Since we live in a time of uncertainty, being aware of the current happenings of the world seems very important. A day does not go by without several unexpected and unpredictable events occurring in our own country as well as the globe. While we can agree that staying updated with the latest news is of great importance, we also have to accept that in doing so, we expose ourselves to a variety of overwhelming information that might be too much to take.

All news may not be negative, but the amount of anxiety-inducing, negative information greatly outweighs the positive, uplifting content. The pandemic is still raging everywhere, the climate crisis only seems to get worse and many such stressful headlines seem to greet us at dawn and tuck us into our beds every night.

An overload of information can make us very anxious and panic-stricken. This not only affects our mental health but also our physical wellbeing. The pandemic has shown us how easily we can get stuck in a whirlpool of disturbing figures and details. A recent survey conducted by the American Psychological Association states that one in ten adults checks the news every hour. Paying attention to the quantity, quality, and source of news will help us limit and filter our information intake.

Here are a few ways to do so:

• Set aside some time for news:

While there is no such thing as the standard amount of time to spend consuming the news, we can set about 30 minutes per day to keep ourselves updated. Be particular about the timings and try to avoid exceeding them. Never read or watch the news before bed or immediately after waking up.

 

• Monitor your source:

Misinformation and fake news have drastically increased in recent times. Anyone can fall prey to false information and the fear it causes. To avoid this, we can choose a set of trusted websites and newspapers to deliver accurate information. Any news from unreliable sources can be ignored.

• Acceptance

The events that take place across the world often disturb us emotionally. A certain level of detachment and acceptance of what is beyond our control will help us cope with these difficult times. This might seem easier said than done but it happens to be the only remedy for the uncertainty ahead.

Added to this, practicing meditation, eating well, exercising, and getting enough rest will ensure our well-being.