“Almost everything will work if you unplug it for a few minutes… including you.”
– Anne Lamott
Today’s world is constantly bombarded with news and information from various online and offline sources. While staying informed is necessary, the constant influx of information can often lead to overwhelming anxiety and stress. That’s where mindful media consumption comes in – a practice that allows us to stay informed without compromising our mental and emotional well-being.
In this article, we’ll explore the art of mindful media consumption and share practical tips and tricks to help us cultivate a healthy relationship with media.
Set Intentions and Boundaries
Before consuming any media, it’s important to set intentions and boundaries. Ask ourselves why we want to consume the information and how it will benefit us. Is it for personal growth, staying informed, or entertainment? Once we’ve identified our intentions, we can set boundaries around how much time we’ll spend consuming media and what types of media we’ll engage with.
For example, you might limit your news intake to a specific time of day or only follow reputable sources.
Curate Your Sources
Not all media sources are equal, and some can be toxic. It’s important to curate sources and choose those that align with our values and beliefs. Look for sources that prioritize facts over sensationalism and present a balanced perspective. Avoid sources that use fear-mongering tactics or perpetuate harmful stereotypes. By curating our sources, we can ensure that our media is informative and beneficial.
Practice Mindful Consumption
When consuming media, it’s essential to practice mindfulness-paying attention to how the media makes us feel and the thoughts and emotions that arise. Notice any biases or assumptions you may have and challenge them. Avoid getting caught up in the “clickbait” trap, and take the time to read beyond the headlines. When consuming social media, we must be mindful of its impact on our self-esteem and mental health. Remember that what we see on social media is often curated and edited, not a true reflection of reality.
Take Breaks
Consuming too much information can be overwhelming and lead to burnout. That’s why taking breaks and disconnecting from media regularly is important. Set aside time daily to disconnect from technology and engage in joyful and relaxed activities.
This could be anything from walking in nature to practicing meditation or yoga. We can recharge our mental and emotional batteries by taking breaks and approaching media consumption with a fresh perspective.
Mindful media consumption is an essential practice in today’s digital age. Remember that the media we consume shapes our thoughts and beliefs, so choose wisely and approach media consumption with mindfulness and intention.
Is your business using social media’s full potential?
At Brieffin, we use our expertise to unlock everything social media offers your business or personal brand. We use our experience in content creation, strategy and planning, and social media management to help build consistency and deliver marketing success. Let’s talk.
Our Moment of Bliss
Embark on a journey with Tony Ann’s “Lost”. Check out our Spotify Playlist for more.
