In this technology-driven world, our phones are often the first thing we reach for the moment we wake up. Whether it's checking messages, scrolling through social media, or catching up on news, this habit has become second nature for many of us. However, starting your day glued to a screen may be more harmful than you realise. Research shows that immediately using your phone upon waking can disrupt mental clarity, fuel stress, and set a frantic tone for the day. Instead of giving your mind the peace it deserves, you're flooding it with information overload from the get-go.
Dr Roshan Mansukhani, Music Therapist and Counsellor, Mumbai, shares some valuable insights with the OnlyMyHealth team on this topic. According to him, “Even an engine of a car needs some time to heat up in the morning before the drive. We have an engine called the mind which needs that rest and not a jolt as we wake.” Our brain, much like a car's engine, needs time to transition smoothly from a state of rest to full functionality. Grabbing your phone right after waking disrupts this process, giving your mind an unwanted "jolt" into the hustle of the day ahead.
The Science Behind It
When we wake up, our body is still in a transition phase, moving from the rest and repair state of sleep into alertness. This process takes time, and our mind requires a few minutes to fully "wake up." Checking your phone immediately upon waking forces your brain to engage with potentially stressful information like news, work emails, or social media notifications.
As Dr Mansukhani puts it, "By using the phone immediately, we are jolting that mind and adding fuel to that addiction." This not only disrupts the natural waking process but also increases the likelihood of stress or anxiety from absorbing too much information too soon.
Also read: How Does Using Phone In The Loo Cause Haemorrhoids?
Phone Addiction and Its Impact on Mental Health
One of the most significant risks of using your phone right after waking up is phone addiction. Over time, this can impact your mental health, distancing you from real-world interactions. "Your phone, as it is, has created its space of getting you addicted. Our gadgets have distanced us from real people," says Dr Mansukhani.
Whether it’s checking emails or scrolling through Instagram, these actions can send your brain into overdrive even before you’ve had time to fully wake up. This overloads your cognitive faculties, creating a state of "hyper-vigilance" that can carry over into your day, keeping your stress levels elevated.
The Need for a Mindful Morning Routine
Waking up should be a gentle process that allows you to ease into the day. Instead of checking your phone right away, take some time to breathe, stretch, and let your mind wake up naturally. “As we wake after that sound sleep, our body and mind need time to process the day ahead. It needs some time,” Dr Mansukhani explains. He recommends spending at least 15 minutes in quiet reflection, doing light stretches, or even just sitting in silence.
By giving your mind this "reboot" time, you’re setting yourself up for a more productive, calmer day. "Our night sleep is the time when our body can reboot in those 8 hours of sound sleep as our mind rests," adds Dr Mansukhani. "Reaching for our phone immediately is like pushing our mind into work mode, which does more harm than good."
Also read: Is Sleeping With Your Earphones On Safe For Your Ears?
Respecting Your Body's Natural Rhythm
The act of waking up is more than just opening your eyes. It's a delicate process where your body and mind shift gears from rest to activity. Dr Mansukhani compares this to warming up a car: "Even the 15 minutes of taking time with ourselves is like respecting our body."
By giving yourself that time in the morning to gradually wake up, you're not only respecting your body but also setting a positive tone for the rest of your day. Whether it’s sipping on a cup of tea, practising mindfulness, or simply enjoying a quiet moment, these small acts can significantly impact your mental clarity and emotional balance.
Conclusion
In the fast-paced digital world, it's easy to become a slave to our devices, but taking a few moments to start your day mindfully can make a world of difference. "Our body, our mind needs those moments which I call a process to re-tune to the new day," says Dr Mansukhani. So, before you reach for your phone tomorrow morning, consider giving yourself the gift of a peaceful, tech-free start to your day. Your mind will thank you.