I’ve enjoyed consuming content for as long as I can remember. Reading TigerBeat and every magazine I could get my hands on as a teenager, and then moving onto books and blogs as an adult. But somewhere along the way, I found myself constantly thinking of something I’d read—whether it was a tip on sleeping that I HAD to start living by, how to do my workouts better, or depressing news about war or poverty. My mind was constantlyloading with information and that info would swirl around my brain all day, all night. It was exhausting and I was too reliant on external messages.
Though I didn’t want to give up consuming content, I did want some peace and quiet in my head. So, I started unsubscribing from information where it made sense for me. Here are some of the things I did:
Stopped email blasts
I used to be subscribed to The Skimm—which I do love—but it was waiting for me in my inbox first thing every morning. Not only did I feel stressed to open it along with all the other emails waiting, but it was usually stressful political info to start my day. Not ideal! If I’m craving news, I’ll go on Twitter at lunch.
Cleared up my RSS feeds
I also used to be subscribed to about 30 blogs and sites through my RSS feed on Feedly.com. I went through the list and only kept the blogs that I truly benefited from reading. Reading blogs is sacred to me and something I don’t want to give up, but now I have a more streamlined version of what brings me happiness or helpful info.
Starting filling my day with music
I’m a HUGE podcast fan but I’d sometimes get so obsessed that I found myself listening to 5 a day. That’s a lot of info! Now, I’ll make Spotify playlists and will listen to those while driving or exercising when I want to zone out.
Watch less TV
While making dinner, I used to throw on something like E! News to have on in the background. And while this isn’t hard-hitting journalism or anything depressing, it’s still noise. At the end of the day, knowing about celeb gossip isn’t a value for me, so now I leave the TV off unless I’m watching something intentionally.
Do you have trouble limiting content consumption? How do you cut back?
12 comments
I’ve found replacing it with music helps, too. I listen to Spotify while cleaning, cooking, or just when I need 10 minutes to relax!
You are so right! I stopped watching TV at least 15 years ago and since then I have so much time!
xx from Bavaria/Germany, Rena
http://www.dressedwithsoul.com
I think this is a pretty good take on content consumption. I began to leave on netflix shows that are light-hearted rather than any E News or CNN kind of thing and I find that is a great change without completely cutting out my tv while cleaning or cooking. Definitely second starting my morning with some music too!
xx Dylan
whatcheerblog.com
I absolutely love every bit of this. This is currently my life, as I am in the mission field in the Dominican Republic. Thank you for this post! 🙂
I literally delete at least 10 emails every morning when I wake up because it is all junk mail. Unsubscribing would definitely help me with this!
Briana
http://beyoutifulbrunette.blogspot.com/
I feel you girl. We are constantly inundated with so much information that it can get overwhelming. After all, our brains can only hold a finite amount of information!
http://www.wonderlandsam.com
I’m totally guilty of this too! I think it’s just way too easy to get all of this information since it’s right at our fingerprints. But I definitely think we all need a little time to decompress daily and your tips will really help!
I watch HGTV no more news . so when in doubt HGTV or the Food network xoI find being creative fills my soul rather than negative content of any kind.
I haven’t watched TV for 5 years now and haven’t looked back since, one the best decisions I have ever made <3
https://www.myblackcloset.com/
I definitely need to work on watching tv intentionally because I almost always have it on in the background! These are all great tips and things I need to work on myself!
-Sisi
http://www.modernbeautygirl.com
I found myself doing that: subscribing everything. And sometimes I feel a bit lost, as my emails get lost as well with so many things to read. And the focus is always a bit lost, as well.
I stopped watching TV a while ago. I only watch two series and it is like 2 hours a week. I believe I can find much more useful info on other places.
Xoxo
thebrunettetofu.blogspot.pt
Hi! I’ve followed your blog for years and have always loved your posts. This one especially resonated with me because I find myself falling into the same traps. I also am subscribed to The Skimms, which I love, but it’s so stressful keeping up with the daily emails. I wish they had a weekly recap option. Anyway, thanks for this post, I found it to be very helpful!