DO NOT READ This JUNK FOOD Words

When was the last time you thought about what you feed your mind?

Not in terms of knowledge or wisdom, but in terms of the daily words, phrases, and content that enter your consciousness. I’m not talking about the inspirational quotes or the thoughtful articles you find on Medium; I’m talking about the mental junk food—the words and phrases that stick to your brain like processed sugar.

I caught myself the other day scrolling through an endless stream of meaningless content. “Why do I keep reading this stuff?” I wondered.

What is it about mindless words that can be so addictive?

And more importantly, how are they affecting me?

It's similar to what we know about junk food. You take a bite of a greasy burger because it’s convenient, it’s satisfying in the moment, but later, you feel sluggish, weighed down. Words can be the same. When we consume mental junk food, we might enjoy the distraction, but over time, it leaves us mentally bloated, unable to think clearly or focus on what really matters.

Think about the last time you found yourself deep in a comment section filled with negativity or pointless debates.

Why did you keep reading?

What did it do for you?

"What we feed our minds is as crucial as what we feed our bodies,"

I reminded myself, a concept I’ve read countless times but often forget when I’m lost in the endless scroll.

Consider the advice we often hear about nutrition: avoid processed foods, eat whole foods, and stay hydrated. We can apply the same principles to the content we consume. Avoid negative, sensationalist content, consume thoughtful, well-researched pieces, and stay mentally hydrated with positive, enriching words.

But how do we stop?

How do we break the cycle of consuming mental junk food?

It starts with awareness.

When you catch yourself consuming content that doesn’t serve you, pause and ask yourself, “Why am I reading this?

What is it doing for me?”

Just as you might consider the nutritional value of your meals, consider the value of the words you're taking in.

In one study published by The Journal of Positive Psychology, researchers found that exposure to negative words and ideas can increase stress and anxiety levels. “What we think, we become,” said Buddha, emphasizing the long-known truth that our thoughts shape our reality. If our thoughts are a reflection of what we consume, then the quality of our mental diet directly influences our mental health.

We start by curating our mental diet as carefully as we would our physical one. We fill our minds with words that nourish us—words that inspire, teach, and uplift. We cut out the mental junk food by being selective about the content we engage with.

Imagine how different your life could be if you replaced even half of the meaningless content you consume with something that truly matters to you. What if, instead of reading yet another sensational headline, you spent that time reading a book that challenges your thinking or a piece that resonates with your soul?

When I began to actively curate what I allowed into my mind, I noticed a shift. I felt lighter, more focused, and even more optimistic. The temptation to consume mental junk food didn’t disappear overnight, but with time, it became easier to recognize and avoid.

We often talk about detoxing our bodies—cleansing ourselves of toxins and unhealthy substances. But how often do we think about detoxing our minds?

How often do we consciously remove the mental clutter that bogs us down?

This is our challenge: to stop mindlessly consuming content that does nothing for us and start choosing words that nourish our minds and souls. It’s about more than just avoiding negative content; it’s about seeking out the positive, the thoughtful, the enriching.

Take a moment to reflect on your own mental diet.

What are you consuming daily?

Are you feeding your mind with junk food or with words that truly nourish you?

And if you realize that you’ve been indulging in too much mental junk food, know that it’s never too late to make a change.

Remember, this is about progress, not perfection. Every small step you take toward curating a healthier mental diet is a step toward a clearer, more focused, and more positive mindset.

So, what will you choose to feed your mind today?

Will it be the mental equivalent of a greasy burger, or will it be something that leaves you feeling energized and inspired?

The choice is yours, and it’s easier than you think to make the right one.