What if there was one small, simple mistake you make every morning that has the power to drastically affect the rest of your day? Read on to find out how this mistake affects your brain function and what’s the best way to start your day off right.
Looking at your phone as soon as you wake up would have harmful effects on our mental health.
According to a 2019 Yougov study conducted for WeFix, an incredible number of French people have now adopted the habit of reaching for their phone as soon as they wake up. Unfortunately, this behavior can have some detrimental effects on our emotional and psychological well-being, which neuroscientist @Nicoleneurosciences recently spoke in an Instagram post. She explains that everything is related to our brain waves. Upon awakening, our brain shifts from Delta waves (associated with deep sleep) to Theta and Alpha waves (markers of relaxation). However, when we use our phone immediately following waking up to check our emails, messages, etc., it triggers the production of beta waves – the same ones that appear when we are stressed. Therefore, using your phone first thing in the morning can create unnecessary stress throughout the day.
Reading professional emails, glancing at the Calendar, scrolling through the various social networks, etc. Behaviors that harm our brains.
The constant barrage of digital content we are exposed to as soon as we wake up can have a detrimental effect on our brains. Studies have shown that this type of “digital overload” can lead to cognitive overload, which is when our brains are overwhelmed with too much information and unable to process it effectively. This can lead to increased stress levels, increased distraction, difficulty concentrating on tasks, and even depression.
Over time, these behaviors can lead to a decrease in the brain’s ability to process information. This means it becomes harder for us to recall memories or think critically regarding concepts. Additionally, scientists believe that chronic exposure to digital content can also cause long-term changes in brain structure and function, leading to problems such as memory loss and reduced attention span. Likewise, excessive use of technology has been linked to poor sleep quality due to their blue light emissions which can disrupt circadian rhythms.
Considering all of this, it’s clear that consuming too much digital content first thing in the morning can be bad for our brains, both in the short and long term. So it’s important that we set limits on our digital consumption and take a more mindful approach when using technology, so we don’t overburden ourselves.
What you can do instead!
When you wake up in the morning, there are several things you can do to make sure your day starts off on the right foot. Above all, try to get at least 8 hours of sleep each night. Getting enough rest is essential to maintaining mental clarity and productivity throughout the day.
Meditate!
When you wake up, take the time to practice mindful meditation and deep breathing. These practices increase concentration and positivity while decreasing stress levels. You can also use this time to set your intentions for the day ahead by asking yourself what are the main goals you would like to achieve or how you want to feel throughout the day.
Savor every bite of your breakfast!
A healthy breakfast of protein, complex carbohydrates, fiber and other nutritious ingredients is another way to start the day with energy and vigor. Plus, drinking plenty of water helps hydrate your body following a good night’s rest and improves your overall health.
Move!
Finally, practicing physical activity or gentle yoga stretches can not only improve physical health, but also promote feelings of well-being. Exercise releases endorphins, which leads to more positive emotions, better mood and improved performance throughout the day.
