I'm on a News Diet - Join me?

If you are like most Americans, the news is getting you down. Every day there is a barrage of headlines and in-depth discussions on topics that can upset the average person.  Not just the political mess that is unfolding, but the shootings, the natural disasters, racism and other deeply disturbing topics that impact our physiological state. It has been proven that the human brain is attracted to troubling information because it’s programmed to detect threats, not to overlook them. This can make it hard for us to ignore the negatives and seek out the positives around us. Studies have shown that 56% of Americans following the news regularly gives them stress. We tend to take the feelings from that stress and bring it into our personal lives.  If you are the type of person who can scan headlines with no adverse impact, then you are the minority.

I’m a passionate person and it hits me hard when I read about senseless deaths from maniacs. It takes me several days, and sometimes weeks to process it and get my balance back.  I have decided to change the way I get my news. The world is going to press on whether I check the headlines each hour or not. I have made the conscious decision to strategically capture news by removing the alerts and news applications on my phone; unlink to the newscasts and shut off the radio and television for most of the evening.  Giving up news entirely is not the answer, managing your input is. I have put myself on a news diet.

Finding positives for every negative is helpful. When you see or read something upsetting, make it a point to do something that makes you feel good and happy.  For me it is hopping in my Figaro, popping in a Sinatra or Doris Day CD and cruising around the lake with the top down. I believe this is keeping me from getting as upset when I read that someone has decided people need to die by their hands or a politician is ranting on television.

I hope that you too will decide to strategically capture the world’s news and reach out and find the things that make you feel good. Have a coffee with a friend, drop off food at the food bank, call a family member to tell them you love them or just get in your Figaro and drive while Sinatra is telling you “The Best Is Yet to Come”.

Kelly