My iPhone is always in hand as it has all the essentials need I need to stay organized and connected. In fact, I think it has actually changed the way I function and relate. It is so important that I even sleep with it. You see, my iPhone is my alarm clock, so I keep it close while I sleep at night.
When the alarm goes off in the morning, I pick up my iPhone. I shut off the alarm, and I then immediately check my e-mail, my Facebook, and my text messages. Thus, I immediately let in all the noise of the world. A friend’s latest tragedy posted on Facebook saddens my heart. A coworker or students e-mail makes me think of all the uncompleted tasks I have; thus, I feel over whelmed. And, starting my day in this manner, often sets the tone for the rest of the day. The external world invades my internal world. Instead of taking a moment to be quiet, reflect, and pray, I enter into the fast, pace-word of doing.
So, I recently dug out my antique alarm clock, and I made the commitment to not “sleep with” my iPhone. It now spends the night comfortably docked in my home office. I now begin the first 10 minutes of my day practicing mindfulness and saying a thankful prayer. If you did not know, mindfulness is a reflective awareness of experiences (Zelazo & Lyons, 2011); mindfulness strategies include visualization, meditation and self-awareness. This leads to a thankful heart and a calm tone. This is followed by 20 minutes of yoga to increase flexibility and strength; thus, creating a balance for my long runs that work my muscles hard.
Although it will be some time until I recognize the full benefit of this decision, I now find that I am more relaxed and have a better perspective as I approach the day. I also find that I rest better as I have removed the temptation to check my iPhone for important updates in the middle of the night. And, in just a few days, the stretching and holding position of yoga have left my muscles more flexible and less sore. My decision to not sleep with my iPhone has benefited my mind, body, and soul.
So, while I am still an advocate of integrating technology into life, education, and business for efficiency and productivity, I am also an advocate unplugging, especially first thing in the morning.