Do I Really Have to Read the News?

It's been a tough month: fires, politics, the polar vortex and Elon Musk. Luckily, there are methods from science to make it easier - and stop 'news alert' panic.

You don’t need to be informed all the time. “Issue fatigue” is real. Studies have found that when we consume news throughout the day, our anxiety skyrockets. The solution? Pick deliberate times to check the news (say, before and after work) and limit yourself to a few sites. When you need a break, instead of scrolling, set a timer and read celebrity gossip (which is calming), or solve puzzles (which delivers a relaxing sense of control). And remember: our grandparents, despite receiving the news once a day, did just fine.

Use technology to fight technology. Studies find that ‘blocking software’, which temporarily limits your online browsing, can greatly increase productivity. Even an app that gives you just a few seconds to breathe, after opening something like Instagram, can make it easier to stay focused. And setting your screen to grayscale (rather than full color) significantly reduces time spent on social media. (Instructions on how to do it are here.)

Indulge a hobby, or take a walk, or water a plant, or pet a dog. We often start doomscrolling because we need a quick break. And checking the news is inherently virtuous, right? (Wrong.) There are lots of other relaxing ways to spend five minutes. Employees are more productive if they take a short walk outside. Students score better on exams when their study breaks involve golden retrievers. Even just a few minutes of gardening can lower cortisol levels. If you must follow the news, reading a physical paper is better than a screen. Simply researching a hobby can trigger a flow state.

The key to success? Write down a list of things you actually enjoy. Post it next to your desk. When you need a break, consult the list.

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How do you relax during the day? Let us know in the comments!