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In an era where news travels at the speed of light and notifications bombard us constantly, many of us find ourselves overwhelmed by the sheer volume of information competing for our attention. The 24/7 news cycle, coupled with social media's amplification of every new crisis, can make it feel like we're perpetually teetering on the edge of disaster. But it is possible to find a balanced approach to staying informed without sacrificing our mental well-being.

The Cost of Constant Connection

Our smartphones have become portals to an endless stream of headlines, each more urgent than the last. Breaking news alerts interrupt our workday, dinner conversations, and even our sleep. This constant exposure to news—particularly negative news—takes a toll on our mental health. Studies have shown that excessive news consumption can increase anxiety, depression, and feelings of helplessness. The term "doom scrolling" entered our vocabulary for good reason: many of us find ourselves unable to look away from the tidal wave of scary headlines, even as we recognize it's affecting our well-being.

The Myth of Total Awareness

We often feel obligated to stay on top of every developing story, as if being uninformed about any current event makes us somehow negligent citizens. This pressure stems from a misconception that total awareness equals responsible citizenship. The truth is, no one—not even professional journalists—can keep track of everything happening in the world. More importantly, trying to do so often leaves us less less energy to meaningfully engage with the issues that truly matter to us and our communities.

Creating a Healthier News Diet

Just as we've learned to be mindful of what we eat, we need to be intentional about our news consumption. Here's what has worked for me and many others I've spoken with:

• First, establish designated times for news consumption. Rather than allowing news to interrupt your day at random intervals, set aside specific periods—perhaps morning and evening—to catch up on current events. This creates boundaries that help prevent news from dominating your mental space.

• Second, curate your sources carefully. Choose a handful of reliable news outlets that provide thoughtful, in-depth coverage rather than sensationalized headlines. Consider subscribing to weekly news magazines or newsletters (like this one!) that offer measured analysis rather than minute-by-minute updates. This approach provides context and perspective that daily news often lacks.

• Third, practice selective engagement. Ask yourself: "Does this story affect my life or community directly?" "Can I take meaningful action on this issue?" "Will this information be relevant in a month?" These questions can help you filter out noise and focus on news that matters to your life and values.

Taking Action Over Anxiety

One of the most effective antidotes to news-induced anxiety is action. When a story moves you, channel that emotion into concrete steps, however small. This might mean volunteering for a related cause, writing to your representatives, or having meaningful discussions with friends and family about potential solutions. Action creates a sense of agency that counteracts the helplessness often induced by negative news.

The Art of Stepping Back

Perhaps most importantly, learn to recognize when you need a break. There's no shame in temporarily disconnecting from the news cycle to restore your emotional equilibrium. The world will continue turning, and you'll be better equipped to engage with its challenges after taking care of your mental health.

The goal isn't to become ignorant of world events but to find a sustainable way to stay informed while maintaining our peace of mind. By approaching news consumption with intention and establishing healthy boundaries, we can remain engaged citizens without sacrificing our well-being to the altar of constant connection.

Remember, being well-informed doesn't mean knowing everything—it means having the knowledge and emotional capacity to engage meaningfully with the issues that matter most to you and your community. In the chaos of the information age, that kind of focused awareness might be exactly what we need.

Be well,

Jaya

Need Help Finding Your News?

It can be overwhelming to try and figure out where to go for more objective news sources. I have generally moved away from legacy media and embraced the power of independent journalism.

Here are a few resources I use to remain updated on the news:

• Under the Desk News

• MeidasTouch Network

• PBS News Hour

• 1440 (linked at the bottom of this newsletter)

I hope that you find these helpful in how to remain updated on current events.

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