I’m addicted to my phone. There, I said it! And I bet you are too. In fact, I’m pretty sure the majority of us are. I’m guilty of grabbing my phone and scrolling through emails the second I turn my alarm off in the morning. After which, I move on to Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and Snapchat (usually in that order). So many of our daily interactions occur over the phone. It’s no surprise we’ve become hooked to the technology we carry around in the back pocket of our jeans. Our phones have become security blankets used to avoid silence, awkward conversations and boredom. For many of us, this is a bad habit we need to break — disconnect to reconnect. You can survive one morning without social media, I promise.
1. Indulge in your favorite tea or coffee
Ease your way into the morning by taking a seat and sipping on your beverage of choice. Let your mind wake up gradually. Don’t touch your phone until you finish. Allow yourself to really taste your drink without any distractions. Oftentimes we become so fixated on our phones, we forget to slow down every once in a while.
2. Stretch
Ok, so I’d like to imagine that you had a full eight hours of sleep last night, but who am I kidding? Nonetheless, you were probably curled up in the fetal position all night. Release some of that muscle tension by stretching for a couple of minutes. You’ll get your blood circulating and not to mention it feels ah-mazing! You’ll be thankful you did when you’re crammed in your tiny seat during lecture. I know girl, I know.
3. Meditate
Yoga mat and lululemon leggings not required. You can totally do this sitting in bed, wearing pj’s. Once you wake up, take five minutes to calmly collect your thoughts before any worries start flooding your brain. Focus on your breathing. If any stressful thoughts pop into your head, try not to dwell on them. You’ll have the rest of the day to figure things out.
4. Prepare a real breakfast
Give your cereal bowl and granola bars a break. Do away with convenience for one morning and opt for a more wholesome breakfast. Make an omelette, frenchtoast, pancakes. . .you get the idea. Strive for something Instagram worthy, but don’t post your picture until…lunch time?
5. Plan your day
Take some time to organize your day. Make to-do lists, scribble in your planner, take control of your life like the girl boss you are! You’ll know what to expect from your day and can plan for it accordingly.
6. Read
You know that reading assignment you skipped out on last night? Now’s the perfect time to complete it. Expand your mind before you get your day started and you’ll feel all the more empowered.
7. Adult coloring books
If there’s one good thing about adulting, it’s the wide availability of adult coloring books. They allow your brain to zone out in a productive way. You can be creative yet purposeful. It’s a win-win situation.
8. Journaling
Another great option is writing in a journal. You don’t have to write a memoir. Consider jotting down three things you’re grateful for before you head out the door. This will no doubt put you in an optimistic mood and set the right tone for the remainder of your day. Then maybe later you can tweet about the wonderful morning you had. Everything in moderation, right?