A few years ago when we were dealing with COVID-19 and the world was coming to an end, I just couldn’t stomach watching the news anymore. 30 or 60 minutes of news broadcasts filled with disasters, shootings, accidents, death, political chaos, human stupidity….finished off with a nice “fluff” piece of some nice old lady celebrating her 100th birthday telling you the secret to longevity is finding time each day for her Rum and Coke. (AMEN honey!)
It was sometime during this period that I decided I was done with the news. Don’t get me wrong, I’m still informed. Major news feeds come across the phone and I’m not living in a cave. But the decision to stop watching the news on a daily basis has been a great decision and I don’t feel like I’m missing anything. If at any point you’re watching the news and you actually feel your blood pressure rising or you get emotional, time to take a step back. Trust me…I know…you have enough of your own stress in your life to have to get worked up and upset over other things that, let’s be honest, don’t really effect you.
Imagine the great things you can do by not sitting down for that hour and getting upset over the news. Take the dog for a walk, play with the kids, listen to music, read a book, whatever…
Here’s a synopsis from a quick search I did:
It’s understandable why someone might choose to take a break from watching the news, particularly given the constant flow of information and potential for it to cause stress or anxiety. It’s worth considering how much news consumption contributes to your well-being and whether a break would improve your mental health.
Here’s a breakdown of why someone might choose to stop or limit news consumption and the potential benefits:
Reasons for Taking a Break:
- Stress and Anxiety:Constant exposure to negative news can trigger a stress response, leading to increased anxiety, especially if you feel powerless to change the situations reported.
- Mental Health:Some people find that excessive news consumption negatively impacts their mental health, leading to feelings of depression, anxiety, or overwhelm.
- Social Media Usage:If you get news from social media it may be difficult to separate social commentary from actual news.
- Time Management:News can take up a significant amount of time, which some people find they could use more productively for other interests or activities.
Potential Benefits of Reducing News Consumption:
- Improved Mood:Limiting or stopping news consumption can lead to a more positive overall mood and fewer instances of anxiety and worry.
- More Time for Other Activities:With less time spent consuming news, you can dedicate more time to hobbies, relationships, and personal interests.
- Increased Calmness:Reducing exposure to potentially distressing news can lead to a calmer state of mind and a greater sense of control.
- Enhanced Mental Health:Taking a break from news can contribute to a healthier mental state by reducing stress and anxiety and fostering a sense of peace and well-being.
Staying Informed Without Constant News Exposure:
- Conversations with Friends and Family:You can stay informed about current events through conversations with loved ones who may be actively following the news.
- Curated News:Instead of constantly checking multiple sources, consider following a few reputable sources that you trust and curate your news intake.
- Focus on Specific Topics:Instead of trying to absorb all news, focus on topics that are particularly important to you and limit your consumption to those areas.
- Limit Social Media Use:Social media can be a source of misinformation and negativity, so limiting your use can help protect your mental health.
Important Considerations:
- Avoid News Blindly:Even if you choose to limit news consumption, remember to stay informed about important issues, but do so thoughtfully and critically.
- Be Mindful of Your Media Consumption:Pay attention to how different news sources affect your mood and mental health, and make conscious decisions about what and how much you consume.
- Don’t feel like you have to consume news to be a good citizen.Many people are passive news consumers and get their news from conversations with family and friends or through their social media channels.
Ultimately, the decision of whether to stop watching the news or limit its consumption is a personal one, and the best approach depends on your individual needs and circumstances.
