When we wake up, one of the first things many of us do is grab our phones and check social media for updates—messages, notifications, or likes on our posts. But is this the best way to start your day?
Why You Should Have a Phone-Free Morning
Upon waking, we’re typically in the theta brainwave state, a period of deep relaxation and mental calm. Using social media immediately shifts us into the beta brainwave state, associated with focus, attention, and often stress. It’s no wonder that diving into social media can leave you feeling overwhelmed, setting a chaotic tone for the rest of the day.
We already face enough stress and distractions throughout the day—do we need to start our mornings in the same state? Mornings should be tranquil and mindful, providing a moment to ground ourselves before the day begins.
A Thought from Thich Nhat Hanh
In his teachings, Thich Nhat Hanh suggests that the first thing we can do upon waking is to appreciate the gift of life. We can be aware of the present moment—the blue sky, our breath, and the simple fact of being alive. He advises starting the day with gratitude:
Waking up, I see the blue sky. I join my palms in gratitude for the many wonders of life.
Feeling grateful for the present moment and recognizing the abundance we already have is a powerful way to start the day.
Tips to Cultivate Mindful Mornings
1. Create a "Phone Foyer"
Designate a spot in your living room where you place your phone before bed. Keeping your phone out of the bedroom creates a physical barrier, making it less likely to be the first thing you reach for in the morning. This simple step helps set the stage for a calmer, more intentional start to the day.
2. Replace Your Phone with a Real Alarm Clock
If you use your phone as an alarm clock, it’s likely contributing to your habit of checking notifications first thing in the morning. Replace it with a traditional alarm clock. While some alarm sounds may be less soothing, the benefit of breaking the phone-checking cycle far outweighs this minor inconvenience.
3. Ban Phones from the Bathroom
If you’re like me, you might find yourself scrolling through social media while getting ready in the bathroom. I tackled this habit by bringing a Kindle into the bathroom instead, opting to read rather than mindlessly scroll. It’s far more productive and mentally nourishing to start the day with reading.
4. Embrace Boredom
In our hyper-stimulated world, boredom feels almost foreign. Yet, feeling bored can be an essential part of mindfulness. Boredom fosters creativity, as it did when we were kids—we’d read, draw, or come up with imaginative solutions.
When boredom strikes, resist the urge to grab your phone. Instead, use this time to reflect on personal challenges or issues. Allowing yourself to think deeply can lead to creative solutions and breakthroughs.
Mornings should be for mindfulness, peace, and relaxation—not a rush of stress and distraction. By keeping your phone in the living room and adopting mindful morning habits, you’ll start your day refreshed, centered, and ready to face whatever comes your way.
Trade in your phone for mental peace and reclaim your mornings.
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