The world is currently in a state of uncertainty. To feel in control, people want to gather as much information as possible about things going on in their lives. For example, if you are involved in foreign currency trading in Iraq, you want to know the news there and refer to an information source like dinar guru for recaps.
However, too much bad news might not be good for your mental well-being. Therefore, it is important to limit the news you watch while still staying informed. Here are some of the things you need to know about limiting the amount of news you read and watch.
Why You Are Drawn to the News in a Crisis
Fight or flight response is an involuntary biological process that all humans possess. To ensure that we are protected and safe, we want to stay informed. It explains why humans are bound to read the news, no matter how negative it is.
There is nothing wrong with staying informed. But when you spend three to four hours a day watching the news, it becomes harmful. It is just like physical exercise. Doing it is good, but it becomes bad for your health when you exercise too much.
Too much media can leave you feeling stressed. Therefore, to keep your stress in check, it is important to limit the amount of news you watch.
How to Limit News Intake
In the same way you would limit screen time for your child, you should limit your news intake to stay healthy. Note that there is no special amount of time you should spend watching the news.
Experts suggest that one hour is reasonable, but it should not be done in one sitting. There are two effective ways to break up news consumption. The first technique is known as time-based, and the other one is source-based.
• Time-based
This method is very easy and is the most effective. To use the time-based method, time yourself each time you sit down to watch the news.
It is okay to use thirty or twenty minutes for each session. If it is twenty minutes, do it thrice per day and twice per day if you choose thirty minutes.
Some people also prefer to watch the news for 15 minutes (four times a day). Stick to your plan and parent yourself to stop after you have used up your time.
It is going to be hard to stop watching the news, but the trick is to stick to the plan no matter what.
• Source-based
Source-based media intake is also a good one. To use this method, you must choose two sources to read or watch the news from. You must never use a third source no matter how tempting it can get.
This method works best with written media since it is hard to stop hopping from one channel to another on TV. The source-based technique is also harder at times like this when everyone wants to know what is going on in the world.
According to experts, if you want to limit your news intake right now, time-based is the most effective. But it is okay to use source-based if you are good at controlling yourself.
Additional Ways to Limit News Intake
Do you sleep with your phone in the bedroom? If you answered yes, you would need to stop that habit. When you go to sleep, there shouldn’t be any devices in the bedroom.
Leave your devices in the living room or somewhere far from the bedroom. That way, you won’t be tempted to read the news in the morning when you wake up.
When you are up in the morning, at least begin or start your day with something else. You might want to stretch or meditate before touching your phone.
Try to avoid carrying your phone to the workplace. It is important to stay away from anything that you would use to read or watch the news.
If you have to read the news, do it in the evening instead of before bed. Once you have read the news, try to do something relaxing before going to bed. This habit will also help to improve your productivity in the workplace.
You can read a book, do yoga, play with your little ones, or even call one of your parents.
Too much news will reduce the quality of your life. Albeit it is vital to stay in the know, always try to reduce your news intake using the tips mentioned.
