Refusing to use a smartphone as an alarm clock in favor of a mechanical device positively affects mental health and reduces stress levels, said psychologist Elena Shpagina.
According to the specialist, the morning ritual is critically important for shaping mood and anxiety levels. If a person checks social media, email, or work chats immediately after waking up, the brain switches to a mode of passive consumption and multitasking. This creates background stress and a feeling that the day begins not with personal priorities, but with others' demands.
A mechanical alarm clock helps establish a barrier between the state of sleep and the digital world. Its use reinforces the intention to maintain a "digital pause" and reduces the temptation to check notifications. Moreover, it saves self-control resources, as the source of temptation is placed out of immediate reach.
The psychologist believes that switching to a mechanical alarm clock contributes to the formation of a healthy morning ritual: there is time for silence, a cup of coffee, planning the day, or light exercise. This approach strengthens the sense of control over one’s own life.
