Conscious Consumption & Why It’s Important
Everything from Mindful Drinking to Mindful Listening & More
In our fast-paced, consumer-driven world, it's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle, and end up neglecting its impact of our daily choices.
Conscious consumption means to be conscious of what we consume, when, and how much. It means having the self-awareness to deliberately make decisions that reflect our values and promote well-being, both for ourselves and the planet.
Today, I want to explore the concept of conscious consumption and its significance, covering areas such as mindful drinking, mindful eating, mindful listening, and beyond.
Conscious Consumption Defined
Conscious consumption is the practice of being aware of the origins, implications, and impacts of what we consume. It involves making choices that are aligned with our ethical, environmental, and health values. Whether it's the food we eat, the products we buy, or the media we consume, being conscious of our consumption habits can lead to more sustainable and fulfilling lives.
One of the first things we need to do to become equipped for this, is to know ourselves well enough that we can actually declare what those values are.
Growing up, my key values were things like — hard work, selflessness, patience, responsibility and courage. Those were the biggest values that I was taught from my family. However, after years of self-discovery and self-acceptance, I am now much more aware of what values that I want to truly embody and exude in my daily life and habits.
For me, my 5 core values are now authenticity, openness, kindness, perseverance, and alignment. From that, I can build on specific values in concern with ethical commitments to my community and the environment.
I have even written a mission statement for myself with those core values which helps me navigate my future with more clarity. (If you would like to do this with me, join me in The Empowered Path to learn more.)
There are hundred of values that you can choose from to be your core values. Like me, you may feel stretched in choosing just a few as your ‘core values’. Don’t worry though! You can hold as many as you want as long as you truly embody them and show up with that value in the forefront of your actions and behaviors.
For a full list of values, I highly recommend Brene Brown’s “Dare to Lead”.
The Importance of Conscious Consumption
Health and Well-Being By making mindful choices about what we consume, we can significantly improve our mental and physical health. For example, choosing whole foods over processed ones can enhance our nutrition and energy levels. Similarly, opting for alcohol-free beverages or reducing alcohol intake can lead to better sleep, improved mental clarity, and overall wellness.
If you are here, you are probably already on your sober/ sober-curious journey! Be sure to join in The Mindful Membership to get access to benefits unlike any others:
Alcohol-Free/ Mindful Drinking Resources & Support
Affirmations and Mindset Guidance
Journaling Prompts and Resources
Mindful Mixology/ Alcohol Free Classes
Fun Personality Test and Self-Awareness Support
PLUS the Paid subscription to my Substack!
Environmental Impact Our consumption patterns have a profound effect on the environment. Conscious consumption encourages us to choose products and services that are sustainable and eco-friendly. This might include selecting items with minimal packaging, supporting brands with ethical labor practices, or reducing our carbon footprint by opting for local and seasonal foods.
This year, I pledged to use as few single use plastics as I could, and trust me, it ain’t easy! This work takes effort on our ends and continued awareness. Make sure you have a solid WHY behind your efforts to help you maintain your convictions.
Social Responsibility Conscious consumption also involves recognizing the social implications of our choices. This means supporting fair trade products, avoiding companies with unethical practices, and being aware of the human cost behind the goods and services we enjoy. By making socially responsible choices, we contribute to a more equitable and just world.
Some of my favorite alcohol-free brands for example are making sure to do their part to support our environment and our world through ethical practices in their production, packaging, and shipping methods.
Bax Botanics, New London Light, Pentire, Everleaf, and All the Bitter are some of my favorite making sure to go above and beyond with their packaging and their production methods.
Areas of Conscious Consumption
1. Mindful Drinking Mindful drinking is about being aware of why and how much we drink, and making choices that support our well-being. This might involve:
Moderation: Reducing alcohol consumption to avoid negative health effects. Moderation looks a little different for everyone. If you are a major drinker, moderation could look like take a few days off or using ‘flexi-drinking’ to help you cut back. Before you know it, you may be like me and cut it out completely.
Alternatives: Flexi-drinking is a term used by those who like to switch back and forth between alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage options. Exploring non-alcoholic beverages, such as mocktails, herbal teas, and kombucha, that provide relaxation and enjoyment without the downsides of alcohol. These amazing products are here to help your mindful journey that much easier. To help you cut back or cut out alcohol in social circles and support your overall health and wellness both mentally and physically.
Intentional Choices: Drinking with intention, savoring each sip, and appreciating the flavors and craftsmanship behind the beverages that you consume can really help you drink less and LIVE more. (This also helps with eating). Savor what you are consuming. Enjoy it and make it last. When you have something sweet or salty - slow down and let it truly delight and light up your senses. Elevate your experience but what you choose to consume.
2. Mindful Eating Mindful eating involves paying attention to the experience of eating and the food itself. This can include:
Slow Eating: Taking time to chew thoroughly and savor each bite, which aids digestion and enhances the eating experience. So often we power through our meals and barely even notice what we’re eating as we are eating it? Make sure you are present with your food. It is your fuel - let it nourish you.
Healthy Choices: Opting for nutrient-dense foods that nourish the body and mind. I think this one is pretty obvious. We shouldn’t just be eating to eat but rather to eat well. What we eat makes a big difference in how we feel. I believe 100 percent in whole food or processed and cutting back on sugar.
It’s getting so hard to know what we should and shouldn’t eat anymore. There are so many ‘bioengineered foods’ showing up on the shelves and it can feel scary - not knowing what it is that we are putting into our bodies and if it’s actually good for us or not. My recommendation is to ask yourself, “will this make me feel bad about myself after I eat it?” If so, choose again.
Gratitude: Being grateful for the food and the effort that went into its production, from farm to table. This is huge. When we take the time to be grateful for our food, things change.
We also need to take the time to be grateful for our bodies! So often we don’t eat well because we don’t respect ourselves. If you are having issues with your body image and your ‘body story’ listen to The Empowered Path Podcast and join me in The Empowered Path for more support.
3. Mindful Listening Mindful listening is about being fully present when engaging with others, music, or even podcasts. It involves:
Active Listening: Giving full attention to the speaker without planning your response or interrupting.
Also, discerning what it is you want to take away from each conversation/speech/lecture. Not everything is meant for you; not everything is in alignment with your values and goals, and not everything is true! Living in the age of technology, we must make sure to take the time double check our information before we left it all sink in and affect us.
Appreciating Music: Immersing yourself in the sounds, lyrics, and emotions of music without distractions.
Music can play a HUGE role in how you feel and the thoughts that you are having. If you are dealing with heartache and listening to country love songs, for example, you may end up sending yourself into a spiral of sadness that was completely unnecessary! If you are feeling upset or resentful and then listen to hard core and angry rock music, your anger may intensify. Paying attention to the music that you are listening to and how it is affecting you is a big issue and one we must be aware of.
Quality Content: Choosing media that enriches your mind and aligns with your values.
Whether it is a podcasts, a lecture at school, a seminar at work, or the music playing on the radio, slowing down to check in with what we are absorbing is pertinent. So often we are easily absorbing things around us that are not meant for us or good for us and taking the time to get self aware is vital to our health.
4. Mindful Consumption of Goods Being mindful about the products we buy means considering their lifecycle and impact. This includes:
Sustainable Fashion: Choosing clothing made from eco-friendly materials and supporting brands with ethical labor practices.
Minimalism: Focusing on quality over quantity, and buying only what we truly need.
Second-Hand Shopping: Opting for used goods to reduce waste and support a circular economy.
5. Mindful Technology Use Mindful technology use involves managing our digital consumption in a way that enhances our lives rather than detracts from it. This can include:
Screen Time Management: Limiting time spent on devices to avoid digital fatigue and maintain a healthy balance. I personally try extra hard to limit my screen time — and it’s HARD. My lively hood comes from being online. This makes it even more important for me to schedule time away from electronics and especially time away from my phone.
Purposeful Engagement: Using technology for meaningful purposes, such as learning, connecting with loved ones, or pursuing creative endeavors.
Set some basic rules in the house to help you. Such as no phone or tv at the dinner table and restricting phone use during certain periods of the day.
Digital Detoxes: Taking regular breaks from screens to reconnect with the physical world and reduce stress.
Consider retreats and exercise times when you can leave the phone and the earbuds behind. Spending time in silence and with your own thoughts is highly nourishing and such an important part of knowing yourself well.
How to Practice Conscious Consumption
Self-Reflection and Awareness Start by reflecting on your current consumption habits. What do you buy frequently? How do these choices align with your values? Awareness is the first step towards change.
Set Intentions Define what conscious consumption means to you and set intentions. This could be reducing waste, supporting ethical brands, or improving your health through better food and drink choices.
Educate Yourself Stay informed about the products and brands you support. Research their practices, ingredients, and impact. Knowledge empowers you to make better decisions.
Make Gradual Changes Begin with small, manageable changes. Swap out one item at a time for a more conscious alternative. Over time, these small steps can lead to significant shifts in your consumption patterns.
Support Communities and Movements Join communities and support movements that advocate for sustainable and ethical practices. Engaging with like-minded individuals can provide motivation and new ideas.
Conscious consumption is more than a trend; it's a lifestyle choice that fosters health, sustainability, and social responsibility.
By making mindful decisions about what we drink, eat, listen to, and buy, we can lead more fulfilling lives and contribute to a better world. Start small, stay informed, and let your values guide your consumption choices.
The Role of Mirror Neurons
Mirror neurons are a type of brain cell that responds both when we perform an action and when we observe someone else performing the same action. Discovered in the 1990s by Italian researchers, these neurons are thought to play a key role in learning, empathy, and social interaction.
How Mirror Neurons Influence Behavior:
When we observe others making mindful choices, our mirror neurons fire in a similar way to when we make those choices ourselves. This mirroring effect can influence our own behaviors and attitudes. For example, seeing someone choose a healthy snack might make us more likely to choose a healthy snack ourselves.
This phenomenon highlights the social nature of behavior and how our actions can influence those around us.
Mirror Neurons and Conscious Consumption
Role Modeling and Influence
Our consumption choices can serve as powerful role models for others. When we make conscious decisions, we not only benefit ourselves but also potentially influence the behaviors of our family, friends, and community. This ripple effect can lead to broader societal changes over time.
Empathy and Social Connection
Mirror neurons help us empathize with others. When we see the positive impacts of conscious consumption on others' well-being, we are more likely to adopt similar habits. This connection fosters a sense of community and shared responsibility.
Learning and Imitation
Through observing others, we learn new ways to consume mindfully. Whether it's through watching a friend practice mindful eating or seeing an influencer promote sustainable products, our mirror neurons facilitate the learning and imitation of these behaviors.
The Psychology Behind Conscious Consumption
Behavioral Psychology Behavioral psychology emphasizes the importance of habits and the environment in shaping our actions. Conscious consumption can be fostered by creating environments that make it easier to make mindful choices. For instance, having healthy snacks readily available at home or choosing to shop at stores that prioritize sustainability can reinforce positive consumption habits.
Cognitive Psychology Cognitive psychology focuses on mental processes like thinking, memory, and decision-making. By becoming more aware of the cognitive biases that influence our consumption choices, such as the tendency to favor convenience or succumb to marketing tactics, we can make more deliberate decisions that align with our values.
Social Psychology Social psychology examines how our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are influenced by others. The concept of social proof, where we look to others to guide our behavior, is particularly relevant to conscious consumption. When we see others engaging in mindful consumption, we are more likely to do the same. Social norms and community practices play a crucial role in shaping our consumption behaviors.
Conscious consumption is essential for promoting health, sustainability, and social responsibility.
By making mindful choices and recognizing the impact of our actions, we can foster a culture of conscious consumption that benefits ourselves, our communities, and the planet. I hope this relatively deep dive into conscious consumption has helped to open your mind and your sense of awareness to the possibilities you have in your life.
Thanks again for being here! See you next week!
xx Jessa
Jessa - very much appreciate the effort that went into this essay and the comprehensive way you zoomed out on the different life components. So much so that when I slept on it I woke up thinking about this essay again and shared it out to my network.
Thanks for all the time you put into writing and learning.