Featured Image Credit: Sergey Mironov / Uwe Krejci / Getty
We could all do with a little less time spent on our phones.
From the moment we wake up until when we go to sleep, they're practically glued to our hands.
But you might want to think again next time you're reaching for your phone first thing in the morning.
Whether it's scrolling Instagram or texting friends, 80 percent of smartphone users check their devices within 15 minutes of waking up, according to a study by the International Data Corporation.
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It might seem like nothing more than a bad habit, but there are actually some negative side effects it can have on you.
A recent survey by KPMG looked at the habits of college students and working adults aged 20-30 and found some 'notable downsides' to this seemingly innocent behaviour.
"Morning scrolling specifically refers to the practice of engaging in this behaviour shortly after waking up," the survey explained.
"It often involves checking social media updates, reading emails, browsing news, or catching up on messages."
The survey continued: "While it’s a convenient way to stay connected and informed, the nature of endless content can also make it difficult to control the amount of time spent on screens, leading to potential distractions."
Starting your day with a flood of information - especially negative news or social media - can trigger feelings of stress and anxiety.
"For many, the flood of information especially negative news or comparisons with others can contribute to feelings of stress or anxiety," the survey added.
"This can create a negative mindset that carries throughout the day."
Also if you're 10-minute scrolling session has turned into an hour, this is another apparent problem.
This decrease in productivity may lead to 'delays in starting the day's activities, setting a pattern of procrastination'.
Social media also highlights content that can make it seem like everyone else is living a 'perfect' life. This negative comparison and fake reality can lead to mental health issues over time, 'diminishing self-esteem and creating feelings of inadequacy'.
Finally, doing anything to avoid what you should be doing is called procrastinating.
Scrolling can disrupt your morning routine and prevent you from sticking to your good morning habits.
"If scrolling is the first thing you do, it can delay important morning activities like exercise, meditation, or even having a proper breakfast, which could otherwise set a more productive tone for the day," the survey detailed.
To break the cycle, experts advise a few things.
For example, it's advised that you limit your scrolling time to 10-15 minutes and that you 'scroll with intent' - like reading the news - rather than endless scrolling.
It's also recommended to take scrolling breaks throughout the day rather than inadvertently picking up your phone first and last thing in the day.
