Pop Quiz: What is the first thing you do in the morning when you wake up?
Did you answer with: Check my phone?
If you’re like me, you too are guilty of checking your phone first thing in the morning after waking up. I am so dedicated to this process; I keep my phone within arm’s reach; to insure I don’t disturb the comfy cocoon of my bed. Sad right? I’m embarrassed to admit, but I used to keep my phone under my pillow to make sure getting out of bed was not a prerequisite to fill my secret desire to fulfill my morning case of FOMO (Fear of Missing Out). I need to know what happened in the world while I was sleeping? I need to be in the know about current events.
You may not realize it but based on this Article by Psychology Today, “checking our phones BEFORE we’re out of bed can drain our mental energy and leave us unprepared for the day.”
Who wants to start the day drained? 😶
I encourage you to think about what you CAN do, to build your energy source as you climb out of bed.
Some practices to consider:
· Start the day with an affirmation or prayer, as you blink your eyes open
· Start the day with a deep breath and good muscle stretch
· Pick your clothes the night before and put them in eyesight of waking. Seeing this puts you in a "head start" mindset. I have one chore done already, I'm prepared for the day.
· Use an analog clock (separate from your phone), to give your brain and body a quiet moment to start
Bottom line, there are so many ways our small habits energize us or drain us. Be intentional and think through your morning routine. Actually, take it a step further and think about your “pre-rise” routine. What ways can you modify your behavior? Can you delay looking at your phone first and see another object in the room or visualize something to jumpstart your day?
For me, the change of placing my phone inside the nightstand drawer made a huge difference. Yes, it is within reach but who wants to reach 15 inches over to the nightstand when I can stay in my cocoon and recite and affirmation?
I pick the cocoon! I default to the affirmation. I start the day on a positive instead of starting in catch up mode.
Your Turn. What little things can you do to prepare your energy level for the day that lies ahead?
