Discover the Viral Morning Habit of a Sociologist That Boosts Brain Health!

Be honest—how often do you wake up and immediately check your phone? For many, it’s the first thing they do. Messages, social media, and news headlines crowd our minds before we even get out of bed.

Caitlin Begg, a sociologist from New York City, decided to change this habit. At 30, she realized her screen time was too high, especially after the pandemic. “Smartphones are useful, but I didn’t want to depend on mine,” she explained. So, in 2022, she made a resolution to reduce her screen time and boost her creativity, and that led to a surprising choice: she quit TikTok.

Caitlin found joy in reading again. Instead of scrolling, she picked up books throughout her day. One rainy morning in September, her phone was dead, and she couldn’t find her charger. She spotted Society of the Spectacle by Guy Debord on her nightstand and started reading. “I finished the second half in a few hours,” she recalled. That morning changed everything—her mind felt lighter without the distraction of screens.

Now, for nearly three years, Caitlin starts her day with nonfiction before checking her phone. She’s even bought an alarm clock to keep her phone out of the bedroom. This aligns with a 2018 study from the University of East London, which found that sleeping without smartphones nearby improves sleep and wellbeing.

Caitlin’s mornings vary; she might read just a page or dive into over an hour of a book. Regardless, she stays committed to this routine. It has increased her happiness, creativity, and reduced her anxiety. Some days are tougher, but overall, she feels more focused and present.

Caitlin notes that one reason early phone use is harmful is sleep inertia—the groggy phase between waking and being alert. Grabbing your phone can flood your brain with information before you’re fully awake, leaving you drained before your day even starts.

Recently, Caitlin returned to social media and shared her morning routine on TikTok (@caitybegg). The post went viral, gaining over 305,000 views and 29,400 likes. Commenters expressed interest in making similar changes in their lives.

Caitlin wants to inspire others to adjust their morning habits. Reading may not suit everyone, but there are other analog activities to consider. She suggests meditating, exercising, or preparing breakfast without your phone. Small changes can lead to big differences in how we feel each day.

In a world full of distractions, shifting our morning routines might just hold the key to a more grounded, creative life.

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