There’s so much going on in the world that it can feel as though there’s a new crisis with each minute that passes. Though it’s important to stay informed, constant exposure to current events may not be the best idea.
There’s even a brand new phenomenon dubbed ‘doomscrolling,’ which illustrates how a constant influx of negative news can damage your mental health.
So how can you stay up to date on what’s important without refreshing your newsfeed every 30 seconds? We have answers below, so keep reading!
Stay Informed…but Limit Your News Intake
The best thing you can do for your mental health is to only look at the news once or twice per day, depending on the severity of current events in the world.
Again, it’s easy to turn on your favorite 24/7 news channel or visit your favorite website and lose track of time. Next thing you know, you’ve spent three hours of your day consuming news and you feel worse because of it.
Instead, focus on 30 to 45 minutes of daily news intake. That should be long enough that you’re able to digest the meat of the day’s stories without feeling overwhelmed.
Focus on Spotting Fake News
Of course, that brings us to another vital issue: disinformation. Just because you read something or see it on the news doesn’t mean you’re getting the whole truth.
So how can you know if something is fake or not? Well, it’ll take some practice.
This article on how to spot fake news is a great start, though, offering some practical tips cross-referencing a story with a fact-checking website and considering the source.
That brings us to another issue, does unbiased news truly exist? That’s a complicated question, and in the age of the Internet, it’s even harder to answer.
Your best bet is to stick to reliable sources like The New York Times or The BBC, who have a track record of thoroughly investigating a story before bringing it to the public. The NYT even has an entire section of its website dedicated to fact-checking stories.
When to Stay Informed
When you choose to stay informed is as important as finding the right source and setting a time limit.
For starters, avoid reading the news first thing in the morning. It’s a recipe for disaster and will most likely start your day off on the wrong foot.
Likewise, you’ll want to ditch the cable news and stop scrolling through Reddit at least an hour before heading to bed. If your brain stays engaged, you’ll have a much harder time getting a good night’s rest.
There’s no ‘right time’ to be well informed. But midday or early evening tend to be the best times of the news cycle, as you can get a complete picture of a story instead of hearing the words ‘still developing’ ad nauseam.
Avoid the Dreaded Doomscroll With These Tips
Reading the news doesn’t have to be a dismal part of your day anymore. With these tips, you can stay informed without sacrificing your mental well-being! (Tramadol)
And don’t forget, fake news is out there. Learning to spot it early on can save you some headaches down the road.
Looking for more great tips? Make sure to check back with our blog for brand new content published all the time!
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