We live in a time where we have a wealth of information at our fingertips. Which is incredible! But also, exhausting. Have you ever found yourself "doomscrolling" through social media or news outlets? Feeling overwhelmed with the turmoil in the headlines? I’ve met a lot of people recently who have been asking, “How do I stay informed with current events without losing my mind?” I, myself, have asked the same question as I try to stay abreast of the real-life challenges and stressors my clients face while protecting my own emotional wellbeing. It’s a constant balancing act. Here are some tips to help you keep your balance when it feels like the ground underneath us is shifting.
Social media should not be your primary place to get news
Social media typically leaves out critical information and is a quick way for misinformation to spread. Instead, try visiting credible news websites, read the newspaper (My 30 and under crowd: yes, this relic still exists), or listen to a news podcast. Be mindful of the social media algorithm! The more you click on certain posts; the more posts of that topic will appear. For example, you watched a reel of recent weather coverage and suddenly your feed is flooded with similar videos. Purposely shift your social media usage to focus on staying connected with loved ones or silly videos instead.
Be mindful of how much time you spend consuming news
Your brain can only handle so much information in one sitting. Pause the scrolling to ask yourself how it is benefitting you to take in so much news. Am I just doomscrolling and not taking in any new, useful information? Am I feeling hopeless, overwhelmed, and drained at the end of each article or post? If the answer to these questions is “yes,” then take a break. Maybe set a 15-minute time limit when reading the news. Check in with yourself before catching up on the news. If you already feel tired or down, cut that time limit even shorter or stay away all together.
Staying informed doesn’t always have to be doom and gloom
Most headlines nowadays are filled with tragedy, suffering, and dread. It may feel like we, as a society, are stuck or taking steps back. Balance out your media consumption by intentionally looking for good news! Find articles and posts that highlight the progress humanity has made. Read about times when people have been kind and compassionate towards one another. Find the success stories. They are out there; we just have to find them.
Log off and get out there
Turning off screens and connecting with the right people or activities during times of chaos can be very grounding. If you feel like you have reached your limit with current events, connect in a different way. Talk about unrelated topics (e.g., “hey, did you see the most recent episode of insert bad reality TV show?”), do a fun activity with your people, volunteer at an animal shelter to cuddle some pups. Connect with nature and/or a hobby. Even sharing funny memes or words of encouragement can be another way to spread positivity during moments of darkness. If you feel ready, join an advocacy group to make your voice heard with other like-minded people. We need empathy and community more than ever in these extraordinary times.
I hope you will find one of these tips helpful. There is a lot to take in right now. It is a totally normal human response to feel overwhelmed. Remember: this is a marathon, not a sprint. Most athletes do not start their running careers with full marathons. They train for months, if not years, running small distances at first. They carefully fuel their bodies with foods that produce good energy and allow their bodies to rest when needed. So, conserve your energy. Kiss your brain, drink some cold water, and take care of yourself.