You Are What You Eat, And Think

Ever noticed how we carefully choose what we eat but rarely think twice about the information we consume?

The other day, I was scanning the chilled drink section in a local shop, needing something to quench my thirst in the hot afternoon ☀️. Now I’ll be honest, I was tempted by the variety of soft drinks on offer. The ice cold colourful cans glistened proudly in the glow of the fridge. Inside their bubbles danced gleefully through all that sugary goodness, just waiting to burst out and be set free… But, I had plain water instead.

As I sat somewhat begrudgingly sipping my bland water 🫤, I did find myself reflecting on how much we’ve all come to naturally think about our food choices. Over the years, I’ve learned to scrutinise nutrition labels, understand the impact of too much sugar, and appreciate the benefits of a balanced diet. It struck me then how instinctively I regularly weigh these decisions for my physical health.

However, I also couldn’t help but think that while we’re so considerate about what goes into our mouths, we rarely think about what goes into our minds. We’re living in an age of information overload, constantly bombarded with news, social media, blogs, videos and podcasts. This endless stream can often be overwhelming and, much like junk food, much of it can be detrimental to our health. Only this time it’s not physical, but mental.

The Info-Obesity Epidemic

We all know about obesity – consuming more calories than we burn, leading to excess weight. Well info-obesity is a similar concept, but instead of calories, it’s about consuming too much information. This doesn’t just mean spending hours scrolling through TikTok or binge-watching conspiracy theory videos on YouTube. It’s about the quality and nature of the information we’re absorbing.

Think about the last time you went down a social media rabbit hole. How did you feel afterward? Probably not great. Much of the information out there is designed to be sensational, to grab your attention, and keep you hooked. But unfortunately this can lead to increased anxiety, misinformation, and a warped view of reality. ☹️

Information Nutrition: What’s on Your Mental Plate?

So, how do we ensure our minds get the “nutrients” they need? It starts with being more critical about the sources of our information.

Just like you wouldn’t eat food that’s past its expiration date or has questionable ingredients, you shouldn’t consume information that’s outdated, biased, or poorly sourced.

Here’s some tips to help you out:

1. Check the Source: Not all information is created equal. Reliable sources are like organic, non-GMO foods for your brain. Look for information from reputable outlets with a history of accurate reporting. Avoid sources that are known for sensationalism or have a clear bias.

2. Balance Your Info Diet: Just as a balanced diet includes a mix of different food groups, a balanced information diet should include a variety of perspectives. Don’t just stick to one news outlet or one type of content. Mix in some long-form articles, documentaries, and even actively seek out viewpoints you might initially disagree with.

3. Limit Junk Info: Set boundaries for your consumption. Allocate specific times for checking social media or watching videos, and stick to them. Just like you wouldn’t eat candy all day, don’t spend all day consuming low-quality information.

4. Critical Thinking is Your Best Friend: This is your mental workout. Question what you read and see. Who wrote it? Why did they write it? What sources did they use? Developing critical thinking skills will help you discern the quality of the information you’re consuming and make better mental health choices.

“Won’t somebody please think of the children?!”

For young people, this is particularly pertinent, and developing these habits is crucial. The brain is like a sponge, soaking up everything it encounters. And this is the period where lifelong habits are formed. Encouraging critical thinking and a balanced information diet can set them up for a healthier, more informed future.

Schools teach us about the food pyramid and the importance of exercise, but rarely do they teach us about the importance of a healthy information diet. For me, this needs to change.

Young people should be educated on how to evaluate sources, recognise bias, and understand the impact of misinformation.

Next time you reach for a headline or a social media post, think about it the same way you think about that soft drink. Is it good for you? Will it leave you feeling satisfied and informed, or anxious and misled? By becoming more aware of our information consumption, we can ensure that we’re not just healthy in body, but in mind as well.

After all, you are not just what you eat – but also what you think.