How to Take a Media Break (To Refresh Your Soul and Think for Yourself Again)

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We are perpetually discontent, as a society. 

The advertisements we all see on a daily basis are… a lot! And I believe it does have an effect on us.

As a girl, I remember flipping through toy ads in the newspaper, as well as seeing commercials in between my cartoons. As a result, I would daydream about having those barbies and dream houses. I would fall asleep fantasizing about the new “life-like baby doll” I wanted to buy, or whatever else I had seen most recently advertised.

As an adult, I’m not much different. When I see shiny, beautiful, fun things, I begin to see how they fit into my life, and I begin to want them!

In recent years, I’ve made a decisions to take a bit of a break from it all.

I quit watching television about a year ago, except for an occasional Netflix show or movie (woohoo for no commercials!), and I listen to a local, ad-free Christian radio station or my own songs. I don’t get out of the house much in this season of life (with three little kids) so my exposure to billboards and other public advertisements is greatly minimized.

Not all of that was because of commercials, but that was a hugely-appreciated side-benefit.

I remember turning on HGTV one day, for a fun treat, since we had access to some Network channels for one month only. I watched a completely innocent show. My kids were in the room.

…and then the commercials came on.

It was offensive. Let’s just say a commercial came on that was pushing a MAJOR agenda, which I deeply disagree with. It was deceptive, portraying something that God says is evil and sinful as sweet and innocent. Watching these things on a screen has a way of soaking in to our hearts and our thinking!

I don’t want to be desensitized to sin, as Hollywood would absolutely have me be. I want God’s word and His Spirit to be my guide.

And I don’t want my children to be confused at such a young age either, before they have a firm grasp on scripture and the tension of God’s unfathomable love and His unfathomable holiness! (How often do we miss that second part?)

So, yeah. This break from gross propaganda and the complete inundation of a million reasons why I should be discontent has been a refreshing for me.

I actually love that I don’t know about every latest fad or newest trend or fun possibility, because honestly… I already have enough. I don’t need to know.

Instead, I get to be content with what I have. What a notion!

I love that my kids aren’t languishing away over the hottest new toys either, because A) we could not afford new toys anyway, and B) that is not good for their little hearts.

Aside from their friends’ toys, they don’t know what they’re missing out on. I’m happy for them! Remember when I said we don’t leave the house much? Yep… I can’t even tell you the last time they were in a toy department. It’s just easier to stay home most of the time. I know that will change.

But for now, you know what? They love to play with sticks and balls, and they are currently completely enamored with some old bath toys they got years ago. They recently discovered new ways to imagine adventures for the little people who fit in the little boats. Wonderful!

Kids are amazingly resilient and imaginative. They are going to play, because it’s their nature. It’s ingrained. And sometimes it’s good to leave kids in their boredom, because this boredom becomes a motivator towards creativity and cooperation. (Other times it leads them to whine or make a wreck of the house, but you can’t win ’em all.)

Although I still read blogs and peruse Facebook, I manage this proactively. If someone is advertising to me too much, I unfollow!

So, my conclusions after a year of reduced advertising and propaganda intake?

I would say I have more peace and more contentment. I also have no desire to go back.

After all, I have the indwelling Holy Spirit, I don’t need help knowing what to think from “interested parties,” although I do value the opinion of the wise, godly people in my life.

So, if you are craving more peace and less propaganda targeting your heart and fostering discontentment or confusion about God’s truth, here are some ideas for how you can take steps in that direction!

Ideas for how to decrease your propaganda and advertising intake:

• Watch less TV
• Watch TV on commercial free mediums, such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, or DVD’s
• Listen to your own music, such as iTunes or a CD, subscribe to a commercial free service like Spotify Premium, or choose a listener-supported Christian radio station if you have one available
• Don’t go shopping unless you actually need something. (Be sure to distinguish your needs from your wants!)
• “Unfollow” those who are advertising to you or whose lives are leading you long for what they have
• Read books rather than magazines
• Spend less time on your phone, tablet or computer
• Get out in nature! 🙂

Why not give it a try and see how an advertising and propaganda break will do for you?

Do you notice advertising impacting your heart or that of your kids?

 

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