Inquisitive.me

The person who consumes from better sources, gets better thoughts. The person who asks better questions, gets better answers. The person who builds better habits, gets better results.

James Clear

I limit my time on social media using the built-in digital wellbeing feature on my phone: twenty minutes per app per day. And like a smoker rationing five cigarettes, I sometimes crave those twenty minutes. And I don’t like it.

Lately, my brain has found a new trick: YouTube Shorts. Instead of chasing dopamine on Instagram or TikTok, I now get it from endless short videos. And I don’t like that either.

We forget. We fall back into familiar patterns. That’s why we need to become aware—again and again—of what we consume. Every idea, every thought, every spark begins with the inputs we choose.

A few days ago, I spent an hour and a half watching YouTube Shorts. I could’ve read a book. Listened to an audiobook. Written something. Or just gone to bed earlier. When I finally looked at the clock, I was shocked. I tested myself:

“Try to recall five of the videos you just watched.”

I couldn’t.

Frustrating? Absolutely. Familiar loop? Check. But here’s the truth: you can’t completely break free. Not when the same trap is laid out every day. An alcoholic avoids bars. A gambler avoids casinos. But in a world where life largely happens online, someone hooked on digital dopamine can’t avoid the internet.

What we can do is become more intentional.

Every video you watch, every book you read, every podcast you listen to shapes the thoughts you think.

We live in an age of information overload. The ability to filter for higher-quality inputs isn’t just a productivity hack—it’s a form of mental fitness. Better sources, better questions, better habits—they lead to better thoughts and better growth.

As a physiotherapist, physical fitness is a priority. But a TED Talk by Maya Raichoora reminded me: just as we invest in our bodies, we must invest in our minds—consistently, before stress or burnout sets in.

Genetics and environment matter, sure—but proactive choices make a difference. They can prevent weight gain, support mental health, and strengthen resilience. Setting boundaries, listening to your needs, saying no, and engaging with your thoughts without judgment are all steps toward mental fitness. Choosing better sources while limiting fear-driven content supports your mind just as training supports your body.

Maya Raichoora shared five pillars of fitness—physical and mental:

	💪 Physical Fitness	🧠 Mental Fitness
#1: Consistency	Regular training and gradual progress	Daily investment in your mind—even small actions matter
#2: Nutrition	Eat balanced meals, cook fresh when possible	Consume quality information that doesn’t make you anxious
#3: Endurance	Builds resilience and supports recovery	Read, write, listen—exercise your brain daily. Use it or lose it
#4: Rest	Sleep, relaxation, sauna, Netflix & chill	Sleep or meditate to calm the mind and regulate thoughts
#5: Strength	Builds muscle, metabolism, and body resilience	Build neural connections by learning new skills. Visualization strengthens the brain

So, how do you train your body and mind?

• How do you filter what you take in?
• Can you recall five posts you scrolled through today?
• Are you acting with intention—or reacting on autopilot?

Awareness is the first step—but action is where transformation happens. Choose carefully, act deliberately, and notice the impact on your thoughts, habits, and growth.

🧪 Let’s Experiment

---

Every piece of content you consume either feeds
your growth—or your distraction.

Small shifts can lead to surprisingly big changes. You don’t need a full digital detox in the woods—just a bit more intention in your daily scroll.

🎯 Try This:

• Audit one platform. Pick Instagram, YouTube, or TikTok. Unfollow accounts that don’t add value. Subscribe only to people, ideas, or channels that challenge, calm, or inspire you.
• Set a timer. Limit yourself to 20 minutes per app. When the time’s up, ask: What do I actually remember? If the answer is “nothing,” that tells you everything you need to know.
• Reflect daily. Jot down one takeaway or insight from what you consumed. Even one meaningful idea is progress.

🧠 Final Thought:

Intentional scrolling isn’t about restriction—it’s about reclaiming your time, attention, and mental energy. Every mindful choice builds your mental fitness:

---

Keep it simple, stay curious, and keep learning—you’ve got this.

Take care,

Carina 🦊