dressed.
14. Make your bed.
15. Smile to yourself in the mirror.
16. Set your intention for the day.
17. Prepare your lunch (or kid’s or partner’s).
18. Take your dog for a walk.
19. Say out loud, “It’s going to be a great day!“
20. Do a quick tidy-up of your living space.
21. Enjoy a quiet cup of coffee or tea.
There’s no need to do all 21 of course.
But if you find a morning routine that includes just five or six of the items on this list, you’ll start your day in a brand new way.
Louisa says
I love it and look forward to being able to do even one of these – but I currently get woken by 4 tiny kids under 6, so even peacefully using the restroom is out of the question 😆 It is its own kind of joy.
Hallenbeck, Betty says
I start the day by feeling grateful for whatever comes to mind. I do this before I even get out of bed and finds it helps me go through the day with greater awareness of the abundance in my life. When my kids were young, I would ask them what they were grateful for early each day. My daughter once said, “Smiles! Because they’re free, kids can give them and they make people happy.” My son’s answers included the water cycle and the ozone layer.
Gratitude turns what we have into enough.
Julie M Williams says
I feed the cats, take my vitamins with a glass of water, sit on the massager and drink my coffee for as long as I possibly can, now to put down the phone during that time and pick up a devotional would be a better use of my time.
Emily says
This is such a helpful post and timely reminder. Thank you!
Susan says
As person in my late 60s but one who is still young at heart, I have to add to your list: Take care of medical needs. Both my husband and I have compression stockings to put on each morning and prescriptions, OTC, and supplements to take. A dental hygienist that my husband and I saw nearly 20 years ago said her dad called it his “Happy Hour”. We had no idea at the time when we were in our late 40s that we would eventually be having our own “Happy Hour” each morning. :)
Lee Kaplan says
Great suggestions. However, I would recommend letting your sheets air out for a few mins before making the bed.
Also, feed your cat (like they’ll let you do anything else before you do…).
Lupita Uribe says
Water your plants & start a garden
joshua becker says
That’s funny. “Water your plants” was on my early list, but I removed it because we don’t water the plants every day. But I did have it early.
Marion says
Nine of these on any given day plus a few more not on your list. I love my quiet, peaceful start to my day. It makes a difference to me that my day at least begins just the way I like it.
J$ says
You forgot sex :)
joshua becker says
If you’re lucky enough to start your daily routine in such a way, go for it. :)
Shelly Jenkins says
So very true!!! I’m bad at checking my sleep app and mail app and then of course, it seems to lead to other things! Told myself that I am putting my phone before my quiet time with the Lord. I’m working on it. Getting better, but have my moments!
Thank you for sharing.