In my younger and more vulnerable years as a full-time reporter, I had a series of “checks” I performed every morning. This included investigating websites and other primary sources our newsroom used to find story ideas.

Well, call me an influencer, because I was unknowingly paralleling a viral trend on social media called “stacking,” or more specifically, “media stacking.”

The concept of stacking is simple: setting aside time to improve your brain function sometimes known as “brain stacking” or “anti-brain rot stacking.” A stack is literal, in the sense it can include physical activities like Sudoku or word searches, journaling, reading or even five minutes of staring at the wall to “reset.”

In the age of technology, you may ask, “Is this what we’ve come to?” Initially, I would have answered with a sigh and sorry sounding “Yes.” Now, I have embraced this trend because it represents a return to intentionality. If technology wants to make us dumb, we will actively fight against it.

You can stack anything, if you think about it. So, I resumed media stacking to stay well-informed and thinking critically. My media stack includes:

I encourage you to give this a try. Your brain will thank you, and you can start right here within your favorite column.

Below you will find what I lovingly call an “event stack.” Try event stacking this weekend by attending a few in a day, or one every day! It’s good for you.

Students of Slippery Rock University opened an art exhibit titled “In the Making” this week at Butler Art Center and Gallery, 344 S. Main St. in Butler. The show will run from noon to 4 p.m. through Saturday. Make sure you drop by and support!

Browse the bookmarks, earrings, ornaments and more at the Forge Makerspace pop-up shop in the Cranberry Township Public Library, 2525 Rochester Road. The shop is open from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. This event is cash or check only. Visit facebook.com/CranberryPublicLibrary for details.

The Little Shops of Saxonburg is a great way to start off your Christmas season! Shop local artisans and food trucks along the borough’s Main Street, or stroll to look at the decorations from 5 to 9 p.m. Thursday. Visit the event Facebook page for more information.

Laugh along or play along at First Friday’s Improv at 7:30 p.m. in Hobnob’s studio theater, 134 S. Main St. in Butler. Tickets are $5 to participate or watch. Visit hobnobtheatre.com for details.

Christmas is around the corner, so start your shopping at the Farkleberry Craft Show! Running from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday in the Cranberry Township Municipal Center, 2525 Rochester Road, this event hosts more than 80 vendors. Visit cranberrywomensclub.org/fundraisersevents for more information.

The Turkey Trot, brought to you by the YMCA, is back! The starting line for the 1-mile and 5K is in front of the building at 339 N. Washington St. in Butler. Day-of registration is available at 8:30 a.m. Saturday by cash or check only. Cost is $15. Learn more at bcfymca.org/events/turkey-trot-1.

Party like it’s 1776 at an auction fundraiser for St. Gregory School from 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday. The school is located at 115 Pine St. in Zelienople. For more information, visit the school’s Facebook page.

Take a journey of celestial proportions during “The Planets,” a concert by the Butler County Symphony Orchestra featuring music from “The Planets” by Gustav Holst. The performance is at 7:30 p.m. Saturday in the Butler Intermediate High School auditorium, 551 Fairground Hill Road in Butler Township. Tickets range from $15 to $40 at butlersymphony.org.

Eat a delicious pancake breakfast at Glade Run, 50 Glade Run Drive in Zelienople, between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. Sunday. Cost is $10 for adults and $5 for children under 12. Children 3 and under are admitted free! Visit zelienoplerotary.org for more.

Children and families can find fun at Connected Nest Family Fest from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Sunday at Discovery Christian Church, 170 Scharberry Lane in Adams Township. Activities will include a Bluey meet-and-greet, bounce house, games and raffles. Visit givebutter.com/familyfest26 for more.

If you are interested in your event being featured in Miller Minutes, please email information to news@butlereagle.com.

Molly Miller is an Eagle correspondent.