My Right Eye Hates Me
I pretty much start my day the exact same way every single morning.
Wake up.
Roll onto my side.
Reach for my phone.
Look at my texts, instagram, news, weather and email.
This entire check is usually drawn out to be (realistically and embarrassingly) about 20 minutes. I do this entire process lying on my right side with half my face, including my right eye, completely covered by my pillow. Then I'm inspired to finally take that “big giant step” to roll over or sit up and start my day. The only problem is, by then, my right eye is not ready to open. It's been smothered for 20 minutes and now it's paying me back. It still needs to adjust to the light and catch up with the rest of my body. To put it simply, in this moment, my right eye hates me.
So.
The question is.
Why in the world do I insist on starting my day this way? Every single day.
Or maybe a better question is, why does everyone else do this too?
I’ve brought this idea up with a lot of friends; every single person I’ve spoken to does the same thing each morning. And I’m not just talking single friends who don’t have someone to roll over to. I’m talking married, single, dating, people who sleep with their pets etc. We all seem to be doing it, whether we're alone in our beds or not.
There are so many articles out there about how bad it is to check your phone before bed. About how staring at a bright screen will negatively impact your sleep patterns and your overall functions, specifically memory and attention span. So where are the reports about this stunted awakening process that we’re all voluntarily taking part in? What are the negative side effects and how does it impact our functions? I’m curious to know because I’d be willing to bet it’s not the most ideal way to wake up.
When We Wake Up
According to a study by the Braun Research Center and Bank of America , when waking up there are more people who think about their phone before thinking about their significant other. I've created a simple pie chart graphic for you to see what % of people think of what. No comment re: those lusting after TV remotes, toothbrushes or robes.
So I'm going to test and see if breaking this habit makes me feel any different. Starting tonight I’m going to try for a week to sleep with my phone charging in my kitchen. Forcing me to actually get out of bed in order to check my phone. I’m sure ill find, like most of you, this need to be substantially motivating.
Oddly, I’m already experiencing morning bed phone checking fomo, but I will be strong!