Living in a world where politics and the news seem to dominate every conversation can get you down.

It’s a cycle that can drain your energy and dampen your mood.

The culprit? Unhealthy habits we’ve cultivated around consuming news.

But don’t worry, I’m here to help you say goodbye to these eight habits that may be bringing you down.

In this article, we’ll explore new ways to stay informed without feeling overwhelmed or disheartened. Let’s reclaim your peace of mind together.

1) Overconsumption of news

We live in an era where news is readily available at our fingertips. It’s on our phones, laptops, TVs, and it even pops up during our casual social media scrolling.

While it’s essential to stay informed, there’s a thin line between staying updated and overconsumption of news.

The constant barrage of information can lead to stress, anxiety, and feelings of helplessness, especially when the news is negative or controversial.

So if you find yourself feeling down after consuming too much news, it might be time to limit your exposure.

Try setting specific times in the day for catching up on the news and avoid mindless scrolling.

2) Engaging in endless debates

I remember a time when I would find myself caught up in heated political debates with friends, family, or even strangers on social media.

It often felt like a tug of war, each side pulling vigorously, but neither willing to cross over to the other side.

Even though I was passionate about my views, these exchanges left me feeling drained, frustrated and sometimes even angry.

I realized that these endless debates were doing more harm than good to my mental health.

The reality is, it’s rare for people to change their deeply held beliefs based on a single conversation or argument.

3) Neglecting self-care

One of the common habits I see among people who let news and politics get them down is a tendency to neglect self-care. This can be as simple as skipping meals, losing sleep, or missing out on exercise because they’re too engrossed in the latest news cycle.

Did you know that the physical body and mind are intricately linked?

Research shows that physical activities like exercising regularly can release endorphins, the body’s natural mood elevators.

So, if the news has you feeling low, try to allocate some time for self-care.

Take a walk, meditate, cook a healthy meal or simply relax with a good book. It’s amazing how these simple activities can help reset your mind and reduce feelings of anxiousness. 

4) Falling into the doomscrolling trap

“Doomscrolling” is a relatively new term that’s been coined to describe the act of constantly scrolling through negative news on your phone or computer.

It’s easy to get sucked into this vortex of endless scrolling, especially when there’s a major news event unfolding.

But here’s the thing – the more you doomscroll, the more anxious and overwhelmed you’re likely to feel. It’s a vicious cycle.

Breaking free from this habit can make a huge difference in how you feel. Try setting boundaries on your screen time, especially during the evening when it’s time to wind down.

Consider swapping out some of that scrolling time with activities that lift your spirits. This could be anything from listening to your favorite music, spending time with loved ones or even getting lost in a hobby you enjoy.

5) Focusing only on the negative

It’s easy to focus only on the negative, especially when it seems like that’s all the news talks about.

Tragedies, conflicts, and crises often dominate the headlines, and it can feel like there’s no end to the world’s problems.

However, it’s important to remember that there is still so much good in the world. For every negative news story, there are countless acts of kindness, resilience, and hope that don’t make the headlines.

Instead of focusing solely on the problems, try to seek out these positive stories too. They serve as a reminder that even in the midst of chaos and uncertainty, humanity and goodwill persist.

Ultimately, what we choose to focus on greatly influences our mood and overall outlook on life.

By shifting your focus from solely negative news to include positive stories as well, you can foster a more balanced and uplifting perspective.

6) Getting absorbed in the ‘us versus them’ narrative

There was a time when I allowed myself to get entirely caught up in the polarizing ‘us versus them’ narrative common in politics.

I found myself labeling others based on their political beliefs and viewing the world through a divisive lens.

This mindset was exhausting and left no room for understanding or empathy. It was only when I started to see beyond these labels and really listen to others’ perspectives that I began to feel less weighed down.

The truth is, we’re all complex individuals with diverse experiences and beliefs.

Reducing someone to a political label can be dehumanizing and unproductive. Instead, try to engage in open conversations with the aim to understand, not just to respond.

This shift in mindset may seem small, but it can make a big difference in your emotional well-being. It’s about fostering a sense of empathy and unity, even when we disagree.

7) Neglecting to fact-check

In our digital age, news and information spread faster than ever before. While this has its advantages, it also means that misinformation can spread just as rapidly.

Falling prey to false or misleading information can create unnecessary stress and anxiety. It’s easy to feel disheartened when you think you’re constantly bombarded with bad news, especially when some of it may not be true.

Make it a habit to fact-check information before you accept it as truth. There are many resources available online that can help you verify the information you come across.

By doing this, you empower yourself with accurate information and reduce the risk of getting stressed over unfounded claims or rumors.

It’s a small step towards ensuring your peace of mind in our information-saturated world.

8) Forgetting to take a step back

In the constant hustle and bustle of life, coupled with the incessant news cycle, we often forget to simply take a step back. This means creating a space for yourself to breathe, reflect, and disconnect from the digital world.

Taking regular breaks from news and politics is not only good for your mental health, but it also helps you maintain perspective.

It’s easy to get lost in the details and forget about the bigger picture when you’re constantly immersed in it.

It’s okay to disconnect and take time for yourself.

This isn’t about burying your head in the sand, but about preserving your mental energy to engage with the world in a healthier, more balanced way. Your well-being matters, and taking care of it is the most important thing you can do.

Final thought: It’s all about balance

At the heart of this conversation lies a simple yet profound concept – balance.

The ebb and flow of news and politics are an integral part of our society. Staying informed is crucial, but so is preserving our mental health and well-being.

Remember, it’s not about completely disconnecting from the world or ignoring the issues at hand. It’s about finding a personal equilibrium that allows you to engage without feeling overwhelmed.

Whether it’s setting boundaries on your news consumption, choosing empathy over division, or prioritizing self-care, these habits are all about creating a healthier relationship with the world around you.