“Is Your Neighbour a Terrorist?”
“Brad & Angelina Divorce!”
“Economic Collapse Imminent!”
“Is Your Partner Cheating On You? Take the Quiz”
“Kanye West Sells His Soul To the Devil”
“The Sky is Falling!”
Every day the media bombard us with news stories via radio, television and newspaper. TV news likes to remind us that they’re committed to being ‘first on the scene’ and how important it is to stay up to date with the latest news from New Zealand and around the world.
All sounds very sincere, right? But are they actually doing us any favours?
If you tune into the news you’ll quickly realise that at least 95% of the stories presented are negative, scandalous or promote fear in some way. What happened to all the positive stories about medical, scientific and technological advancement that should comprise the 95%?
Besides, when you delve a little deeper you learn that the media is owned by large corporations who use hype, fear and distortions of the truth to increase viewership and readership. Their real intent? To influence everything from the political party you choose, to the type of vehicle you drive, how patriotic you are, to the clothes you wear.
(Click here for 10 signs you’ve bought media ‘spin’)
While this is NOT news for most, the question begs. Is this regular consumption of information positively contributing to your happiness and well being? Or could it be that the constant flow of negative information is stealing your precious time and affecting your mental and emotional health? Truth is, research tells us that giving up reading/ watching the news will in fact make you happier.
Now, this isn’t to say you shouldn’t concern yourself with legitimate issues affecting your day to day life. Should you be concerned about rising food and petrol prices? More than likely. Should you be concerned that the King of Siam celebrated his umpteenth birthday by inviting a dancing troupe of 500 naked girls? Probably not.
If something is outside your circle of influence, and not something you need to be concerned with, why immerse yourself in it and get caught up in all the drama?
The fact is, bad news sells. Personally, I don’t buy into it. Instead, I choose to be selectively ignorant.
Do You Have A Media Addiction?
Technology is great, right? But like most things, only if you use it wisely.
For example, I talk with many people whose media addiction (the constant use of cellphones, social media, late night TV and excessive screen time) is interfering with the quality of their lives.
What’s more, our children are also becoming addicted to their ‘gadgets.’ Teenagers constantly using their cellphones, texting, and gaming until the early hours of the morning…
As a result, our daily chores and work schedules are suffering, there is less face to face communication and interaction with our loved ones, and relationships are being put to the test like never before.
This short video, ‘Look Up’ tells it like it is…
How to know if you have a media addiction?
•You have an overwhelming desire to stay up to date with current affairs
•You feel compelled to read the newspaper, listen to the radio, watch the news, check social media etc on a daily basis (even when you’re on holiday)
•You find it difficult to limit your time on the internet – (eg: you love to surf and feel the need to constantly check your email and Facebook posts every few minutes…)
•You experience withdrawal symptoms if you haven’t had your media “fix” for more than a few hours.
What is Selective Ignorance?
To be selectively ignorant is to be conscious of energy sucking, time consuming vampires that have the potential to negatively affect your mental and emotional well being.
It’s about being aware of everything you “consume.”
For example:
1) What you eat – Your food choices affect your mood, energy levels and how well your immune system responds.
2) What you listen to – eg: radio, type of music.
3) What you read – eg: newspapers, trashy gossip magazines.
4) What you watch – eg: prime time news, violent movies & TV programmes, reality shows and mind numbing talk shows.
And don’t forget that the internet can be a HUGE time waster unless you have specific objectives and can ration your time effectively.
Of course, this isn’t to say it’s not OK to enjoy the occasional blockbuster movie or read an entertaining book, it’s simply about choosing wisely MOST of the time.
The Low Information Diet
If you’re suffering from information overload, if you want to cut back on your screen time, and if you’d like to be more optimistic and happier in general, take my selective ignorance challenge.
The Selective Ignorance Challenge
My challenge to you is to unplug yourself from the information super highway for a full 3 days. This media detox means NO newspapers or magazines, NO radio or news programmes, no checking email and NO surfing the net.
The goal is to drastically reduce the amount of information you consume. After 3 days you can selectively choose media that serve a recreational purpose or that positively contribute to your mental and emotional well being.
The question you might ask is…”What will I do during these 3 days?!”
How about spending more time with friends and family, some walks in nature, and exploring new hobbies?
You could also pay attention to eating more whole foods, more fruit and vegetables, and try some new recipes.
For example, my 3 Day Holiday Detox is an excellent opportunity to unplug and ‘reboot’ physically and mentally.
You’ll discover simple techniques to gain mental clarity and improve your sense of well being, all the while eating wholesome foods and drinks to revitalise and nourish your body.
Selective Ignorance is Good for your Health
Going on a low information diet can be VERY liberating. By eliminating or drastically reducing daily mental clutter I guarantee you’ll notice an immediate improvement in your mental disposition and overall level of happiness. You may also discover that your natural inclination is to see the glass half full instead of half empty.
If that wasn’t enough, eliminating media distractions can simplify your life and free up your time to focus on the more important things, such as spending more time with loved ones, for hobbies, preparing delicious, healthy meals, and for regular exercise.
Now stop reading this blog, unplug, and choose to be ‘selectively ignorant!’
Are you ready to take my selective ignorance challenge?
Click here to UNPLUG, recharge and revitalise with my 3 Day Holiday Detox
Leave A Response