In 2021, I spent an absurd amount of time consuming “junk content.”

“Junk content” is information we feed our brains that has no beneficial value. On average, I would spend 1-3 hours every day watching a TV series on Netflix, HBO Max, or Disney+. If I wasn’t watching TV, then I was browsing Reddit or watching YouTube videos on my phone. I didn’t feel guilty doing this until the end of 2021. I developed depression because I wasn’t doing anything meaningful with my life. I was wasting time being a mindless zombie. I had to change.

I started by being conscious about the information I was consuming.

Be Conscious About What You’re Feeding Your Brain⌗

If you’re not aware about what you’re feeding your brain, you slowly become a mindless zombie.

Being a mindless zombie is not fun. It will feel like you’re caught in an endless vortex of consuming “junk content.” It will make you feel safe, but it won’t help you achieve your goals in life. You need to break free of this bad habit. Do you want to be more productive? Do you want to have your life in control? Do you want to invest in yourself?

Then start being conscious of your content consumption. Here are some suggestions to get you started on your path.

1. Evaluate The Type of Information You Choose to Feed Your Brain⌗

Evaluate what you’re consuming to better understand your situation.

List out all the content you consume on a daily basis. Label each content as either “healthy” or “junk." Estimate the time you spend consuming each content. This should give you an idea of how much time you spend consuming “healthy” vs “junk.”

Now brainstorm ideas on how to maximize “healthy content” consumption. I also recommend brainstorming new “healthy” content you would like to add to the mix.

2. Build a Habit of Consuming “Healthier Content”⌗

Habits are powerful because they improve your chances of achieving a lifestyle change.

I recommend removing any apps on your phone that are “junk.” For example, I uninstalled Reddit and YouTube on my phone because I had an addiction. This helped remove any temptation to consume them on a daily basis.

Use a calendar app or task manager app to set your schedule for consuming “healthy content.” Mornings are when I’m the most productive, so I have a daily morning event to consume my “healthy content.” Building a habit is not easy, and I recommend reading Atomic Habits for more strategies.

3. Limit Your Time Spent on “Junk Content”⌗

Minimize the time spent consuming “junk content,” but don’t cut them out completely.

You don’t have to spend 100% of your time consuming only “healthy content.” It’s important to take breaks once in a while. Enjoy some entertainment or turn off your brain for a bit after a long day. It’s important to avoid feeling burnt out.

Start moving in the path that helps you achieve your goals. Become productive. Be conscious about what you’re feeding your brain. Any investment toward your brain will pay dividends in the future.

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