“Limitless access to knowledge brings limitless opportunity but only to those who learn to manage the new currency – their attention.” – Mark Manson
Upon awaking each morning, many of us grab for our phones and impulsively scroll through social media or other news outlets. In doing this, our mental health is negatively impacted and our focus is drained before we even get out of bed! These devices are literally created to jolt us with dopamine.
While many of us feel a responsibility to stay informed on world events, consuming news or social media first thing in the morning primes our brain for distraction and robs us of our personal sovereignty. If we check E-mail or Instagram as soon we open our eyes, we are training ourselves to be reactive. Reactive of everybody else’s demands, opinions and requests.
What’s more, we are more prone to suffer from decision fatigue. Decision fatigue is the idea that we can only make a set amount of good decisions per day and after that, our decisions go downhill. This is why you see tech moguls like Steve Jobs or Mark Zuckerberg wear the same clothes each day, so they trade the decision of “what should I wear today” for working on the things they are most passionate about. Additionally, after a certain amount of focused effort, we tend to suffer from mental fatigue, which contributes to making even more mistakes. Hopping on our phones first thing in the morning contributes to both decision and mental fatigue!
I encourage you to avoid your screens for the first 60 minutes of the day and try any of these activities instead:
- Write down 3 things you are grateful for
- Write down 3 business goals and 3 personal goals you want to focus on for the day
- Drink 12 oz. of water (with ¼ lemon squeezed and a pinch of Himalayan sea salt)
- Exercise
- Read
- Meditate
- Journal
Will Smith was quoted saying that every single day he must “run and read.” Doing something physical and mental every morning allows us to stay engaged throughout the day! Personally, my best days are the ones where I make time for all at least a few of the activities mentioned above.
So tomorrow, instead of scrolling through social media as soon as you rise from your slumber, put yourself into a better headspace by engaging in an activity that reduces stress and restores and optimizes your physical and mental health. Your phone will be there waiting for you when you decide to pick it up. I promise!
Enjoy what comes of today, friends!
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