What do you feed your mind? Is it a healthy diet?
How do you feel after you watch the news? The media definitely understands our brains’ wiring to focus on the negative!! They will feed us reams of bad news because they know it will keep our attention. There can be a fine line between “helpful to know” news and stories that just bring us down.
What other content and messages do you feed your mind? Consider the TV programs, videos, movies, podcasts, music, websites, books, etc. that you choose. If we purposely surround ourselves with messages that focus on things that are helpful, encouraging, and positive, we give our brains good information to think about. It’s not about ignoring the bad stuff; it’s about finding a healthier balance.
This also applies to the the topics we discuss with friends and family. Instead of commiserating about some upsetting event in the media, ask them to tell you about some of the good things happening in their lives. What are they looking forward to? It’s also great fun to reminisce about a past good time you shared together. Does it brighten our day or darken our mood?
I always feel energized and happier after hanging with some of my fun friends! And the boost continues as I remember our conversations and savor their friendships.
The type of information we feed our brains is analogous to the food we feed our bodies. If our diet is healthy and nutritious, we feel better. If our mental diet is healthy, we feel better. Without intention and guidance from us, our brains would “chew on” the negative “junk food” they’re naturally wired to consume.
How can you add some good “food” and boost your mental and emotional nutrition?
