People who check their phone as soon as they wake up in the morning typically display these 9 traits, according to psychology

We’re all guilty of it – reaching for our phones as soon as we crack open our eyes in the morning. But, ever wondered what this habit says about you?

According to psychology, this seemingly harmless routine carries certain implications about your personality traits. Yes, the way you start your day might reveal more about you than you think.

In this article, we’ll explore the 9 typical traits displayed by people who make their phone their first point of contact each morning.

Let’s dive in.

1) Impulsivity

Impulsivity is a common trait among those who reach for their phones first thing in the morning.

Psychology defines impulsivity as a tendency to act on a whim, displaying behavior characterized by little or no forethought, reflection, or consideration of the consequences.

The impulse to check the phone immediately after waking up is often driven by a need for immediate gratification – the desire to instantly know what’s been happening while you were asleep, whether it’s social media updates, news, or personal messages.

This trait can often lead to spontaneous and unplanned actions throughout the day. While it’s not necessarily negative, it does portray a certain lack of patience and desire for instant satisfaction.

Understanding our traits helps us better understand ourselves and gives us an opportunity for self-improvement. So, let’s not judge, but learn and grow from these insights.

2) Fear of Missing Out (FOMO)

Here’s a trait I think most of us can relate to on some level – the fear of missing out, or FOMO.

I’ll share a personal example. I used to wake up and immediately reach for my phone. I’d dive straight into social media platforms, scrolling through news feeds even before I’d had my morning coffee. The reason? I was afraid that I’d miss out on something important if I didn’t check in right away.

This trait is prevalent in people who check their phone first thing in the morning. It stems from the anxiety of feeling left out, not keeping up, or missing out on events, interactions, or information. It’s the fear that others are having rewarding experiences from which one is absent.

If you’re like me and can relate to this, don’t worry, you’re not alone. Acknowledging our FOMO is the first step towards managing it better.

Related article: If someone displays these 10 behaviors, they’re definitely an introvert

3) High Stress Levels

People who check their phones as soon as they wake up are often found to have higher levels of stress. This habit can create a constant sense of urgency, leading to an increased heart rate and elevated cortisol levels – our body’s main stress hormone.

A study found that people who are constantly checking their electronic devices report higher stress levels compared to those who do so less frequently.

This constant connection to digital devices can keep us in a continual state of alertness, preventing us from relaxing and causing undue stress. It’s worth considering if you’re finding yourself feeling more stressed than usual.

4) Constant Need for Connectivity

There’s a certain level of connectedness that comes with constantly being on your phone. It’s this need for connectivity that drives some of us to check our phones as soon as we wake up.

Reaching out for the phone first thing in the morning could be a sign of an inherent desire to feel connected to the world. It can be an unconscious need to be part of the digital world, to stay updated, and not feel left out.

While it’s great to be connected, it’s equally important to disconnect, to take some time off and allow ourselves some much-needed solitude. Remember, balance is key.

5) Lack of Boundaries

Checking the phone first thing in the morning might indicate a lack of boundaries between personal and professional life.

In today’s digital age, work emails and messages can reach us at any hour. For some, the urge to respond immediately can be overwhelming, leading to blurred lines between work and personal time.

This habit might suggest an inability to separate the two realms, leading to potential burnout and stress. It’s important to establish clear boundaries to maintain a healthy work-life balance. After all, we all need time to recharge and refresh.

6) Desire for Validation

We’ve all felt it – that little surge of happiness when we see a like or a comment on our social media posts. This desire for validation can drive some of us to check our phones first thing in the morning.

It’s a human instinct to seek approval and acceptance from our social circles. In the digital age, this translates to likes, shares, and comments on our online posts. For some, starting the day without checking these can feel incomplete.

But remember, while it’s natural to seek validation, our worth isn’t defined by the number of likes or comments we receive. We are all unique and valuable in our own right – phone notifications or not.

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7) Procrastination

Here’s a trait I’ve grappled with – procrastination. There were mornings when I’d find myself scrolling through my phone, delaying the start of my day, putting off tasks that needed to be done.

It’s easy to lose track of time while browsing through social media feeds or reading news articles. For some, this habit can be a form of procrastination, a way to postpone facing the day and the tasks it brings.

If you relate to this, it might be worth considering setting some boundaries for phone usage in the morning, ensuring that you start your day productively.

8) Low Self-esteem

Surprisingly, the habit of checking the phone first thing in the morning can sometimes be linked to low self-esteem.

When we’re constantly scrolling through social media feeds filled with people’s highlight reels, it’s easy to start comparing ourselves. These comparisons, especially first thing in the morning, can lead to feelings of inadequacy and lower self-esteem.

It’s important to remember that what we see on social media is not always an accurate representation of reality. Each one of us is on a unique journey, and it’s perfectly okay to move at our own pace.

9) Difficulty in Prioritizing

The habit of reaching for the phone as the first activity of the day may indicate a difficulty in prioritizing tasks effectively.

Rather than focusing on planning the day or engaging in a healthy morning routine, the immediate dive into the digital world may suggest a struggle with setting priorities. This can have an impact on productivity levels throughout the day.

Incorporating mindful habits, like meditating or exercising before checking the phone, can help cultivate a more balanced routine and improve our ability to prioritize.

Final thoughts: It’s all about balance

While these traits may reflect certain aspects of our personalities, it’s essential to remember that they don’t define us. We are complex individuals, shaped by a myriad of experiences and influences, not just by our morning routines.

The key takeaway here isn’t about labeling or judging ourselves based on these habits. Rather, it’s about understanding ourselves better. It’s about recognizing our patterns, understanding their impact on our lives, and, if necessary, making conscious efforts to change.

Perhaps the most important thing to remember is that balance is essential. As much as our phones keep us connected and informed, it’s equally important to disconnect, to spend time with ourselves and the world around us.

So, the next time you wake up in the morning, take a moment before reaching for your phone. Breathe in the new day, plan your tasks, or simply enjoy a few moments of quiet. Because sometimes, being disconnected can be as rewarding as being connected.