If reaching for your smartphone is the first thing you do in the morning, it might be time to reconsider this habit. A recent study highlights that intense smartphone use immediately after waking up can impair brain function and negatively affect your mood for the rest of the day.
Cognitive Overload and Mood Swings
According to researchers, using a smartphone within the first 30 minutes after waking significantly overstimulates the brain. This overload leads to reduced cognitive functions and difficulty concentrating for the entire day.
Furthermore, individuals who start their mornings glued to their devices often experience heightened irritability, gloominess, and frustration. These mood shifts are attributed to the “sleep inertia” that occurs in the brain upon waking.
What Is Sleep Inertia?
Sleep inertia refers to the transitional state between sleep and full wakefulness when the brain is still adjusting to the demands of daytime activity. Experts warn that exposing the brain to the flood of information from smartphones during this period disrupts its natural “warming-up” process, leading to reduced mental sharpness and energy throughout the day.
Expert Recommendations
To protect your mental health and cognitive abilities, specialists strongly advise avoiding gadgets during the first moments of your morning routine. Instead, they suggest engaging in calming activities such as:
- Drinking a glass of water.
- Stretching or light exercise.
- Meditation or deep breathing.
- Reading a physical book or journaling.
By starting your day device-free, you can give your brain the opportunity to awaken gradually, enhancing your focus and mood.
Bonus Health Warning: Be Mindful of Certain Greens
In a separate health advisory, Dr. Elena Malysheva cautioned against overconsumption of oxalate-rich greens like sorrel, spinach, and leeks for individuals with joint issues. The high levels of oxalates in these vegetables can contribute to inflammation, potentially worsening joint pain.