Why you should not start looking through your phone as soon as you wake up. You underestimate how dangerous it is
"Using a mobile phone as soon as you wake up causes an immediate increase in dopamine, which can affect concentration, motivation, and the ability to enjoy daily tasks," cautions Manuel Viso, an expert in emergency medicine and hematology.
Despite its seemingly innocuous appearance, this habit may be harming your health without you even being aware of it. Nowadays, most people have the habit of checking their mobile phones as soon as they open their eyes. It’s an almost automatic action: you unlock the screen, check notifications, check social media, or check your email.
However, Manuel Viso, a Spanish physician, believes that this seemingly innocuous gesture could have more concerning repercussions. Screens are everywhere, whether at work, school, or entertainment, and although it may seem natural, excessive use of them has negative effects on the brain.
Your brain chemistry changes when you look at your phone as soon as you wake up. When you look at a screen, there is an immediate release of dopamine, the neurotransmitter responsible for generating pleasure and motivation. This sensation causes the brain to try to repeat the action over and over again, which can lead to addiction.
Dopamine is a key component of the brain’s reward system, motivating us to repeat behaviors we find rewarding, such as eating or socializing. However, when pleasure is obtained quickly and continuously, as with cell phone use, it creates dependence.
In the long run, this can affect your ability to concentrate, making everyday activities seem boring and reducing your motivation to do tasks that require effort. Additionally, drinking too much alcohol in the early morning affects your memory, ability to learn, and emotional regulation, which can affect your mood throughout the day.
To avoid the negative effects of using your mobile phone in the morning, Manuel Viso recommends applying the 60-minute rule. According to the specialist, you should wait at least an hour before looking at the screen and choose other activities that are healthier for the brain.
This includes starting your day naturally, allowing your body to physiologically release morning hormones. During the first hour after waking up, it is recommended to be exposed to natural light, as it helps regulate the biological clock.
Likewise, it is helpful to do activities such as exercising, reading, meditating, or even enjoying breakfast away from any electronic devices.
By following this recommendation, you can avoid dopamine spikes, improve your ability to focus, and start your day with greater mental clarity. According to Manuel Viso, this habit change could make a big difference to your long-term health.