Coping with news anxiety
I’m not going to sugar coat it, it definitely feels like the world is unraveling at the seams and it’s just one constant stream of worrying and scary news in the headlines. And it’s no wonder that these unsettling global events can take a toll on our mental well-being.
The uncertainty surrounding these events often triggers feelings of fear, anxiety, and a sense of losing control over our own lives and plans. We can sometimes find ourselves worrying not only for our safety but also for the well-being of strangers, loved ones, and even ourselves. And for those who have experienced similar events in the past, it can be an unwelcome reminder of traumatic memories. It’s alot and we wanted to recognise that for a moment.
Your Feelings Matter
First and foremost, we want you to know that your feelings about all of these tragic events and situations going on globally & even locally are completely valid. Fear, anxiety, and concern are completely natural responses. This is totally normal and shows that you care. But sometimes it’s good to check in on how much you are consuming to make sure that you don’t lose yourself too much in the news too so that you can still take good care of yourself and if you are caring for others, can take good care of them too.
Setting Boundaries: It's Okay to Take a Break
As you engage with the news, it's important to be mindful of your limits. Ask yourself, "How much information and scary world news am I currently consuming, and how does it make me feel?" If you find that it's negatively affecting your emotions, consider the following steps:
Take a Short Break from the News: Sometimes, a brief hiatus from the relentless news cycle can do wonders for your mental well-being. And this could start simply by saying I’m not going to consume news on certain days of the week. Or I’m not going to consume any news before 10am or before I go to bed because I know that I get super stressed. There are lots of ways to dial it down a bit so have a think and start with one small action tomorrow.
Turn Off Notifications: Those constant push notifications on your smartphone or newsalerts on computers can be overwhelming. Consider muting or turning them off to regain control over when you engage with the news.
Manage Your Social Media: If certain social media accounts constantly report on distressing news and it’s bothering you, it might be time to mute or unfollow them. Or you could timebox your social media usage to set times per day and not go over the limit by setting a timer each time. And remember that nothing is forever. You can always change these habits as you start to feel like you have a bit more control over how much time and energy you spend on consuming the news.
Balance things up by consuming good news too: There are so many amazing media outlets and platforms now that share positive news. I’ll add a list of a few we follow and it’s just so lovely to balance things out and remember that good stuff is happening too.
After taking a break, it's a good idea to reflect on how you feel. If the break has helped alleviate some of your anxiety, aim to:
Stay informed in moderation: Instead of an information overload, consume news in manageable, bite-sized portions.
Take breaks when needed: Recognise when you need to step back and give yourself space from the news.
Check in with your emotions: It's crucial to pause and reflect on how the news is making you feel.
Choose your news media mindfully: Engage with different news platforms based on how they make you feel. Opt for platforms that provide a more balanced perspective.
Remember, it's all about approaching news consumption with intention and avoiding prolonged scrolling sessions. Really hope this helps.
Kim - Founder, Clementine
Positive news platforms we enjoy consuming: