There’s a clear divide between those who check their phones first thing in the morning and those who don’t.
According to psychology, this habit isn’t random but reveals certain traits about a person’s personality.
Those of us who are guilty of it, myself included, might claim that we’re just staying connected or organized. But psychology suggests it’s more than that.
Let’s delve into the nine traits that people who check their phones as soon as they wake up typically exhibit.
1) People who check their phones first thing in the morning are often high achievers
In the world of psychology, habits often reveal more about our personality than we might think.
Think about it — you’re the type of person who checks your phone as soon as you open your eyes in the morning. You might think you’re just checking emails or catching up on the news, but psychology suggests it goes deeper than that.
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High achievers start their day early and get to work quickly. They’re keen to make the most of their time and stay ahead of the game. For many people, this starts with checking their phone first thing in the morning.
While not everyone who checks their phone first thing in the morning is a high achiever, there is a strong correlation between this habit and the desire to succeed.
Of course, like any psychological insight, this is not a hard and fast rule, but an interesting observation.
2) Procrastination
I’ve always been an early riser, and the first thing I reach for in the morning is my phone. It’s as ingrained in my routine as brushing my teeth.
But I’ve noticed something about myself. I tend to procrastinate on tasks that are more challenging or less enjoyable. Often, reaching for my phone first thing in the morning becomes a way to delay starting those tasks.
Psychology backs this up. It suggests that those of us who check our phones first thing in the morning may be using it as a form of procrastination. It’s an easy, socially acceptable way to delay jumping into the day.
Of course, this isn’t true for everyone. But it’s worth considering whether your phone-checking habit is helping you delay your day or whether it’s actually helping you get ahead.
3) Increased exposure to stress and anxiety
When you start your day by checking your phone, you’re immediately bombarding yourself with information, demands, and stimuli. This can set a tone for constant reactiveness, which can increase feelings of stress and anxiety.
According to a study by British psychologists, people who are constantly on their phones tend to have higher levels of stress. The constant stream of notifications and updates keeps our minds busy, leaving little room for relaxation or quiet moments.
If you’re checking your phone first thing in the morning, you may be unknowingly contributing to your stress levels. Taking a few moments to yourself before you dive into the digital world can make a huge difference to your mental health.
4) The need for instant gratification
Have you ever wondered why you can’t resist checking your phone first thing in the morning? It could be because of the need for instant gratification.
Psychology tells us that our brains are designed to seek out rewards. Every time you check your phone, you might find a new message, social media update, or email that gives you a little boost of satisfaction. This can be especially tempting in the morning, when we’re looking for something to start our day.
However, this habit can become a cycle, as we constantly seek out these small digital rewards. If you’re someone who checks their phone first thing in the morning, it might be worth considering whether this need for instant gratification is driving your habit.
5) Fear of Missing Out
We live in a world that’s constantly connected and up-to-date. There’s always something new happening, and the fear of missing out, or FOMO, can be a powerful motivator.
This fear can lead us to check our phones the moment we wake up, to make sure we haven’t missed anything important while we’ve been asleep. You might be scrolling through social media updates, checking news headlines, or reading emails, all in an effort not to miss anything.
While it’s natural to want to stay connected and informed, it’s also important to balance that with time for yourself. If you find that your morning phone habit is driven by fear of missing out, it might be a good idea to reevaluate your digital priorities.
6) Seek Connection
We are social creatures by nature. We seek connection, interaction, and a sense of belonging. Sometimes, that drive is what drives us to reach for our phones the moment we wake up.
Sending a good morning text to a loved one, checking a friend’s social media post, or responding to an email from a colleague can all be ways to build and maintain relationships.
It’s beautiful, in a way, how technology has enabled us to stay connected to our loved ones no matter the distance. But remember, it’s also important to connect with ourselves. So before diving into the digital world each morning, take a moment to connect with yourself and set your intentions for the day.
7) Insecurity and Self-Esteem Issues
I’ve had mornings where the first thing I do is scroll through social media, looking at snapshots of other people’s lives. Suddenly, my life seems less exciting and less fulfilling. I find myself questioning my choices, my progress, and even my worth.
Psychology suggests that this habit of checking my phone first thing in the morning can sometimes stem from insecurity or low self-esteem. We seek to validate ourselves or boost our self-worth through likes, comments, and shares.
It’s a vicious cycle that’s hard to break, but acknowledging it is the first step. Remember, your worth isn’t determined by the number of likes on your latest post. Start your day with something that makes you feel good about yourself, regardless of external validation.
8) Multitasking Tendencies
If you’re someone who checks their phone first thing in the morning, you may be a natural multitasker.
While you’re still in bed, you’re likely checking emails, catching up on the news, and planning your day. This ability to juggle multiple tasks at once can be a valuable skill in today’s fast-paced world.
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But remember, while multitasking can make you feel productive, it can also lead to burnout. It’s important to balance your time and energy and recognize when it’s time to step back and focus on one thing at a time.
9) Increased Reliance on Technology
Checking your phone first thing in the morning may indicate an increased reliance on technology. You’re starting your day with a device in hand, setting a precedent for how the rest of your day will unfold.
While technology has undoubtedly made our lives easier and more connected, it’s important to maintain a healthy relationship with it. Let your morning set the tone for a balanced, mindful day, rather than one dominated by screen time.
