Why the When and Why of What We Consume Matter 🌱
We all know the phrase, “You are what you eat,” but it’s time to take that idea a little further. It’s not just about what we consume – whether that’s food, drink, social media, news, or even the energy we absorb from our surroundings – it’s also about when and why we consume these things. By paying attention to these details, we can uncover patterns and triggers that give us insight into our emotional needs and guide us toward making more nourishing choices.
The “Why” Behind What We Consume
Let’s be real – we all have those moments where we reach for something without thinking twice. Whether it’s a snack, our phones, or even a glass of wine, sometimes it feels automatic. But what if we stopped to ask ourselves: Why am I craving this right now? Am I bored? Stressed? Lonely? Avoiding something?
Understanding the why behind our choices can be a game-changer. Consumption often fills an emotional need, whether it’s comfort, distraction, or a sense of control. When we become more aware of these needs, we can begin to choose more nourishing ways to meet them, ones that don’t just provide a quick fix but actually help us feel better in the long run.
The Power of When
Timing is everything. The when can tell us just as much as the why. Maybe it’s the end of a long workday, and you find yourself pouring a glass of wine without a second thought. Or perhaps you’ve just woken up and immediately start scrolling through social media before even getting out of bed. These patterns often reveal a lot about our emotional state.
What if, instead of acting on autopilot, we took a pause? What if we used that moment to check in with ourselves? By simply becoming aware of when these cravings or habits show up, we can start to see patterns that we might not have noticed before.
An Invitation: A Day of Conscious Consumption 🌸
I invite you to take one day to really observe your consumption (you can use my Food and Mood Diary which is attached. And I'm not just asking you to observe what you eat or drink, but also what you consume in every sense – the news, social media, conversations, even the environments you’re in. Pay attention to how each thing you consume affects your mood, energy, and mindset. Here are some examples to guide you:
1. Craving a Glass of Wine?
Before pouring that glass, pause and ask yourself: How am I feeling right now? Maybe you’re stressed after a long day or you’re seeking a moment of relaxation. After drinking it, reflect again: How do I feel now? Does the wine actually help you unwind, or are there lingering feelings beneath the surface that the wine didn’t really address? Once you’ve identified what you’re truly seeking (relaxation, peace, joy), you can explore other ways to meet that need – like a warm bath, a good book, or a quick yoga session.
2. Doom Scrolling on Social Media?
If you find yourself lost in a social media rabbit hole, take a moment to ask yourself: What was I feeling before I started scrolling? Were you avoiding a task? Looking for connection? Bored? After 15 minutes of scrolling, check in again: Do I feel better or worse? More often than not, we might feel more drained, anxious, or disconnected than when we started. Maybe what you were really craving was connection – instead of scrolling, could you text a friend, or go for a walk to clear your mind?
3. Reaching for Comfort Food?
We’ve all been there – reaching for a snack just because it feels comforting in the moment. Before you dig in, ask yourself: Am I really hungry, or am I eating to soothe an emotion? After eating, reflect: Did that snack make me feel better, or was I just seeking a distraction? If you’re seeking comfort or relaxation, perhaps a nourishing meal, a cup of herbal tea, or even some journaling might fill that emotional need in a more fulfilling way.
4. Surrounded by Negative Energy?
Sometimes we don’t realize how much the environment or people around us can affect what we “consume” emotionally. Are you in a space where toxic energy or negative conversations are common? After spending time in that environment, ask yourself: How do I feel? Maybe what you’re craving is positivity or a sense of peace. Try to seek out environments or relationships that lift you up, rather than drain you.
Bringing the Subconscious to Light
By consciously bringing awareness to why and when we consume, we can turn subconscious habits into conscious choices. This is where real change can happen. When we understand what truly drives our consumption, we can start making more mindful decisions that nourish us on a deeper level.
Rather than judging yourself for what you consume, approach this with curiosity. What patterns emerge? What emotional needs are you trying to meet? And, most importantly, how can you begin to meet those needs in ways that feel more aligned with your wellbeing?
Finding More Nourishing Ways to Fulfill Your Needs 💛
Once you’ve spent some time reflecting, it becomes easier to identify what your body and mind truly need. Here are a few ideas for nourishing alternatives:
Stress Relief: Instead of reaching for a snack or a drink, try deep breathing, meditation, or a walk in nature. Sometimes all we need is to slow down and breathe.
Connection: If you’re feeling disconnected and reaching for your phone, consider calling or texting a loved one instead. Human connection, even a short conversation, can be so much more fulfilling.
Comfort: If you’re seeking comfort in food, try turning to cozy activities like taking a bath, reading a favorite book, or wrapping up in a soft blanket with tea.
Energy: Instead of grabbing an extra cup of coffee or an energy drink, see if a quick stretch, some sunshine, or a few minutes of movement can naturally boost your energy.
Final Thoughts: Small Shifts Lead to Big Changes 🌿
Remember, this isn’t about restricting yourself or denying pleasure. It’s about becoming more aware of the why and when behind our choices, so we can make more mindful decisions that truly nourish us. By making the subconscious conscious, we open the door to healthier habits and a deeper understanding of ourselves.
So, take a day to observe, reflect, and notice how your consumption affects you. You might be surprised by what you learn! And remember, small shifts lead to big changes over time. The more aware you become, the easier it is to choose what truly supports your emotional and physical wellbeing.
Sending you lots of love and mindful vibes on this journey! 🌟
NB There are two rows under the emoji faces. The top is to note how your mood was before you consumed. The bottom row to note how your mood was after the consumption.
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