Between discussions of climate change to conversations about the economy and political climate, watching the news can brew many feelings. Whether those feelings are positive or negative, absorbing the amount of information we are presented with at an almost nonstop rate can be plenty to process.
Think about it: when has there ever been a point in history where technology has been this advanced, allowing us to have the news quite literally at our fingertips, accessible in nearly any manner we want? Just because access to information is advancing does not mean we are automatically able to accept and process this influx of information as it appears. We are still humans with human brains. It is more than okay to take a step back and process the news at the rate at which you feel most comfortable.
As it was only a little over five years ago, I’m sure you remember exactly where you were on March 2020. I bring up this particular example as a personal anecdote because there had never been a point in my conscious lifetime when news across the globe was covering the same topic at an unimaginable rate.
During this time, news coverage may have stimulated feelings of fear, anger, confusion, shock, or a combination of all. Other emotions might have run the gamut from curiosity, intrigue, and maybe even a sense of relief that the chaos of daily life was finally going to pause as everyone was told to pack up and stay home for who-knows-how-long. I’m sure that all of us, at some point over the next several years, might have felt overwhelmed by the news. Yes – quite overwhelmed.
But does it always have to be this way?
While news certainly has the potential to be just too much, you don’t have to stay stuck there. There are some ways to stay informed without consuming news 24/7.
For one, you could designate news-consuming blocks in your day or week. Designate a certain amount of time to read, watch, and/or listen to the news. It doesn’t have to be an hours-long activity, but enough that you feel informed but not like you’re ready to shut down.
Another suggestion is to consider the time of day at which you’re access the news. Consider avoiding first thing you do in the morning or the last thing you do before bed. I’d also advocate not consuming news when you’re already in a heightened state of emotion.
Lastly, I’d say to show yourself the same kindness you’d show a loved one if they felt overwhelmed with something. Step back, change the channel, read something else, and redirect your attention to something that feeds your soul. The news will be there after you’ve had some time to regroup and recharge.
Consider doing something kind for yourself, such as grabbing your favorite sweet or getting some fresh air when you “the overwhelm” begins to creep in; it has no place here.
Remember: consume news wisely, intentionally, and when you feel most receptive to it.