Mikael Jansson, Image via
Overloaded on bad news? Well, you’re not alone. When we tune in to see what’s going on all we see is suffering from natural disasters, shootings, terror attacks, reports about economic uncertainty and a divided political climate, plus celebrity deaths and just mean people being mean. We hear about a tragedy or disaster, and we become glued to our TV’s and news feeds ― growing more and more anxious as rapid updates flow in.
While it is important to be informed, being a “news junkie” can be damaging. It can cause insomnia, stomach, and headaches due to anxiety, and it can lead to mindless eating, alcohol consumption, and other unhealthy coping behaviors. What’s worse is constant attention on negativity creates neuropathways in the brain that tells us that we are unsafe, activating a constant state of fight or flight. This conditioning damages our cells and depletes our immune systems, allowing disease and chronic conditions to fester.
The opposite is taking a self-imposed weekly break from the news, television, and social media. What follows is a list of benefits of going off the grid and how we can go from doom and pessimism to hope and optimism.
You reconnect with yourself. When you unplug from the outside, you plug inside of who you are. You are able to think of the kind of world you want to live in and assess what you can do within your own life to live well. People make the mistake of feeling guilty, selfish, or uncaring if they aren’t commiserating with others on some negative news event. However, it’s important to self-preserve and protect your feelings.
You’re attentive to those who matter most. When you watch the news, you get absorbed and tune-out those around you. Your kids may try to get your attention, or worse, may hear the news on in the background while they are around, making them anxious and concerned for their own safety.
You have time to take action. We have to remind ourselves watching the news helps no one. Some people find it helpful to volunteer in some way. Donating blood and supplies or organizing a donation gets you away from the TV and into positive action.
You become mindful of your mood and make feelings a top priority. When you’re filling your mind with negativity, you attract more of it into your own life. This impacts your work, family, friends, and even your pet! When you don’t feel happy and optimistic, you can’t possibly be there for those you care about. Substituting negative news for an audio book, course, workshop, or uplifting TV show will lift your spirits.
You’re less distracted and more focused. When you’re not preoccupied with the constant barrage of negative news, you’re able to be more present and focused. This impacts everything from driving your car to meetings at work. When you’re mind is clear, tasks are done right the first time with attention to detail.
You laugh more and worry less. Taking a break from the news frees from worry. You immediately open yourself to more enjoyable topics of conversation, and you are no longer taking life so seriously.
Your energy rises. When people are pessimistic their facial features and posture sags. Their eyes lose their sparkle. No one wants to be around sluggish energy-zappers. When you consciously decide to take a break from the news, you aren’t starting your day with negativity. Instead, take a nice, morning walk or any form of exercise.
Try a no-news is good news approach every weekend, and pay attention to how you feel. Create your own good news!
-GG
About the Doctors:
Dr. Sanam Hafeez PsyD is a NYC based licensed clinical psychologist, teaching faculty member at the prestigious Columbia University Teacher’s College and the founder and Clinical Director of Comprehensive Consultation Psychological Services, P.C. a neuropsychological, developmental and educational center in Manhattan and Queens.
Dr. Hafeez masterfully applies her years of experience connecting psychological implications to address some of today’s common issues such as body image, social media addiction, relationships, workplace stress, parenting, and psychopathology. In addition, Dr. Hafeez works with individuals who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), learning disabilities, attention and memory problems, and abuse. Dr. Hafeez often shares her credible expertise to various news outlets in New York City and frequently appears on CNN and Dr.Oz.
Connect with her via twitter @comprehendMind or www.comprehendthemind.com
