Have you noticed how certain things you watch or listen to can completely change your mood?

Maybe you’re feeling pretty okay, but then catch a heavy news story, see something on social media, or hear a song that stirs up memories you’d rather not revisit. Suddenly, you’re feeling down, anxious, or just off.

Or – you watch a comfort television show that makes you laugh so hard you cry, see a puppy or hear your favorite song.

In the same way we think about what we eat to take care of our bodies, we need to be mindful of our emotional diet—the stuff we feed our minds and hearts every day.

Everything we focus on and take in – whether it’s music, tv-shows/movies/ videos online, conversations, or even our own self-talk – impacts our mental well-being.

So, let’s dive into how our emotional diet works and how you can use your emotions to guide you toward what really nourishes your soul.

What is an Emotional Diet?

Just like how our bodies need balanced nutrition to function at their best, our minds and hearts need balanced “inputs” too.

Think of your emotional diet as everything you take in during the day that affects how you feel—whether it’s the shows you watch, what you read, the music in your headphones, or the conversations you have.

You know the saying, “You are what you eat”? Well, we are what we consume emotionally too.

If we’re constantly taking in negativity, whether that’s from a never-ending news feed, toxic relationships, or even from our own inner critic – it’s no wonder we end up feeling drained.

On the other hand, if we’re mindful of what we consume emotionally and choose things that uplift and energize us, we start to feel lighter, more positive, and more in tune with ourselves.

Your Emotional Guidance System: Listen to Your Feelings

Here’s the cool part: we already have an internal guide to help us figure out what’s best for us—our feelings.

Think of your emotions as your personal GPS for well-being. They’re always giving you feedback about whether something feels right for you in that moment.

So, how can you tap into this emotional guidance system? It’s all about checking in with how things make you feel.

– Does scrolling through the news make you feel anxious or tense? That’s a sign it might be time to take a break from it.

– Does hanging out with that one friend leave you feeling energized and happy? Awesome—spend more time with them!

– How about listening to an “angry” or “sad” song after a tough day? It might seem counterproductive, but if that helps you release emotions and feel better in a healthy manner, then go for it!

The point is, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach here. Just like we all have different tastes in food, our emotional needs vary from person to person—and even from day to day. The key is to be honest with yourself about how things make you feel and adjust accordingly.

What Are You Consuming Emotionally?

Let’s take a closer look at some common areas of our emotional diet and how they might be impacting us:

• Self-Talk

 The ongoing conversations you have with yourself and the lens in which you look at yourself and the world are super important. Think about it—no one spends more time with you than you!

So, start paying attention to your inner dialogue. Are you being hard on yourself or cheering yourself on? Do you give more attention to worry-some thoughts or are you leaning more optimistically? Are you giving yourself and others the benefit of the doubt?

Either way it’s all good, being mindful is key. Check in with what stories you’re unnecessarily repeating in your mind and what that inner commentary sounds like.

A good rule of thumb is: if you wouldn’t say it to a friend, don’t say it to yourself.

• News, Social Media & Movies

  Whether it’s your social media feed, TV, movies, and especially the news – what we watch plays a huge role in shaping how we feel and how we feel about the state of things. Know where the boundary is for yourself to stay informed and maintain your well-being.

 Ask yourself: Does this content make me feel good, excited, hopeful or inspired, or does it leave me feeling drained or anxious?  It’s okay to step away from things that don’t feel good—your emotional well-being is more important than staying up-to-date on every headline.

• Music

  The music you listen to can have a massive impact on your emotions. A nostalgic song can bring back a flood of feelings, and a song that you love can make you tap your foot or dance. The trick is to pay attention to how it makes you feel. Need a good cry? Play that sad song. Need to shake off stress? Put on your favorite feel-good playlist and dance it out!

• People and Conversation

  Energy is contagious, and the people you surround yourself with have a big impact on your emotional diet. Think about who in your life brings you joy and who might be draining your energy.

It’s not about cutting people off, but it’s okay to set boundaries or spend more time with those who lift you up.

Creating a Balanced Emotional Diet

Now that we’ve covered the basics, how do you create a balanced emotional diet that feels good for you? Here are a few tips to get started:

1. Check in with yourself regularly. Throughout the day, take a moment to ask yourself: How do I feel? Is this activity, conversation, or content adding to my well-being, or is it draining me?

2. Find balance. Just like with food, balance is key. You don’t have to avoid all negativity, but be mindful of mixing it with things that bring joy, peace, or inspiration. For example, if you love intense dramas, balance them out with something light-hearted afterward.

3. Listen to what you need in the moment. Some days you might crave calm, while other days you’ll need a good laugh or a burst of energy. Trust what your emotions are telling you and don’t feel guilty for following what feels right.

4. Cut back on what doesn’t serve you. If something consistently leaves you feeling down or out of alignment in your gut, consider reducing or eliminating. Whether it’s too much social media or a conversation that drains you, setting boundaries is a form of self-care.

Nourish Your Mind and Heart

At the end of the day, just like our bodies, our minds and hearts thrive when we give them the right fuel. Our emotional diet can either lift us up or weigh us down, so it’s important to be mindful of what we’re consuming.

And the best part? You’re in control. You get to decide what feels good and what doesn’t. It’s about listening to your gut and what sits right in your heart.

So, next time you’re feeling off, take a step back and check in with yourself: What have you been feeding your mind and heart lately? And what can you change to nourish yourself emotionally?

Here’s to creating an emotional diet that fills you with ease, happiness and good vibes. 💛

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