How and Why to Take a Break From the News
With so much going on, it can be hard to not be constantly plugged in. Whether you’re scanning the news on your phone, turning to your favorite channel on TV, hopping on twitter every free chance you get, or letting notifications fill your screen—most of us can admit that we could take a step back from the information overload that has creeped into our way of life. Over the past few years and especially since the pandemic, amongst other things, has taken hold of our lives and our attention this last year, our consumption of news content has increased exponentially.
You’re not alone. When things are upside down, the Sherlock Holmes in us wants to figure out what’s going on and what we can do. Seeking “control” may have a negative stigma around it, but it really gets a bad rap for something that truly benefits us all. Control gives us a sense of purpose, ease and direction. Too much control can dictate our lives though. The word “balance” comes to mind here, but finding it can be especially difficult considering the current political and pandemic climate.
Staying informed is a great way to better understand the world around you, but too much information can have an adverse effect. Whether we’re aware of it, the news around COVID, the elections, racial inequality, and the massive loss of life, puts stress on us mentally and physically. This phenomenon isn’t novel and was originally coined by George Simmel in the 19th century as “Information Fatigue Syndrome”, it is a very current problem now sometimes called “Doomscrolling”. While we may feel as though we are “numb” to it by now, research shows that even after extended periods of time, with the same stressful stimulus, the body still responds. Stress on your body may impact your mood, your ability to sleep, lead to irritability, depression and much more. According to the American Psychological Association, stress impacts one’s body in more ways than we might think.
So how to we stay informed while also taking care of ourselves? Here are a few strategies.
Turn off news notifications on your phone/mobile device.
Next level: if you’re feeling up to it, try turning off your phone entirely for increasing periods of time throughout the day when you won’t be needing it. It’s funny how the news can creep into our seemingly detached Instagram accounts, texts and so forth.
Select a time each day to check the news.
For instance, “I will watch the news and check twitter during commercial breaks from 4-5 pm each day.” At 5pm, turn it off and go about your day.
Stick with your schedule, while you may be tempted to check more than the allotted time, these urges will lessen as you realize that the information you would learn sprinkled throughout the day would not change what information you may have during your scheduled time when you could have really focused your attention on it.
Stay busy and if possible, stay active.
Especially during the initial stages, distracting yourself will be key! Find other things to do with your time. You may find that you have more time in your day than you thought.
Go easy on yourself.
Don’t be hard on yourself for checking the news; we’re all curious creatures. It’s what’s helped humans survive for centuries, so don’t beat yourself up for wanting to know what’s going on. Additionally, news pertaining to you can receive more space and allowance e.g. when the vaccine will be available to you, your family…etc.
We’re in this together. Let’s stay informed while also setting boundaries so we can best take care of ourselves in these uncertain times.
Roubicek & Thacker Counseling is Fresno’s premier provider of individual, couples, family, and group therapy. We offer in-person and online remote therapy sessions. Contact us today to change the way you feel.