LITTLE CHOICES, BIG IMPACT

Sometimes mindfulness doesn’t come easy, especially in a world filled with distractions and constant demands. Yet, mindfulness allows us to pause, focus on little things that we often overlook, and stay connected to what is real. There’s a quiet strength in simply paying attention to the present.

There are many ways to incorporate mindfulness into our lives. Personally, I can’t say I’m mindful of everything, but I try to be. One area where I find myself focusing more is in “Mindful consumption”

In a world overflowing with choices, opinions, and noise, it’s important to be conscious of what we take in—whether it’s the words we let sink in, the videos we watch, or the conversations we engage in. These seemingly small choices can slowly shape who we are and how we perceive the world.

I’ve been intentional about what I consume, especially on social media. The thing about social media is that the content that you engage with is what will keep appearing on your feed. I‘ve learnt to be mindful of the type of content I allow myself to watch online. Those few minutes I choose not to waste on content that doesn’t align with my values help shape a healthier digital environment for me.

To be real, social media can be draining; It’s a powerful force, like a tidal wave of endless scrolling, and it’s all too easy to get swept up in it. I‘ve been there—mindlessly engaging with content that didn’t serve me well, letting it occupy my thoughts day after day. Thankfully, I recognised this pattern and started making more mindful choices. Now, I regularly block posts or even creators whose content doesn’t resonate with me.

Besides social media, I’m also careful about what I listen to. I used to be someone who would listen to just about any kind of music. But in the past few years, I’ve become more selective about the music I choose to consume. The difference in my mental state before and after making this choice is so clear.

The same applies to books. As a book lover, I’m mindful about what I read. I check the themes of books to ensure they align with my values and interests, as I’ve found that some books can be mentally toxic. The same goes for movies—I’m intentional about the films I watch.

All of these things might seem little or easy to overlook, but once you start being mindful about what you consume, you’ll notice a significant difference. Being conscious of what I allow into my life helps keep me in check. When I’m mindful of my environment and what surrounds me, o can choose more deliberately what to embrace.

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Lastly, mindful eating is something I’ve been working on. I have always been a big fan of junk food. Even as a child, I preferred buying snacks instead of proper meals when given lunch money, mostly because I wasn’t comfortable eating meals that weren’t prepared at home. This habit stuck with me for years, and even now, I often find myself leaning towards junk food when cooking or trying new recipes at home.

However, being more mindful of my eating habits has helped me cut down on junk food and prioritise healthier options. I now take time during my leisure to prepare better meals and snacks.

In many ways, mindful consumption has become a form of self-care—making a thoughtful choice that nourishes my body, mind, and mental health and supports my wellbeing rather than being overwhelmed by things that don’t serve a real purpose. It’s about being intentional with what I allow into my life.

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Ultimately, mindfulness isn’t something I can say I’ve mastered; it’s an ongoing journey. I’m still figuring it out, and that’s okay. Every day is a reminder to be more aware, to notice when I’ve strayed from the present, and to gently guide myself back.