But equally in such strange and unknown times it’s so important to keep informed and know what’s going on. How do we sort the fact from the fiction, and how do we find a balance between keeping informed and keeping sane!?
Without naming names… Auntie Sarah’s Facebook post about her neighbour’s son’s girlfriend who said this or that is not really worth getting stressed about
The first thing to think about is what news are you actually reading. Although it might seem obvious, its best to stick to trusted sources, then you know that the information you’re getting is reliable and worth your time. There’s no point getting worked up about a story that isn’t quite what it seems. Without naming names… Auntie Sarah’s Facebook post about her neighbour’s son’s girlfriend who said this or that is not really worth getting stressed about. If you want to stay informed, check that what you are reading is reliable.
You’ve got to know yourself and decide what’s going to be most beneficial to you – there’s no point checking the news ten times a day if all its going to do is cause anxiety and keep you up at night. The likelihood is, if it’s important information, you will hear about it one way or another, so don’t worry that you will miss a key update.
News checking can verge on the obsessive, particularly with the ever-changing situation we find ourselves in
News checking can verge on the obsessive, particularly with the ever-changing situation we find ourselves in. But it can quickly become overwhelming to feel as though you have to be up to date at all times on the latest stats and figures. So it’s important to remember that no one is expecting you to know the ins and outs of the whole world. Focus instead on the day at hand and the present.
Lastly, remember that not all news is bad news. Although it might seem like dark times are upon us, that’s not to say it’s all doom and gloom. Try to find some articles which highlight the positives going on in the world: the environment is flourishing, community spirit is stronger than ever and people are learning to appreciate the little things in life. Finish the day on a high note and allow yourself to read something positive at the end of each day.
Featured image: AbsolutVision on Unsplash
