Many of us admit to reaching for our phones just moments after waking up- checking emails, scrolling through social media and catching up on the latest news. While our phones offer productivity and improve the quality of our lives, they also pose a significant source of distraction and stress, particularly when checked first thing in the morning.
Resisting the urge to scroll through social media upon waking can be challenging due to the release of dopamine, a feel-good hormone. This difficulty arises as the brain finds it challenging to discourage this habit. Below are some negative impacts of morning screen time on individuals.
Causes Stress
Exposure to a wide range of information and notifications as soon as you wake up can create a sense of urgency and stress. Constant updates about work, social media, or news can generate a sense of pressure, ultimately setting a stressful tone for the day.
Disturbs Sleep Cycle
Interacting with your phone before bedtime and immediately upon waking can disrupt your sleep cycle. The blue light emitted by screens interferes with melatonin production, making it challenging to fall asleep and potentially causing restless nights.
Eye Strain
Prolonged exposure to a bright screen, especially in the morning when your eyes are adapting to light, can cause eye strain. This may lead to discomfort, headaches, and dry eyes, impacting your overall visual health.
Affect Brain Function
Using your phone right after waking up may affect your cognitive functions. Rather than letting your brain gradually adjust to the day, inundating it with information immediately can disrupt the waking-up process and hinder full alertness.
May Worsen your Addiction
Frequently reaching for your phone right after waking can strengthen addictive tendencies. The rush of dopamine from checking notifications or engaging in online activities can cultivate dependency, posing challenges in breaking free from the habit and reducing overall focus and attention span.
Increases the Habit of Procrastination
Easy access to various entertainment and information on your phone may encourage procrastination. Instead of focusing on crucial tasks, you might find yourself indulged in social media feeds or news articles, affecting your productivity.
