When we talk about different ways to manage stress more effectively, easy go-tos are exercising, eating whole foods, and improving sleep hygiene. But other stressors contribute to our overall wellness—and our 24-hour news cycle is a primary culprit. In today’s digital age, we’re constantly bombarded with information from all directions: news websites, social media platforms, TV, radio, and even podcasts.
While staying informed is important, a relentless stream of negativity, uncertainty, and crisis takes a toll on your well-being, which isn’t helpful at all if you’re trying to manage your recovery. So if you’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or simply drained by the constant influx of news, you may want to consider taking a “news fast.”
Why a News Fast Might Help You
This practice involves intentionally stepping away from news consumption for a set period. First pioneered in 2011 by Dr. Andrew Weil, founder and director of the Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona, the break is intended to help you in the following five ways.
1. Reduce Stress and Anxiety
The news cycle often focuses on negative events, such as disasters, political conflict, and global issues that seem out of our control. Consuming this type of content can lead to feelings of helplessness, fear, and worry. Harvard Medical School references studies indicating that prolonged exposure to negative news can increase cortisol levels—our body’s stress hormone—leading to higher levels of stress and anxiety.
By stepping away from the constant barrage of news, you give your mind a chance to decompress. Without the constant influx of alarming headlines, your nervous system has a chance to reset, leading to lower levels of anxiety and stress.
2. Improve Clarity and Focus
Constant exposure to news creates mental clutter. Your brain can easily become overwhelmed trying to keep up with the ever-changing headlines, especially when they’re filled with distressing or confusing information. This constant distraction impairs your ability to focus on more important tasks, whether at work, at home, or in personal growth activities.
When you take a break from news consumption, you’re able to devote more time to activities that improve your mental well-being in recovery, such as exercising, reading, or engaging in hobbies that bring joy and satisfaction.
3. Enhance Emotional Well-Being
Staying constantly connected to the news creates a heightened sense of fear, anger, or sadness. When you’re constantly hearing about crises and conflicts, it’s easy to internalize these emotions, leading to an increased sense of hopelessness, especially when you feel that nothing is being done to address these problems.
A news fast helps you regain a more balanced emotional state by reducing exposure to distressing stories. This allows you to focus on positive experiences, uplifting content, and interactions with people who support your mental and emotional health.
4. Promote Better Sleep
Many people in recovery struggle with insomnia and frequent awakenings. If you’re in the habit of checking news updates before bed, this may contribute to poor sleep quality, too. Exposure to negative content forces your mind to remain active trying to process the information.
By taking a break from news consumption—especially in the evening—you can improve your sleep hygiene. This helps you relax, rest better, and appreciate improved energy during the day.
5. Increase Productivity and Creativity
When you eliminate the distractions of a constant flow of news, you’ll have more time to focus on creative endeavors and productivity. Whether it’s a work project, a personal hobby, or simply decluttering and organizing your home, reducing the mental clutter from the news will allow you to approach tasks with more energy and a fresh perspective.
How to Take a News Fast While Staying Informed
You don’t have to completely disconnect from current events or ignore what’s happening in the world. However, here are some tips on how to be more intentional with how you learn about what’s happening in the world.
- Set time limits. Allocate specific moments—such as 10 minutes in the morning and evening—to catch up on the news. This avoids mindless scrolling and keeps you informed but not overwhelmed.
- Choose credible news sources. Rely on trustworthy, balanced news outlets that focus on facts, not sensationalism. Stick to sources that avoid sensational headlines and prioritize thoughtful, accurate reporting. Florida Gulf Coast University provides resources that allow you to check outlets for media bias and fact-checking.
- Use news aggregators. Apps like Flipboard or Google News consolidate headlines from multiple sources in one place, saving you time while offering a curated view of the most important updates.
- Engage with positive content. Look for outlets such as Good News Network or Positive News that focus on uplifting stories and human-interest pieces, providing a refreshing perspective on the world.
- Subscribe to newsletters. Opt for daily or weekly news digests that summarize key stories in a concise format. This provides you with essential updates without the need for constant checking.
- Practice mindfulness first. Start your day with meditation or journaling to center yourself before engaging with the news. This prepares you mentally and emotionally to handle the information more calmly.
Find More Wellness Resources at Willingway
The board-certified professionals at Willingway’s Georgia and Florida addiction rehabilitation locations believe that you deserve a life in recovery that supports your mind, body, and spirit. We provide insightful education about wellness methods that help you design a future that supports whole-person health. If this is the solution you need, talk to a member of our admission team today.