“We need to allow ourselves moments without our mobile phones during the day.”
Avoiding your phone upon waking and organizing your morning is the first thing you should do. Diving into notifications within minutes of waking blocks the energy boost built up overnight, when the brain regenerates its resources. Then, making your bed, brushing your teeth, or taking a cold shower sends a clear signal to your brain: “I’m taking control of my day.” And, to limit unnecessary dopamine rushes, TJ Power recommends intermittent phone-free time: reserving periods throughout the day without your phone and scheduling specific times to check social media. He only allows himself three time slots: 10:00 a.m., 3:00 p.m., and 8:00 p.m., appointments he looks forward to.
Entering that state of flow, that state of total concentration, is another effective tip. Sports, reading, gardening, writing… immersing yourself in a demanding task slowly increases dopamine levels, fueled by the effort. Often, fifteen minutes of sustained attention is enough to activate the mechanism: once that point is reached, the brain works at full speed, concentration becomes fluid, and you are fully anchored in the present moment. The result: productivity, motivation, and genuine enjoyment are perfectly synchronized.
