Second Cup: Don't waste your life on your phone
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You're listening to an iHeart Podcast. Hey, listeners. You know I can't be bothered with lengthy beauty routines. Who has time for that? That's why I am so glad I discovered Merit. Merit is all about simplicity, high-performing products, and enhancing your natural beauty. If you're like me and prefer a less-is-more approach, you'll love that Merit can help you look put together in five minutes or less.

My favorite product has to be the minimalist. It's a two in one foundation and concealer that gives me smooth, even coverage with zero fuss. I also like the flush balm for cheeks. My shade is archival and it gives me that healthy, natural flush of color that blends in beautifully and makes me look like I spent more time on my makeup than I actually did. Ready to simplify your routine and make mornings a breeze.

Welcome to Before Breakfast, a production of iHeart Radio. Good morning. This is Laura. Welcome to the Before Breakfast podcast. Today's tip is to not waste your life on your phone. Use your phone when you need to, of course.

But beyond the basics, I am guessing you have much more meaningful ways to spend your time. So you may remember that in January, I led a group of thousands of people through a challenge where we all tracked our time for a week. Some of these time trackers told me about their experiences and let me know what they discovered. For instance, one person who felt she spent too much time scrolling through headlines and social media told me that I can do better.

Time is so valuable, and I won't waste my life on my phone. I really appreciated that statement. I mean, of course time is valuable, but you will note that she didn't say she didn't want to waste time on her phone. She said she wouldn't waste her life on her phone. Focusing on life rather than time raises the stakes. What you do with five minutes here and there just doesn't seem like a big deal, but your life?

I mean, life is all we have. Of course, our lives are made up of time and how we spend our time is how we spend our lives. Wasting time is wasting life, but we don't usually acknowledge that. Maybe we should. If you are trying to reduce your phone use, you too might consider how you want to spend your life instead of just how you want to spend the next 45 minutes. You might start with my time trackers mantra.

I won't waste my life on my phone. Then you can add in an intention about how you do want to spend your life. Like, my life is about spending time with the people I love. Or my life is about bringing joy to others. Or my life is about making the world a more just place. Then, when you find yourself scrolling around on social media or reading alarming headlines,

cleaning out your podcast queue, playing snood. Remind yourself what you want to do with your life. Is what you are doing right now helping to make the world a more just place or bringing joy to others or increasing the chances that you spend time with the people you love? Maybe. It is always possible that it is, but maybe not. And if that is the case,

then maybe that reminder will help you decide to spend the next few minutes on activities beyond simply passing time until the next thing. You could even change the wallpaper on your phone to remind yourself of your intention for your life. That way, every time you are about to check in on that argument on Twitter, and maybe even fan the flames a little, you are reminded that you want to bring joy to others.

In any case, time is precious. Little bits of time might not seem like much, but they do add up. Just like change in the couch cushions adds up. Each bit isn't much, but in the end, it doesn't feel right just to burn it all. Best to harness that time for something else. Rather than waste your life on your phone, you live your life with the phone just as a tool to help you along.

In the meantime, this is Laura. Thanks for listening. And here's to making the most of our time. Hey, everybody. I'd love to hear from you. You can send me your tips, your questions, or anything else. Just connect with me on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram at BeforeBreakfastPod. That's B-E, the number four, then breakfast, P-O-D.

You can also shoot me an email at beforebreakfastpodcasts at iheartmedia.com. That before breakfast is spelled out with all the letters. Thanks so much. I look forward to staying in touch. Before Breakfast is a production of iHeartRadio. For more podcasts from iHeartRadio, visit the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows. Hey, listeners.

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Hey listeners, you know I can't be bothered with lengthy beauty routines. Who has time for that? That's why I am so glad I discovered Merit. Merit is all about simplicity, high-performing products, and enhancing your natural beauty. If you're like me and prefer a less is more approach, you'll love that Merit can help you look put together in five minutes or less.

My favorite product has to be the minimalist. It's a two in one foundation and concealer that gives me smooth, even coverage with zero fuss. I also like the flush balm for cheeks. My shade is archival and it gives me that healthy, natural flush of color that blends in beautifully and makes me look like I spent more time on my makeup than I actually did. Ready to simplify your routine and make mornings a breeze.

Head to MeritBeauty.com and get their signature makeup bag free with your first order. For clean, effortless, high-performing makeup, head to MeritBeauty.com.