Mikaila Adams
A recurring theme in my life in the last few months has been consumption. Consumption is ever-present in society; day-to-day, influencers are posting links to their “favorite products,” making Amazon lists of hundreds of items, all of which they get a commission for, and sharing those lists with us. We click, we scroll, we see ads. We are so addicted to scrolling, watching short-form content, and the quick dopamine boost we get from the rapid influx of information to our brains. However, addiction to technology is not the only form of consumption that’s been on my mind. We buy things, accumulate clutter, and hang on to little things. As I’m packing to move, I’m realizing just how much clutter I have around me. I have too many clothes, too much stuff, and not enough mental bandwidth to manage it all. I’m no stranger to over-buying, doomscrolling, eating fast food, and spending too much time consuming.
In reality, most of my free time is stuck in a cycle of consumption. Then I sit around and wonder why I’m stressed, why I’m bored, and why my mental health is suffering. I feel my best when I am creating. Whether that is writing fiction, sewing, dancing, or researching and writing academic papers, I feel my best when I am in pursuit of these activities. Somehow, there’s always a reason not to do these pastimes, and to instead scroll on my phone. There’s no room for me to use my sewing machine. My desk is too cluttered. I don’t know where my crochet hooks are.
You may notice the recurring issue here, which is excess. There’s too much physical stuff that inhibits me from doing the things I love with ease – and, obviously, those things that are in the way are not contributing to my creative process. If they were, then they would be getting used! As I’ve been boxing my belongings for our new apartment, I’ve been taking a critical look at the things I’m keeping. Does it nourish my soul, contribute to my passions, or is it just taking up space? What is it that feeds my creative side?
The point is that I’m trying to be more intentional about the things I consume – from my food, to my purchasing, to my technology. Being more aware of the things I bring into my life and more cognizant of what keeps my attention is not only helping my mental health by slowing down my day, but it’s fueling my brain in ways that keep me occupied and satisfied with my work. I don’t like feeling like I spent a whole day doing nothing because I scrolled all day. By contrast, it brings me immense satisfaction to finish a sewing project, or to read a book – more satisfaction than the quick dopamine boost I get from watching a silly Instagram reel.
This isn’t to say I’m perfect, or that I’m living a life free of consumption. I still watch TV, videos, scroll on Instagram, and buy things. It’s inevitable in the society we live in, and it’s not always bad to consume some of these things – but the impact on our bodies and minds from staring at a screen and being surrounded by stuff isn’t always good for us either. That said, I’m not advocating for getting rid of everything and moving to the middle of the woods (though this does sound simpler and something I strive for). I’m simply urging you to take stock of what you’re consuming this week. Is it supporting you in the lifestyle you want to live?
Headline photo by Mikaila Adams.
