Treat your mind to a balanced diet, just like your body

Next time you're tempted to binge on the mental equivalent of junk food, remember that your brain, too, needs a salad

- SANJEEV KOTNALA

We know the importance of a balanced diet that includes a mix of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, and vegetables. But there is always a difference between knowledge and practice. So, if you are already sensitive about diet and nutrition uptake, maybe it's time to consider another type of balanced diet. Just like your body reflects what you consume, your mind reflects what you consume and how you use it. It is time to consider a balanced diet of thoughts, exercises, ideas, media and emotions.

Balanced diet for mind and body

The food pyramid is outdated. The new pyramid includes a few slices of meditation, bites of intellectual stimulation, and maybe even a sprinkling of social media (lightly seasoned, of course) because we consume much more than just calories. We overstuff our minds with information, our bodies with routines (or lack thereof), and our souls with experiences — many of which might not be as nutritious as we think or want them to be.

For instance, binge-watching the latest Netflix series might feel like a treat, but your brain needs a little more fibre. How about digesting with a good book instead? Just as our bodies thrive on various nutrients, our minds crave a balanced diet, which includes challenging ideas, intellectual debates, and a healthy dose of daydreaming full of ambitious plans and things you may or may not finally do.

The fast food of ideas