How to Balance Staying Informed and Not Being Overwhelmed By Stressful News
From a global pandemic and now an escalation to war in Ukraine, turning on the news can feel like mental torture. If you have been experiencing signs of stress due to updates on the state of the world, you are not alone.
“Due to near-constant access to the news 24/7, it can be challenging to moderate our consumption, particularly when there are critical, important, major world events taking place that the media is covering,” said Dr. Amanda Spray, clinical associate professor in the Department of Psychiatry and the director of the Steven A. Cohen Military Family Center at NYU Langone Health.
Symptoms of stress vary, but signs include chronic fatigue and disruption in sleepTrusted Source and changes in libido, acne, headaches, chronic pain, and frequent sickness. If you have been experiencing any of these symptoms, it could be a sign that you are stressed. You may also experience digestive issues, appetite changes, sweating, or a rapid heartbeat.
Despite the stressful events, taking care of yourself should be a priority, experts say. The most important thing you can do is remember what you can control. Taking care of yourself can be the first step to feeling better overall.
- One of the ways we can do that is to cut the stress off at the source — turn off the news. “It is crucially important to engage in self-awareness and check-in with yourself regarding how much news you are currently consuming, how repetitive it is versus presenting new information, and the impact it is having on your mental health,” said Spray.
- Ask yourself how your mood is at various points during the day, and see if you are still doing the things that bring you joy.
- Finding an activity that makes you feel like you are doing something about it can help you feel less powerless. For example, some individuals find that volunteering for an organization that helps support refugees, or an advocacy group can help them with feelings of hopelessness around the war.
- “It is important to talk about the distress you are experiencing with others,” she added. “Too often, we sit alone with discomfort because we worry about burdening others. However, in these cases, it is very likely we are experiencing the same distress and would welcome a chance to share with someone else.”
Source; https://www.healthline.com/health-news/how-to-balance-staying-informed-and-not-being-overwhelmed-by-stressful-news
Things I've learnt from this article;
- I understood that I'm not alone in my feelings of anxiousness surrounding current world events.
- I've learnt how to identify if I'm feeling stressed.
- I've uncovered some tips to help me cope with my feelings of stress and anxiety associated with the current situation of the world.
#stress #anxiety #currentevents
@comfortableNight4463
This is a great post. I think this past year especially, listening to the news and social media outlets has been a stressful and negative experience mostly due to COVID and now the Ukraine crisis.
Don't get me wrong. It's great to stay informed and caring about the crisis that demands our attention and worry for. However, there's a certain limit and boundary that we must also set up in doing so. I think personally for me understanding that good news really doesn't sell. People are more inclined to tune in to stories that highlight negative events and stories. Realistically in journalism, these are the stories that sells. Add in the political turmoil that news gone through its a recipe for chaos and dissent.
@sunnyWriting4806 Well-said! I know the media sometimes tends to exaggerate certain things in order to draw viewers. This year and the last was just bad news one after the other.
@comfortableNight4463 Everything going on in our world right now is so scary and it can be so overwhelming if we just sit and stir while watching the news on TV or reading articles on our phone. I am guilty of this too and it can be so addicting just to keep yourself constantly updated, but is that really going to change any outcomes? I think it will only cause more anxiety in ourselves. Understanding what is going on in our world is important, but making sure you are staying under a certain level of stress is important too. Limit your exposure to the media to make sure you are staying happy!
@fruityPond7887 Exactly! Limiting your exposure but still staying informed is key to not obsessively stressing over current affairs.
I agree!!
@fruityPond7887 :)
@comfortableNight4463
I donated to UNICEF USA Official Site - Help Children in Ukraine
@spongebob2021
That's wonderful bud
@Th0rin Agreed!
@spongebob2021 That's amazing!
@comfortableNight4463
Thank you for sharing this! I can relate. I often worry and experience stress due to updates on the state of the world. I think that turning off the news or not watching them so often while doing something like volunteering can definitely help me cope better.
@globalBraid3744 Exactly. Its got o stay informed but it's also important to know when it's too much
@comfortableNight4463
Thank you for this thread very informative and very needful❤️
@scarletPear1945 You're most welcome!