Do you ever feel like you’re drowning in bad news? I sure do. It’s like everywhere you look, there’s another headline telling you how messed up the world is. And yeah, staying informed is important, but sometimes it feels like too much.
It’s no wonder that you’re looking for a break from the chaos.
But you want to do it without totally unplugging. Because staying informed is important. So, let’s grab a cup of coffee and chat about a few tricks I’ve tried – some obvious, and some you might not have thought of.
Set Boundaries with Your News Apps
Okay, I know this sounds basic, but hear me out: I used to wake up, grab my phone, and immediately start doomscrolling. It was like I needed to catch up on all the bad news before my brain even fully woke up. Not exactly the best way to start the day, right?
So I set some boundaries. No news apps in the morning. I give myself an hour to wake up, drink my coffee, and ease into the day. Then, I check the news in short bursts – 10 minutes tops – instead of letting it consume hours of my day.
You can also turn off news alerts. Trust me, you’ll still hear about the big stuff, but you won’t feel like you’re being bombarded every five minutes.
Swap News Scrolling for Something Fun
When you’ve had enough of the news, swap that mindless scrolling habit for something that feels good. You know what’s weirdly satisfying? Watching https://www.hypedrop.com/ unboxing videos. Seriously, it’s like a mini adrenaline rush watching someone reveal what’s inside a mystery box.
There’s something about the anticipation that makes you forget about the world for a minute. It’s kind of like giving your brain a little dopamine hit without needing to check another headline.
Unplug with a “No News Day”
Pick one day a week and make it a “No News Day.” It’s like a mini digital detox, but you’re only cutting out the news. I tried this on Sundays, and it felt like I could finally breathe again. I’d go for a walk, listen to a podcast about literally anything other than current events, or just hang out with friends without bringing up the latest disaster.
By the time Monday rolled around, I felt way less overwhelmed and more ready to handle whatever was happening in the world.
Do Something That Grounds You
One of the best ways to get out of your head (and away from the news) is to do something that grounds you in the present. For me, it’s cooking a meal from scratch. Chopping veggies, stirring a sauce – it’s like a moving meditation.
For you, maybe it’s gardening, going for a run, or playing a musical instrument. Whatever it is, make time for it when the news feels like it’s swallowing you whole.
Choose Positive News Sources
If you can’t stand the thought of unplugging completely, try swapping out some of your usual news sources for ones that focus on positive stories. There are a bunch of websites and social media accounts out there that highlight uplifting stories, acts of kindness, or just plain cool stuff happening in the world. Or you can head over to Reddit and choose a “brain bleach” subreddit. My personal favorites are /r/MadeMeSmile and /r/HumansBeingBros. But if you feel adventurous, you can also go with something a bit weirder, like /r/PerfectFit or /r/catssittingdown.
It’s not about ignoring reality – it’s about reminding yourself that there’s good out there too.
What Works for You?
So, what’s your go-to trick for stepping back from the news? Have you tried any of these ideas, or do you have a totally different approach? I’d love to hear what works for you. Drop a comment and let’s swap some ideas on how to keep our sanity in this wild world!