Before you start rolling your eyes, thinking this is going to be yet another post discussing the validity of the phrase “you are what you eat”, read the title of this blog post again. Today we are discussing the idea of consumption, loosely defined as engaging fully or enjoying avidly. 

Consumption for the purposes of this post is related to all the things you are exposing yourself to on a daily basis, mainly through social media and online interactions. Consumption, in all forms, can impact your SHMEC (sleep, hunger, mood, energy, and cravings), so it should be factored into the metabolic detective work you are doing too.

If there is one thing I can say about the benefit of aging, I feel undeniable that with age comes wisdom. Who I am today is much different from who I was 10 or 20 years ago. In some ways, I miss aspects of my life back then. In many ways, I’m happy that I’ve moved on, especially from aspects of my life that left me feeling stuck or unsettled. That being said, I’m also a consumer of social media and online forums, and I’ve been questioning to what degree this has helped my growth as an individual. 

Life today looks much different in the way of social media and online communities compared to when I was younger. If you were to poll a group of adults, I think most would agree that one’s daily diet isn’t just about the food we use to fuel our bodies. It also involves what you read, what you watch, who you follow online, and who you spend your time with. 

I don’t think online consumerism has impacted my waistline directly; however, endless hours of scrolling can have significant indirect effects, especially on movement habits. Others may find that their hunger and cravings change after watching reels related to recipes and “what I eat in a day”. While others may find that their mood and energy are similar to that of a roller coaster ride, having highs and lows related to the highlight reels of the influencers who post their life on social media. 

Just as your diet can be made up of what some gurus would define as “junk”, your time online can be filled with that same sort of consumption. I often encourage my clients to think about how those they surround themselves with may impact their daily decisions – in all aspects of life. And don’t forget to include online relationships as part of the equation. According to this article from the University of Texas at Austin website, the average “adult American spends almost half of every day interacting with media.” 

“We are what we consume. Just as what we eat impacts well-being, our digital diet influences what we think, feel, do and say in the moment or over the long haul.” 

~ Dr. Carrie Barron

If you are an avid consumer of all things social media, or frequently interact with social groups online, take inventory of how you are engaging with your online community. Your participation and interaction with individuals online can help you to uncover hidden clues about who you are, how you operate, and what you need more of in your life. And don’t overlook the impact that your social media consumerism is having on your SHMEC as well.

Once you set aside some time to take inventory of anyone you follow online, or groups you are a part of virtually, use your detective skills. Do you notice a trend or theme? Are there online relationships that make you feel “less than”, or immediately turn your mood from good to bad? Are there online forums and communities that provide support in areas of your life that aren’t functioning well versus online forums and communities that make you question everything about who you are and how you operate?

If you’re spending a fair amount of time online and notice that feelings of sadness, dissatisfaction, frustration, or loneliness are becoming more apparent and present, take time to re-examine your online habits. It’s very possible that after scrolling for a while, your SHMEC is a bit of a mess. Maybe you are reaching for the salty snacks, sugary treats, or “fun” beverages as your scroll, or once you log off because there is a piece of you that craves soothing. Or maybe that walk you planned to take no longer seems like a good option because your mood has taken a turn for the worse or you can’t seem to muster up enough energy to get out the door.

Powering off your device isn’t the only option if you find consumption to be negatively impacting your health, but developing some disciplinary rules can be an option. You don’t have to participate or engage in anything that shifts your attention to things that aren’t working well in your life. There is a high probability that for every site or platform you find negatively impacting your well-being, there is an alternative site that will help you to focus on the positive or things that are working in your favour.

What will you choose to consume this week? Or what will you choose to unfollow as a result of this post? Let us know if you find that your preferences shift and change as a result of your consumerism! Share with us if you’ve gained any new insight related to how your SHMEC may be impacted by your digital diet!

Photo by Rodion Kutsaiev on Unsplash