I have been asked the question, why not make a YouTube or Tik Tok instead of a blog... These days, those are the most popular platforms to get known on. People would rather watch or hear what you have to say, instead of read. Try something new, be different, and keep reading the rest of this blog post...
It is important to read. It helps your mind expand and creates your own story in your head. You are growing every time you read a book, article, or even instructions. Believe it or not, reading is proven to help mental health. Reducing stress, lower blood pressure, heart rate and muscle tension. Mindful reading exercises your comprehension and improves memory. It encourages the brain to work harder, understanding the words put together on a page.
Opposed to watching social media platforms which do the opposite. When you watch, your brain is overstimulated, it can be distracting and lazy. Not to mention, this can change a viewer's perspective on body shape, stereotypes, and an effect on consumerism. Sure, you can learn new things, but your brain is not getting the exercise it would if you were reading.
Have you ever found yourself on social media or watching tv, next thing you know, hours have gone by? You become the victim of mindlessly scrolling and watching, like a zombie. Imagine the opportunities you could have, and complete within those hours... Instead, you could have cleaned your house, reached out to an old friend, or learned a new skill. The opportunities are endless.
There are 24 hours a day, 168 hours in a week, say you have 7 hours of sleep and work 8 hours. That is 9 hours a day and 63 hours a week, that you could be doing something productive. Use your creative brain to maximize your ideas and talent, your future self will thank you.
Benefits to reading:
increases vocabulary
improves concentration and focus
knowledge enhancement
reduces stress
more restful sleep
be more empathetic
better communication skills
challenges perspective
inspires you
One day we are going to be walking around without a single idea of our own. Having computers and other people deciding our steps in our life. Not saying that is going to happen, but that is the direction our generation is heading. When we get an idea from social media, we can not claim it as our own. Think about that.
Having your own ideas increases your credibility. For example, blogging; I write posts about what I think is important, now as a reader, you do not have to agree. Yet, you know when you are reading, it is going to be something useful or beneficial. When you are watching a social media trend, you are forced to watch the whole clip, that may or may not be relative to your life. Yes, videos like that are fun to watch and share, but what is it doing for your day? You are leaving the real world to escape and forget. It can be entertaining, some argue it's helpful, but you are likely to forget it the next day.
In person conversations are a part of life. Face to face contact helps us build trust and foster relationships. Instead of waiting on a response, we get instant feedback. Go on a walk, hike, or sit by a fire with your friends. Adventure around, get a beer with a friend, and chat. Interpersonal conversation is what creates real and true relationships. This involves sharing information, ideas, and feelings being exchanged between people. Making you think and mindful about what you are going to say.
We sit, watching influencers live their "perfect" lives. We wonder why mental health has gotten worse over the years, conveniently after social media took over. It is about being mindful in your presence and not just another like. This blog is to be informational, influential and to make you think. What can you do daily to make your life feel more fulfilled.
Yet, there are benefits to the internet. We stay connected to distant loved ones, express ourselves the way we want the world to see, and network with others. It has created jobs and innovative ways of living. It builds ideas and we can search anything we are looking for. Need to jump your car? You are a few clicks away from getting you car started again.
Although there are some benefits, taking breaks from social media will not kill you. Social media detox is one of the best things you can do for yourself. This is where you shut off all social media for a period of time. It can be for a week, month, even a year. Detox can help you from distractions, lower screen time, and pay attention to value. You will have to discipline yourself, after a week you will get over the hump of mindlessly going to the app. Leaving you feeling free, doing activities you want without showing off, and having you time... self care.
This is why I wanted to create a blog. Share photos, ideas, mindset and activities. Only so much you can share through social media. This is a learning curve and I am taking my own advice, by learning something new that will add to a more fulfilled life. Now the question is what is your next learning curve?
Photos taken by Kailynn
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