As a former daily news junkie that hasn’t watched the news in over two years, I can confirm that if you’re like me, when you take a break from the news you’ll feel better and have more time for other activities.

There’s nothing wrong with watching, listening to, or reading the news and staying informed.  But sometimes, watching the news too often can leave you feeling frustrated and helpless.

I found for me I needed to take a break from the news after the first bit of pandemic talk was a steady inflow of negative, emotionally charged information. Once I realized I wasn’t really missing that much, and anything of much importance I’d pick up through the grapevine anyway, I’ve just continued with it.  I allow myself to read some online news here and there, but it’s no longer part of my daily routine. 

Taking a break from the news will make you feel less overwhelmed and more in control.

You could try using the time you’d normally spend watching the news to make positive changes, even if it’s something small like exercising, reading, calling a friend, or writing a blog!

Take A Break From The News

When you take a break from the news you can:

• Be more optimistic.
• Sleep better.
• Reduce fear and stress.
• Laugh more freely.
• Have more time for other activities.

Does watching the news give you anxiety?

Because there seems to be so much uncertainty in the world at the moment, watching or reading the news all the time can make your stress or anxiety worse.

Why does the news give me anxiety?

Staying on top of the news non-stop actually can increase our anxiety in the long-term because it’s subliminally telling us that if we have enough information, we can stay in control.

What happens when you watch the news too much?

As mentioned watching too much news contributes to increased anxiety levels. That anxiety can easily creep into other areas of your life and make it difficult to concentrate or complete daily tasks. Over the long term, it can affect mood, which could lead to depression.

How can I not let news affect me?

Ways to stop the news from affecting your well-being:

• Be aware of how the news is changing your mood, as you watch, read or listen.
• Turn off notifications.
• Switch off more often, and do something different.
• Ban news from your bedroom.

Is it healthy to take a break from the news and media?

Again, spending too much time scrolling or watching can increase feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression. For taking a break from social media, you should turn off notifications and set some time limits. Even taking a break that lasts for a few hours, days, or weeks can still be beneficial to your health, well-being and happiness.

Is it good to take a break from social media?

It may ease anxiety:

A study found a positive relationship between social anxiety, loneliness, and social media addiction.

Social media use can cause FOMO (fear of missing out) and a sense of inadequacy in our own lives. Stepping away from social media can help reduce FOMO-induced anxiety or feelings of loneliness.

Will deleting social media make you happier?

Studies have shown that overuse of social networking sites can lead to negative feelings due to the constant overload of news and comparison against our friends or celebrities.

What happens to your brain when you quit social media?

You will feel less stressed. Staying away from social media makes you less prone to high levels of cortisol, leaving you calmer and focused.

Final Thoughts

Start small or experiment with limiting your news and social media exposure.  See how that feels for you and I wish you well.

Let me know in the comments if you’ve had a similar experience or have been thinking about this subject yourself lately.

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Take A Break From The News