Are You Feeding Your Brain Well?
We get out what we put in
I’m nervous and fidgety. Both expected signs of addiction withdrawal. It’s only one day since I decided not to watch my soap opera anymore, and I’m pacing. You may laugh at my demise, but my discomfort is real.
Last night, I had an epiphany. In the past weeks, my propensity to live fearfully has increased, and my mental health felt jeopardized. How could this be? Last month's newsletter applauded my success for focusing on positive thoughts, but these days, I’ve struggled.
Then, it hit me. Like the sugary treats I feed my body, which depletes my energy and causes low moods, my mentor pointed out that what I feed my mind is just as powerful. As I took stock of the adverse effects I get from watching daily TV, I realized there were many.
I’m uncertain if others suffer the same plight. Still, immersing myself in the daily lives of The Newmans and the Abbotts on The Young and the Restless, not to mention the cast of other stressed and overly emotional characters, finds me breaking under the pressure as their problems become mine.
Is it because I’m empathic or too gullible to separate reality from fiction?
I don’t know. All I know is that watching characters struggle with mental health issues triggers me, and on that soap, the mental health storylines keep coming, fast and furious. Not to mention, watching a couple cope with the loss of their newborn and a devoted father get framed for allegedly killing his wife are reasons to feel heartbroken.
How can watching these imaginary scenarios not affect the sensitive viewer? Maybe it’s just me, but watching problem after problem leaves me sad, angry, and anxious. So, deciding to stop watching the show made perfect sense, except for one thing.
I’m addicted.
I’ve raced home after work for years, preparing dinner and settling in to learn what happens next. Today, I am beside myself. At first, I thought I’d take a quick peek, but then I stopped myself. To anyone who thinks I’m making a mockery out of addiction, please think again. I’ve quit smoking and drinking, and while this isn’t a physical addiction but a psychological one, I know a thing or two about the hardships of moving on.
One look at Google searching soap operas and addiction shows I’m not alone. So, why am I sharing this at the risk of seeming loopy?
I’m excited to share my newfound knowledge that we can create healthier mental health and overall well-being by homing in on what experiences and thoughts we feed our minds. I wish to fuel my brain with success stories and happy endings.
Goodbye, soap operas. I’m going to miss you. Next on my list is to rid myself of pharmaceutical commercials that trigger me, too, which run continuously on my game show channel.
I may no longer need my TV, with no Game Show Network or soap operas, leaving me more time for reading and writing. That’s a positive benefit. While right now I’m uncomfortable, once I get over the withdrawal, I see blue skies ahead.
How many of you can relate to what I’m going through? For some, your addiction may be your cell phone, gaming system, or Netflix. For others, perhaps it’s social media. Can you imagine living without it? If it’s causing you emotional hardship, you might want to try.
I’ll be back to posting my Medium stories next month. I hope you enjoy the rest of autumn. To those who celebrate, have a safe Halloween.
You're not the only one giving up soaps. Even the TV networks are ditching them...
Suite interesting ! Very well written.
WE need fiction, stories, emitionnal content. Watching TV séries, films, Reading Books. Allez that stuff is good. WE need walking in thé streets, walking in thé country and see people. WE need to eat good leals, to sleep well and to laugh.