In the nutrition coaching program I offer, (powered by Precision Nutrition's ProCoach platform) this lesson is more specifically geared to taking a break from fitness media. The point is that there is a lot of “shiny stuff” out there that can distract you from your foundational habits. Everyone is offering the next new “best” thing, and a quick fix. The thing is, knowing more doesn’t make us better, and more choices don’t make us better; doing better and acting better makes us better.
These days are a little different. Social media can be a black hole that we disappear into, distracting us from our more important tasks and offering confusing information; however, now it is one of the ways we are relying upon to stay connected with our friends and colleagues. The 24-hour news cycle is keeping us informed, but may also be adding to our anxiety.
As with everything, it’s finding the balance that works for you. It is about being mindful and aware – time for a mind/body scan? Shift from knowing and thinking, to feeling and doing. Stay informed, but disconnect from the onslaught once in a while. Take 5 minutes for some deep breathing, to get out in nature, listen to some relaxing music, read some light-hearted fiction. Know when to step away.
More thoughts on Media Vacation:
In the first week of the pandemic shutdown, I was impressed by the reaction of the fitness community. Several leaders in the field banded together, to provide information and assistance to owners and trainers in the business. I sat in on so many webinars and panel discussions that week because – really, what else did I have to do? And I was craving knowledge and information.
Now, as we settle in to this "new normal", I feel a little more settled. I’m taking action, and doing what I need to do to stay connected with my clients. There are still ongoing discussions and Zoom calls, but I haven’t jumped on all of them. Sometimes it feels like just more noise. So curate your information carefully. Take what you need and leave the rest, as they say.