
Breaking Free: How Disconnecting from the News
Improved My Mental Health
In a world where we’re constantly bombarded with news and information, it can be challenging to take a step back and focus on our well-being. That’s why I recently decided to disconnect from the news entirely – and let me tell you, it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made for my mental and emotional health. In today’s article, I’ll share my experience with breaking free from the constant stream of headlines, how it impacted my mental state, and why you might want to consider doing the same. So sit back, relax, and prepare to learn about an alternative way to approach your daily dose of current events.
Why I Decided to Disconnect from the News
I used to be a news junkie. I would watch the news first thing in the morning while I enjoyed my coffee and again at night before bed. In addition, I would check my phone constantly for breaking news alerts and read articles online throughout the day. But eventually, I realized that the constant diet of bad news was taking a toll on my mental health. I was ingesting bad news that became toxic to my soul.
I started feeling anxious and stressed constantly, and I had trouble sleeping at night. I knew I needed to change, so I decided to disconnect from the news for a while.
It’s been more than a year now since I’ve last watched the news regularly. And it’s been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I no longer feel like I’m constantly on edge, waiting for the next terrible thing to happen in the world. And instead of starting my day with negativity, I now begin with something that makes me happy – meditation, gratitude, and scripture.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, maybe it’s time for you to take a break too. You might find that it does wonders for your mental well-being.
When it comes to the news, we are constantly bombarded with stories of tragedy, pain, and suffering. It’s easy to become fixated on the negative and forget all the good happening in the world. By disconnecting from the news, you can give yourself a much-needed break from all of the negativity and focus on the things that matter most to you. Most importantly, you can reframe your perspective and attitudes toward things you can control.
Here are some of the benefits of disconnecting from the news:
- You’ll feel less stressed and anxious.
The constant stream of bad news can be extremely stressful and anxiety-inducing. If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed by the news, it might be time to take a break. Disconnecting from the news will allow you to relax and de-stress.
- You’ll have more time for things that really matter.
If you’re spending too much time glued to the news, it’s likely that you’re not doing other things that you enjoy or that are important to you. Disconnecting from the news will give you back some of your precious time so that you can focus on what matters most to you.
- You’ll sleep better.
If you’re finding it difficult to sleep because you’re worrying about what’s happening in the world, disconnecting from the news can help. Once you disconnect, you’ll be able to relax and get a good night’s sleep without worrying about what’s going on in the world.
Improved Mental Health
When I disconnect from the news, I improve my mental health in several ways.
First, I no longer feel anxious about the state of the world. I don’t spend my time worrying about things I can’t control and have no influence over. This reduces my stress levels and helps me to feel more relaxed. When I stop taking stress in, I am making a critical decision to leave stress out of my life. Don’t keep swallowing a poison that you know is killing you.
Second, disconnecting from the news allows me to connect with people in a different way. When I’m not focused on the latest headline, I can talk with people about things that matter to us both. This strengthens relationships and makes me feel more connected to others. It also allows me the sincere ability to say, “no, I wasn’t aware of the latest political miscue or savage theory.”
Increased Productivity
I discovered that staying up-to-date on current events was taking a toll on my mental health. I would get anxious reading about the latest political drama or natural disaster, and I couldn’t seem to stop myself from checking my phone every thirty minutes for updates. You know, it’s a good thing when you realize that your phone was never designed to be an appendage to your body.
Making the switch was not easy at first. When I had some downtime, I had to retrain myself to resist the urge to check the news or scroll through social media. But after a few weeks, I started to notice a difference in my mood and overall well-being. I felt less anxious and more present in my day-to-day life. By the way, being fully present, without the tension of news scandals, is heavenly!
Reduced Stress and Anxiety
It’s no secret that the news can be stressful. From natural disasters to political unrest, there’s always something worrying going on in the world. And with 24-hour news channels and social media, getting caught up in the constant cycle of bad news is easy. I also found it far easier to recognize the difference between news and commentary. I prefer just the news, but let’s face it, there isn’t much “just news” out there.
For me, disconnecting from the news has been a game-changer. It’s helped me to reduce my stress and anxiety levels and has allowed me to focus on more positive things in my life. If you are wondering if your thoughts matter, or if you matter, turn the news off and see your neighbors, your family, and your co-workers up close. You’ll discover quickly that you matter greatly!
Here are three ways that disconnecting from the news has improved my mental health:
- I’m less anxious
I felt like I was always on edge when I was constantly consuming the news. I was worried about world events beyond my control, which started affecting my daily life. But since disconnecting from the news, I’ve found that my anxiety levels have decreased significantly. I’m no longer constantly worrying about things that I can’t do anything about, and I’m able to focus on enjoying my life. I encourage you to set aside the relentless barrage of pundit commentary for a meaningful relationship if you are looking for practical ways to build a healthier mental outlook.
- I’m more productive
Now that I’ve disconnected from the news, I’ve found that I have so much more free time! I’m able to use that time to be productive and have more energy for my friends, family, ministry, and career.
How to Disconnect from the News
When it comes to disconnecting from the news, you can do a few things to make it easier on yourself. First, try limiting your exposure to news sources. If you find yourself getting anxious or stressed out after reading/watching the news, cut back on how often you check-in. You can also try setting aside specific times to catch up on the latest headlines instead of having the news on in the background all day.
Another helpful tip is to focus on quality over quantity when it comes to your news consumption. When you tune in, try to seek out well-rounded and trusted sources that offer objective reporting. This will help you avoid getting caught up in sensationalized stories that can unnecessarily upset you. Finally, remember to take breaks from the news every now and then – even if just for a few days. It’s important to give yourself time to relax and recharge away from the constant stream of information.
By following these tips, you can help reduce your stress levels and protect your mental health from the negative effects of too much news consumption.
- Set Boundaries and Limits on Your News Consumption
While staying informed is important, taking care of your mental health is also important. That’s why I decided to set some boundaries and limits on my news consumption.
I don’t completely avoid the news. I still read the headlines every morning to keep up with what’s going on in the world. But I limit myself to just a few minutes of reading/watching and try and avoid getting too caught up in the details. I also make sure to take breaks from the news throughout the day.
Consider setting some boundaries for yourself. It might just be what you need to improve your mental health.
- Find Alternative Sources of Information and Inspiration
When it comes to the news, we are constantly bombarded with negativity. There is endless stories about violence, crime, natural disasters, and political turmoil. Getting caught up in the negative cycle and feeling like the world is scary can be easy.
But what if we took a step back and looked at the bigger picture? What if we focused on the positive things happening in the world?
There are plenty of alternative sources of information and inspiration out there. Here are a few of our favorites:
- TED Talks: These talks offer a unique perspective on a wide variety of topics. You can find talks on everything from science and Technology to education and design.
- The Denison Forum has a Christian perspective on a limited amount of news.
- The Pour Over is a daily recap of news and gives you a scriptural perspective by connecting verses that apply to the headline.
- Local News: Check your local news, weather, and sports.
- The Weekday Podcast offers a brief scripture and commentary to encourage you each Monday through Friday.
Tips for Maintaining a Healthy Balance Between Connectedness and Disconnectedness
Maintaining a healthy balance between connectedness and disconnectedness can be difficult in today’s 24/7 news cycle. Here are some tips for finding that balance:
1. Limit your news consumption. It’s important to stay informed, but you don’t need to consume the news 24/7. Pick a few trusted sources and limit yourself to checking them once a day.
2. Take breaks from social media. Social media can be a great way to stay connected but can also be a major source of stress and anxiety. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, take a break from social media and give yourself some time to disconnect.
3. Make time for yourself. In our busy lives, it’s important to make time for ourselves. Whether it’s taking a few minutes to meditate or going for a walk, find ways to nurture your mind and body. This will help you feel more balanced and grounded.
Taking a break from the news can be an incredibly beneficial step toward improving mental health and overall well-being. Not only is it refreshing to disconnect from the anxiety and fear-inducing stories, but taking a break also gives us more time to focus on ourselves and participate in activities that bring joy or relaxation. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by current events, don’t forget that taking a news detox might just be what you need – even if it’s just for a few days!
Go In Peace, Chuck