February's Intention: No Phones in the First Hour of the Day!

Happy February! As we roll into the second month of the year, I’m now focusing on the intention for the next 28 days: no mobile phones in the first hour of the day.

Why I’m Doing It

It’s so easy to reach for your phone as soon as you wake up, right? Whether it’s checking emails, scrolling through social media, or catching up on news, the urge is almost automatic. But I’ve realised that starting my day this way doesn’t set me up for success—it often leaves me feeling overwhelmed or distracted before I’ve even fully woken up.

So, for the month of February, I’m committing to giving myself a tech-free, peaceful first hour. And here’s why I believe it’s worth it:

How I’m making it work;

• Mindful Movement: Whether it’s a kitchen disco to the radio, 10 mins of yoga, or a short walk around the block, just to give my body a chance to wake up gently. I’m hoping in the summer to go into the garden.

• Writing my Gratitude Journal: A few minutes of journaling or mindfulness practice helps me set a calm, positive tone for the day ahead.

• Doing the Daily Calm Meditation.

• Chatting to my cats about their nighttime adventures and telling them how much I love them and how great the day is going to be whilst prepping breakfast and putting dinner in the slow cooker.

What are the benefits of a phone free morning?

1. Better Sleep as it preserves Your Sleep-Wake Cycle: Giving your brain time to transition naturally without the jolt of a screen keeps your body in sync with its natural rhythm. Avoiding phone use in the first hour of the day can help reset your body’s natural rhythm. The blue light from screens can disrupt your circadian rhythm, but by not exposing yourself to it first thing, you’re supporting healthier sleep patterns.

2. Boosts Emotional Resilience: Starting your day without a constant stream of updates gives your nervous system time to ease into the day. By not diving straight into the digital world, you reduce the chances of feeling anxious or stressed before you’ve even had a chance to get grounded.

3. Improves Focus: The constant influx of information can overwhelm your brain, making it harder to concentrate and make thoughtful decisions. By avoiding screens early, you’re more likely to stay focused and grounded for the rest of the day.

4. Improves Mood: Starting your day without a flood of notifications and external demands helps reduce stress and anxiety. Instead of jumping straight into your inbox or social media, you can focus on being present in the moment, which helps improve your mood.