Careful of the Content You Consume
Careful of the Content You Consume: How Mindfulness Shapes Your Thoughts and Life
Our lives are constantly infiltrated with content. Social media posts, TV shows, podcasts, books, and even our personal relationships- all influence the way we think about ourselves as mothers, wives, and friends. Honestly, it can become too much to constantly be comparing ourselves to others. I find that it can make me second guess my intuition. Which is why it is so important to take stock of the content we are consuming and be intentional with what we allow into our lives.
Why Mindfulness Matters
The idea of mindfulness is often associated with meditation or yoga practices, but it extends far beyond that into daily rituals and into mindless interactions we engage in. Being mindful means being aware of your present experiences, thoughts, and feelings and understanding how external factors influence them. When it comes to social media or the people we surround ourselves with, taking regular inventory of our interactions and the way it makes us feel is an act of mindfulness. It reminds us to engage in content and people that uplift, inspire, and empower us.
After scrolling on social media, ask yourself; Did the content give me a spark of creativity, a powerful message, or make me laugh? Did the content bring meaningful value to my life? Or did I find myself feeling drained, anxious, or bored? If it’s the latter, now is the time to stop and evaluate what you are feeding your mind.
Content and Creativity
Creative energy thrives when positivity, curiosity and inspiration coexist. When we are mindful about the content we consume, we’re creating space where our lives can flourish. Whether you’re a busy mom looking for ways to keep your kids entertained, or an entrepreneur searching for a new business venture, what we expose our minds to plays a huge role in sparking innovation.
The more we engage with content that promotes growth, resilience, and optimism, the more we’ll find our minds expanding in unexpected ways. Our brains start making positive connections to the information and interactions we engage in. You may be surprised by the momentum that will begin to churn and creativity that will flow. If we fail to prune the negative or meaningless from our lives, these distractions can dampen our creativity and make it feel like we are stuck.
Content and Optimism: A Cycle of Influence
Just as a healthy diet nourishes our body, consuming positive content nourishes our mind. Our thoughts influence our emotion, which in turn, affect how we perceive and respond to the world around us. When we regularly feed our mind with positive, uplifting content, we’re more likely to develop an optimistic outlook.
Choosing to watch shows, read books, or listen to podcasts that inspire growth, kindness, and joy can lead to deeper happiness and feeling more happiness in the present. Surrounding ourselves with friends who encourage and challenge us in meaningful ways can help nurture this as well.
Intentional Choices Lead to Purposeful Living
In the same way that clutter can overwhelm our physical spaces, a cluttered mind- filled with negative or irrelevant content- can leave us feeling scattered and unmotivated. By being intentional about what we consume, we’re better able to focus on what matters most.
Some questions to ask yourself when taking inventory:
Does this content support my personal growth and well-being?
Am I learning something valuable from this?
Does this make me feel energized and inspired?
Getting ourselves in a habit of being reflective and asking questions will help us become more aware of how our environment is impacting our thoughts and emotions. We will begin to make more mindful choices that lead to a more fulfilling and optimistic way of living.
Building a Content Diet for Success
Just as you would plan a healthy meal, plan a “content diet” that fuels your mind with creativity, hope and purpose. Here are a few tips:
1.Limit Negative Media Exposure: Whether it’s doom scrolling on social media or watching divisive TV shows, limit your intake of content that stirs up anxiety, anger or helplessness. Never watch the news before bed.
2. Curate Your Social Media Feed: Follow and add to your ‘Favorites’ accounts that inspire and encourage personal growth. Unfollow or mute those that make you feel stressed, envious, or inadequate.
3. Read Books that Inspire: Whether it’s a motivational memoir or a deep dive into a subject you’re passionate about, reading can expand your knowledge and creativity. Currently, I am enjoying non-fiction books that focus on mindfulness, prioritizing our time, and building successful brands.
4. Choose Your Podcasts Wisely: Podcasts can be a great way to learn, but make sure they offer value, positivity, or an alternative perspective that enriches your life. Some of my favorites are The Skinny Confidential, On Purpose with Jay Shetty, Joe Rogan Experience and The Mel Robbins Podcast.
5. Surround Yourself with Positive Influences: Spend time with people who challenge and uplift you. Just as media impacts your mind, so do the relationships we keep. Remember the phrase “You’re the average of the five people you spend the most time with.”
6. Unplug and Reflect: Sometimes the best way to reset is unplug from all content. Spend time in nature, meditate, or journal to reflect on the things that make you happy and consider how to align the content you consume to match that joy.
Final Thought
Being mindful of the content we consume is a powerful act of self-care. By intentionally curating what enters our minds, we create space for more creativity, optimism, and purpose in our lives. In a world filled with endless options, choosing wisely means protecting our mental well-being and living life on our own terms.
