No matter your political stance or worldview, the news can be a lot. We’re drowning in headlines everywhere we turn. Previously, the news lived on certain stations and you had to seek it out. Now, through social media, news notifications, and the entire internet in our pockets, keeping up with current events is now more accessible than ever. We’ve lost the intentional consumption of world events; you have to make an effort not to see the headlines. News stories can be incredibly emotional and therefore emotionally exhausting, as well as potentially triggering to some. Current events are important and deserve to be heard, but how do we balance our own peace with staying informed?
Strategy 1: Limiting Unintentional News Consumption
My first tip is limiting the time we see the news without actively seeking it out. Maybe we’ve had a hard day already and a tragic headline is the final straw. It’s so easy to go on social media at any point and get bombarded with accounts of recent events with no warning. Not to mention, social media runs on engagement, the most flashy version of the story isn’t always the most accurate. In terms of actions, I recommend unfollowing or even blocking accounts that bring you more grief than actual information. If you stumble onto a headline, don’t feel guilty scrolling away and showing your algorithm that content like that doesn’t interest you on this platform. If you do find a story that you want to learn more about, put it down in your notes app or make another reminder to look at it later.
Strategy 2: Making Time for Intentional News Consumption When You Have the Emotional Bandwidth
Although it can be overwhelming at times, staying informed is still important, so instead of cutting out the news altogether, try to be more intentional. A big part of intentional news consumption is the set up. I highly recommend picking a space that you feel safe and comfortable in, such as your dorm or a cafe you frequent, and reading the news there. Another big part of being mindful of your mental wellbeing is knowing yourself. For instance, I’m a morning person; I love the mornings and tend to have more emotional energy earlier in the day. I tend to read the news while I’m eating breakfast, because I am more likely to be able to process the events in a healthy way. When it comes to actually reading the news, find a few news outlets you trust, having a few reliable options means you don’t have to spend emotional energy looking through search results before actually reading. Another tip is reading the news with an ad blocker on. When the content of the story is already overwhelming, having seven random ads competing for your attention can be the tipping point. Most importantly, check in with yourself throughout the process. If you are having a rough day, consider skipping the news today and don’t be afraid to stop reading if the subject matter becomes triggering. Â
Strategy 3: Working With and Through the Emotions Caused by Current Events
As established, the news can bring about strong emotions, it is important we create space for our natural reactions without shame. There are two main ways I recommend working with and through your feelings: journaling and talking it out. Personally, I switch between the two depending on how I’m feeling at the time. For journaling, once again, go to that safe space and write about the story and how it makes you feel. You can connect it to things you’ve experienced, go into how it feels physically, or just write what comes to mind. This process validates your emotions and helps you move through them. You can also talk through the story and your reaction with someone you trust, such as a friend, family member, or therapist. This validates your feelings, helps you articulate your reaction, and can give you a fresh perspective you might not have considered. After working through your emotions in a way that feels right to you, I highly recommend doing some form of meditation or breathwork (I love this breathwork exercise). Let this serve as a reset; after feeling everything, ground yourself into your present. Our brains can have a hard time separating what we read and what we’ve experienced. Taking a moment of peace helps signal to our minds and bodies that we’re safe.
When it comes to finding a balance between being informed and being upset, I’ve found that the key is meeting yourself where you are. Check in with yourself before, during, and after consuming the news, and remember to give yourself grace. Consume the news intentionally and don’t shame yourself if you need to skip a few headlines. Remember that you can be informed in a way that works for you.