Lifestyle

Underconsumption Core: Things I’m No Longer Consuming in 2026

With the new year in full swing, there’s that familiar feeling of starting fresh and wanting to set healthier habits. And one of my vision goals for this year is being more mindful of the things I consume. 

Underconsumption core

From limiting social media to the things that I buy; I’m trying to declutter not only my physical space, but my mental and digital space as well. If that sounds like you, just know you’re not alone.

Below are some consumption rules I’m trying to implement this year to create a more balanced mind and physical state. I hope this article helps you:

  • Become more aware of what you consume on a day-to-day basis
  • Inspires you to be more intentional
  • Gives you ideas of things you may not have even realized you could reduce within your routine

Underconsumption Core

Uninstall Social Media Apps

As someone who genuinely loves social media, reducing my consumption is one of the harder habits that I’m trying to implement this year. And when I talk about social media, I’m mainly referring to Instagram and TikTok.

I love these platforms. However, after being real with myself. And taking an honest look at how much time I was scrolling, I had to accept the fact that they were monopolizing my time.

I found myself pouring so much mental energy into these apps that I didn’t have much left for other areas of my life. Things like my hobbies, basic necessities like cleaning, or even simple daily tasks started to feel overwhelming.

It eventually placed me into this repetitive cycle of procrastination; where small tasks felt way harder than they needed to be. Uninstalling social media hasn’t been easy, but it’s been an important step in being more intentional with how I spend my time and energy.

CHECK OUT: Lazy Hobbies That You Can Start Right Now

Invest in Quality vs Quantity in Regards to Clothes

I love thrifting and finding really cool, unique pieces for a fraction of the price compared to buying new. That being said, one consumption habit I’m trying to change this year is not buying a thrifted item just because it’s cheap.

When everything is inexpensive, it’s so tempting to fill up my cart without much thought. Instead, I’m trying to slow down and ask myself if I can truly envision wearing the item a few years from now. I want to be more intentional about what I bring into my closet and make smarter decisions about the quantity of clothes I purchase, not just the price.

Eat a Small Snack Before Going Out to a Restaurant

I don’t know about you, but when I’m hungry, I tend to make not-so-great choices. And that definitely applies to eating out. When I show up to a restaurant starving, I’m way more likely to overorder and spend more money than I planned, simply because I’m making decisions out of hunger.

Although it might sound counterintuitive, eating a small snack before going out has been a game changer for me. It helps me arrive at the restaurant with a clearer head so I can actually think through what I want, instead of ordering everything on the menu.

As someone who’s trying to save a lot more in 2026, I’m looking for small, realistic ways to reduce my expenses while still enjoying the things that I love. 

And something as simple as eating an apple or a granola bar beforehand; has made a big difference in my decision making when it comes to eating out. 

Reduce Consumption of Media Catered Only for Entertainment

The other day, I randomly stumbled across “The Magic School Bus” video on YouTube and ended up watching a few episodes. It honestly made me pause and ask myself: when did I stop watching shows and movies that weren’t just entertaining, but also educational?

It feels like so much of the media made for adults today is purely for entertainment, with little to no educational value. And while there’s nothing wrong with enjoying a good and entertaining show; I’m wanting to shift what I consume so that it’s not only entertaining, but also helps me learn something new.

I want to be more intentional about consuming content that exercises my mind. Because of that, I’m leaning back into things like childhood throwback shows (hello PBS Kids), cooking shows, and documentaries. Content that’s still enjoyable and leaves me feeling like I gained something by the end of it.

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