So many people talk about how it’s good to avoid getting on your phone first thing in the morning. And a tech detox can be just what the doctor ordered- especially if we get notifications on our phones that we don’t necessarily want to see. There are ways to use your cellphone for an uplifting morning routine.
As much as the 21st century’s overreliance on technology is a bad thing, there are ways to use it all responsibly. You don’t have to force yourself into a deep cycle of bad news and negative thoughts. With a little bit of discipline, technology can help you be healthier and happier in your daily life. The internet is like real life: it is what you make of it, and the energy you seek is what you will find.
Although it may not always be the best to stay glued to our iPhones all the time, there are some ways that it can be great for your morning routine. (Just don’t get sucked into the notifications and social media whirlwind that so many people fall victim to.)
If you’re interested in discovering how you can optimally use your cellphone to enhance your morning routine, check out the tips below:
Turn Off Notifications for Stressful Apps
Suppose you’re used to waking up to notifications from Instagram, Facebook, or even Snapchat. In that case, you might want to turn off these notifications in settings- at least for the morning. These apps are all deliberately obnoxious, and feed off your stimuluses and neuroses for dopamine releases. That’s why they’re so addictive, and can often make you upset. It’s time to say no, I need a break.
That way, you can take time for yourself before concerning yourself with what’s going on in the world. Honestly, it’s probably because of all the social media and the news that most people say it’s better not to pick up your phone first thing.
After all, who wouldn’t be stressed if the first thing they saw was world news or how many likes their latest post got? Turning off these notifications and not checking them until later in the day will do wonders for you. And it’ll let you use your phone interruption-free for your morning routine.
Start Off The Day With a Guided Meditation
Even if you’re not a spiritually-inclined person, meditation is still a pragmatic practice. It can help you calm down, live in the present, and prioritize your thoughts so that you’ll feel less overwhelmed during the day.
The first few minutes after you wake up often set the tone for the rest of the day. So starting out being mindful and taking time for yourself is already putting your best foot forward for the day.
Listen to a Podcast While Cooking
There are so many free interesting and educational podcasts that you can listen to from your iPhone in the podcast app. Consider what topics inspire you and find podcasts that talk about them.
While most people take to YouTube for educational videos, a podcast allows you to multitask a lot more because there aren’t any visuals to worry about.
So whether you’re cooking a delicious breakfast for yourself or cleaning the house, you can enrich your mind with a podcast that’ll get you inspired for the day.
Though it should be said that you should decide on your podcasts responsibly. If you decide to listen to the news or true crime stories, that might make you upset first thing in the morning, and ruin the whole exercise. Instead you should listen to a podcast that’s within interest, but also positive. It can be film reviews, gardening tips, French lessons, anything that could suit you.
Play Uplifting Music
Maybe music is more your thing than podcasts, just hop onto YouTube or Spotify and play some music that makes you feel amazing. It’s crazy how much music can impact your mood.
Plus, if you’re not so much into doing workouts, playing some upbeat music and dancing around your house is a perfect alternative. And you can always sing along if you feel moved to do so.
But just like podcasting, you should be careful about what music you listen to. If you get up every morning to My Chemical Romance, you’re probably not going to be in the best headspace for the rest of the day. Instead only listen to what makes you genuinely happy: let it be The Beatles, Madonna, Camila Cabello, whatever that looks like for you.
Follow a Workout Video
Who needs a gym membership when we have YouTube? Many of us think we need access to all the machines and weights. But there is so much that we can do at home wherever we have space.
Do a no-equipment workout or maybe a yoga video. Yoga is incredibly excellent for the morning because it helps you get in-tune with your breath and body. And the more you do it, the more you take methods from the practices off the mat and into your life.
And if yoga isn’t your thing, there are many other ways to work out with minimal equipment. Push ups, sit ups, squats, jump rope, run in place; the possibilities are endless, and there will always be a video there to assist you.
All in all, the internet is a medium. Yes, it’s great, this very website takes advantage of it. But there needs to be more of a discussion on how it’s used in daily life, and why so many people are unhappy because of it. And you can help lead the charge. By shifting technology to be more of a vessel for positivity, you can make all of this better. It’s about time this medium has matured to be more helpful and healthy. We all know this is possible, and we can all will it into existence.
Interested in more ways to use tech to live your best life? Check out 5 Ways to Use Google Chrome to Its Full Potential.
