Mindful Consumption: Nourish Your Body and Mind for True Wellbeing

How what you consume shapes your health, happiness, and perspective.

Why Does Mindful Consumption Matter?

More so than ever we are surrounded by an abundance of choices. We get to choose what we eat, what we watch, and what we read. But have you ever taken a moment to think about how these choices affect you? Because each choice you make plays a part in your physical and mental wellbeing. Mindful consumption might sound like it’s just about avoiding junk food, but that really isn’t the case. It’s about being aware of everything you take in, physically and mentally, and understanding the impact these choices have on your wellbeing. I want to explain why being mindful about what you consume is so important, and how small but consistent tweaks can make a positive difference.

Processed Consumption.

Processed food has become a staple in many diets. It’s convenient, often tasty (I’ll let you be the judge), but usually packed with sugar, salt, unhealthy fats, and artificial additives. The same applies to other areas of our lives as well. News, social media, and even the images we scroll past every day are carefully processed and curated, designed to grab your attention and provoke an emotional reaction. Just as processed food can harm your physical health, processed media can affect your mental health. (as a slight aside but very relevant, what we eat and drink does impact mental wellbeing too, our gut and brain are very much linked, serotonin, the chemical which helps to regulate mood, is actually created in the gut). More on the gut-brain link later though.

"Overconsumption is an overviewed problem with big repercussions to personal well-being" (1)

The constant flood of fast information can easily become overwhelming, leaving us feeling anxious, distracted, or even cynical. With so much content vying for your attention, it’s easy to lose sight of what’s real and important. So, it’s vital to recognise the risks of consuming too much of anything that’s been heavily altered or filtered, whether it’s a packet of crisps or a sensational headline. Everything in moderation.

Impact on Wellbeing

So, what we consume has a direct impact on our bodies and minds. Diets high in processed foods have been linked to obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. But it doesn’t stop there. Excessive exposure to negative news or social media can lead to anxiety, low self-esteem, and even depression. The things you eat, watch, and listen to will shape your thoughts, moods, and beliefs about the world around you.

When you take in more than we need, whether that be calories or information, your wellbeing suffers. Over time, unhealthy consumption habits can dull our senses and leave us feeling disconnected from ourselves and others.

The Gut-Brain Link

You might be surprised to learn that your gut and brain are in constant conversation. This connection, known as the gut-brain axis, means that what you eat can influence your mood, mental clarity, and even emotional resilience. The gut is sometimes called our “second brain” because as I touched on earlier, it produces many of the same neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, which directly affect mood and happiness.

A balanced diet rich in whole foods, fibre, and fermented products supports a healthy gut microbiome. This, in turn, can help to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, boost your energy, and improve your sleep. On the other hand, a diet high in processed food can disrupt this balance, leading to inflammation and negative mood. In short, nourishing your gut helps to nourish your mind.

Healthy Alternatives

So, what can you do to build better consumption habits? Here are some practical alternatives to consider:

• Balanced Eating: Fill your plate with fruits and vegetables. Choose whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats over processed snacks and ready meals.

• Mindful Meal Practices: Take time to savour your food. Eat without distractions like your phone or TV. Notice flavours, textures, and how you feel as you eat.

• Set News and Media Boundaries: Limit how often you check the news or social media (most phones allow you to set app time limits). Choose trusted sources to get your information from and avoid doomscrolling.

• Prioritise Real-Life Connections: Make time for family and friends. Swap some screen time for a walk in the park, a chat over a cuppa, or a shared activity.

• Swap Scrolling for Learning: Instead of endless scrolling, try reading a book, listening to a podcast, or picking up a new hobby.

• Practice Gratitude: Keep a journal of what you’re thankful for. It helps shift your focus from negativity to positivity.

• Move Your Body: Regular exercise boosts both physical and mental health. Even a brisk daily walk can work wonders, even if you really don’t feel like it!

Practical Tips for Everyday Mindful Consumption

• Plan Your Meals: Prepare a weekly menu to avoid reaching for unhealthy options when you’re hungry or stressed.

• Limit Notifications: Turn off unnecessary alerts on your phone to reduce distractions and stress. I know I really don’t need a news app to ping me everytime a news story is published!

• Create Tech-Free Zones: Designate certain spaces or times in your home for no screens or devices. This can be really challenging to begin with as so many of us have build a need for quick and constant dopamine hits from scrolling, so be kind to yourself, start with small steps and build up.

• Pause Before Consuming: Whether it’s food or information, take a moment to ask yourself, “Is this good for me right now?”

What we choose to consume, in every sense, shapes not just our health but our entire outlook on life. By slowing down and becoming more mindful of our habits, eating, watching, reading, and relating, we can create a healthier, happier, and more balanced life. Let me stress that it’s not about perfection, instead it is about making small, positive, mindful changes that add up over time.

If you identify with this topic and need support please feel free to contact me.

 Reference

1. Luísa S, Sara M. Overconsumption and the Effects on Mental Health and Well-Being: A Review. Curre Res Diabetes & Obes J 2023; 17(2): 555957.DOI: 10.19080/CRDOJ.2023.17.555957