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

There’s a clear divide between people who reach for their phone first thing in the morning and those who don’t.

This habit, according to psychology, isn’t random but reveals certain traits about a person’s character.

Those of us who are guilty of this, myself included, might argue we’re just staying connected or organized. But psychology suggests there’s more to it.

Let’s delve into the 9 traits commonly displayed by people who check their phone as soon as they wake up. 

1) Early morning phone checkers are often high achievers

In the world of psychology, habits often reveal more about our personality than we might think.

Consider this – you’re the type 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 news, but psychology suggests it runs deeper than that.

High achievers typically start their day early and hit the ground running. They’re keen on making the most out of their time and staying ahead of the game. And for many, this starts with checking their phone first thing in the morning.

While not every early morning phone checker is a high achiever, there’s a strong correlation between this habit and a drive to succeed.

Of course, like any psychological insight, it’s not a hard and fast rule but an interesting observation. 

2) A tendency to procrastinate

I’ve always been an early riser, and the first thing I reach for in the morning is my phone. It’s a habit that’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. And often, reaching for my phone first thing in the morning becomes a means of delaying the start of those tasks.

Psychology backs this up. It suggests that those of us who check our phones immediately upon waking might be using it as a form of procrastination. It’s an easy and socially acceptable way to delay jumping into the demands of the day.

Of course, this isn’t true for everyone. But it’s worth considering if your phone-checking habit is helping you delay the start of your day or if it’s genuinely helping you get ahead.

3) Greater susceptibility 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 of constant reactivity, which can increase feelings of stress and anxiety.

According to a study conducted by British psychologists, people who are constantly connected to their phones tend to have higher stress levels. The constant influx of notifications and updates keeps our minds occupied, leaving little room for relaxation or quiet moments.

If you’re an early morning phone-checker, you might be unknowingly contributing to your own stress levels. Taking a few moments for yourself before diving into the digital world could make a significant difference in your mental wellbeing.

4) Need for immediate gratification

Ever wondered why you can’t resist checking your phone first thing in the morning? It might be due to a need for immediate gratification.

Psychology tells us that our brains are wired to seek rewards. Every time you check your phone, you might find a new message, social media update, or email that gives you a small burst of satisfaction. This can be particularly enticing in the morning, when we’re looking for something to kickstart our day.

However, this habit can become a cycle, as we continually seek out these little digital rewards. If you’re an early morning phone-checker, it might be worth considering if this need for instant gratification is driving your habit.

5) Fear of missing out

We live in a world that’s constantly connected and updated. There’s always something new happening, and the fear of missing out, or FOMO, can be a powerful motivator.

This fear can drive us to check our phones the moment we wake up, to ensure we haven’t missed anything important while we were sleeping. You might be scrolling through social media updates, checking news headlines, or reading emails, all in a bid not to miss out.

While it’s natural to want to stay connected and informed, it’s also important to balance this with time for yourself. If you’re finding that your morning phone-checking habit is driven by FOMO, it might be a good idea to reassess your digital priorities.

6) Seeking connection

We’re social creatures by nature. We seek connections, interactions, and a sense of belonging. And sometimes, this drive is what prompts us to reach for our phone the moment we wake up.

Sending a good morning message to a loved one, checking in on a friend’s social media post, or responding to an email from a colleague can all be ways of forging and maintaining connections.

It’s beautiful, in a way, how technology has enabled us to stay connected with our dear 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 the highlight reel of other people’s lives. Suddenly, my own life seems less exciting, less accomplished. I find myself questioning my choices, my progress, even my worth.

Psychology suggests that this habit of checking the phone first thing in the morning can sometimes stem from a place of insecurity or low self-esteem. We seek validation or a boost to our self-worth through likes, comments, and shares.

It’s a tough cycle 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, independent of external validation.

8) Multitasking tendencies

If you’re someone who checks their phone first thing in the morning, you might be a natural multitasker.

While you’re still in bed, you’re likely scrolling through emails, catching up on news, and planning your day. This ability to juggle multiple tasks at once can be a valuable skill in today’s fast-paced world.

But remember, while multitasking can make you feel productive, it can also lead to burnout. It’s essential 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 dependency on technology

Checking your phone first thing in the morning might signal an increased dependency on technology. You’re starting your day with a device in hand, setting a precedent for how the rest of your day might unfold.

While technology has undoubtedly made our lives easier and more interconnected, it’s essential to maintain a healthy relationship with it. Let your mornings set the tone for a balanced, mindful day ahead, rather than one dominated by screen time.