Too often, my mornings start off with me looking at my phone while I’m stumbling into the kitchen to make myself a cup of tea. It’s an impulse I rarely think about, even though I know it’s unhealthy. It’s easy to get sucked in by technology and set myself up for a less than productive day. I check my phone in the morning without thinking about it, and it’s a habit that’s difficult to break.
However, I have found that if I hold off on scrolling through Instagram until I’ve done a few key things first, I am less likely to spend time mindlessly messing with my phone throughout the day. A recent study shows that 80% of smartphone users check their phone before even brushing their teeth (hand raised), so I know I’m not alone in the struggle.
Here are five things you really ought to do before checking your iPhone if you want to start your day off right.
1. Get moving
If you have trouble motivating yourself to work out in the morning, use your phone as an incentive. Tell yourself that you aren’t allowed to unlock your phone until you’ve done your workout, whether it’s a five-mile run or five minutes of stretching in your bedroom. Working out always helps clear my mind so I don’t feel compelled to sit around refreshing my email every few minutes. I can focus better throughout the day once my body wakes up.
2. Drink a glass of water
Instead of keeping your smartphone on your nightstand, place a full glass of water within arm’s reach and dock the phone somewhere else. Even if you use your phone as an alarm, you can still put it out of reach (which will also help you resist the temptation to hit the snooze button). Hydrating first thing in the morning, before you check your phone or brew your coffee, is a great way to set yourself up to make healthy choices throughout the day. I know when I drink a glass of water, I’m way less likely to overdose on caffeine by mid-morning.
3. Check your to-do list
Although it’s convenient to take notes on your phone, nothing beats a good old fashioned to-do list to keep your thoughts organized. Before you even think about checking your phone, think about your schedule and write down some goals for the day. If I sit down with my list first thing in the morning instead of my phone, my days are always way more productive.
4. Get ready for the day
Getting up and immediately starting your personal hygiene routine helps put a lot of extra pep in your step. Go through your whole morning regimen – shower, wash your face, brush your hair, brush your teeth, and get dressed before you scroll through news or check your email. Getting physically ready for the day before I’ve done anything else always makes me feel like my adulting game is strong.
5. Make your bed
Making your bed in the morning is proven to increase productivity and is often touted as one of the things that successful/happy/creative people do every day. When I make my bed in the morning, I am always more likely to tackle other tasks throughout the day. Plus it’s always a nice feeling to return to a freshly made bed each night