10 side effects of using a phone first thing in the morning

Most of us look at our phones first thing in the morning. It can be for different reasons, from checking work-related notifications and personal messages to knowing the latest news. However, if this routine turns into a hard-to-break habit, it could indicate the onset of addiction. People find it difficult to avoid it because scrolling through social media first thing in the morning triggers the release of dopamine, a feel-good hormone. This makes it tough for your brain to discourage this habit.

A study from International Data Corporation revealed that 80 percent of smartphone users check their devices within the first 15 minutes of each morning. Whatever the reason, indulging in this behaviour can have detrimental effects on your well-being. Health Shots spoke to Dr Jyoti Kapoor, a senior psychiatrist, who explained why morning screen time is bad for you.

10 reasons why checking your phone in the morning is bad

1. It may cause stress

Exposure to a wide range of information and notifications as soon as you wake up can create a sense of urgency and stress. Dr Kapoor says, “Constant updates about work, social media, or news can contribute to an immediate feeling of pressure, setting a stressful tone for the day.”

2. It may disturb your sleep cycle

Engaging with your phone before bedtime and as soon as you wake up can disrupt your sleep cycle. The blue light emitted by screens interferes with melatonin production. This can make it harder for you to fall asleep and potentially lead to restless nights.

3. It may affect brain function

Checking your phone immediately upon waking may hinder your cognitive functions. Instead of allowing your brain to naturally ease into the day, bombarding it with information right away can disrupt the process of waking up and being fully alert.

4. It may strain your eyes

Staring at a bright screen for an extended period, especially in the morning when your eyes might still be adjusting to the light, can strain your eyes. This can lead to discomfort, headaches, and dry eyes, impacting your overall visual health.

Also read: Using earphones for long hours can give you these 8 nerve-wracking problems

5. It may distract you

“The constant connectivity offered by smartphones can lead to distractions,” says Dr Kapoor. Instead of focusing on the tasks you need to accomplish in the morning and throughout the day, you might find yourself getting caught up in emails, social media, or other online activities, delaying your start to the day.

6. It may slow you down

While it may seem counterintuitive, starting your day by scrolling through your phone can slow down your morning routine. The time spent on your device could be better utilised for activities like exercise, meditation, or a nutritious breakfast that can set a positive tone for the day.

7. It may make you react, not act

Immediately engaging with your phone may put you in a reactive mode. Instead of proactively planning your day and setting priorities, you may find yourself responding to external situations that may potentially affect your ability to make thoughtful decisions.

8. It may increase procrastination

The ease of access to various forms of entertainment and information on your phone can contribute to procrastination. Instead of focusing on important tasks, you might find yourself getting lost in social media feeds or news articles, delaying your productivity.

Also read: Do 2 minutes turn into 20 minutes on your phone? Here’s how to remain focused

9. It may affect your relationship

Checking your phone first thing in the morning can also impact your interpersonal relationships. Dr Kapoor says, “If you’re preoccupied with online interactions or work matters, you may miss out on meaningful moments with family members or partner, leading to a sense of disconnect.”

10. It may worsen your addiction

Constantly reaching for your phone right after waking up can reinforce addictive behaviors. The dopamine rush from checking notifications or engaging in online activities can create a dependency, making it harder to break free from the habit and reducing your overall focus and attention span.

So, make sure you avoid checking your phone first thing in the morning!