{"id":117757,"date":"2020-04-20T14:16:55","date_gmt":"2020-04-20T13:16:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/focusme.com\/?p=117757"},"modified":"2025-02-07T12:40:49","modified_gmt":"2025-02-07T12:40:49","slug":"5-reasons-to-reduce-your-exposure-to-negative-news-how-to-do-it","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/focusme.com\/blog\/5-reasons-to-reduce-your-exposure-to-negative-news-how-to-do-it\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Reasons to Reduce Your Exposure to Negative News & How to Do It"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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It\u2019s important to be aware of local, national, and world events – but at what cost?<\/span><\/p>\n

How many hours do you give away to staying up-to-date with the news?<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

What\u2019s the healthy boundary and what are healthy alternatives to news addiction?<\/span><\/p>\n

Because let\u2019s face it, there are a lot of terrible things going on in this world, but there\u2019s only one YOU and the world needs YOU feeling hopeful.<\/span><\/p>\n

So let\u2019s take a look at five reasons you might want to minimize your exposure to negative news and what you can do to stay in the know.<\/span><\/p>\n

Download this article as a PDF<\/a><\/h2>\n

1. The news is skewed toward the negative.<\/span><\/h2>\n

Negative news grabs our attention and captures the imagination. That\u2019s why news outlets offer mostly negative news. It triggers fear in us and we end up being glued to the news.<\/span><\/p>\n

When our emotions are wrapped up in what we are watching, we usually keep watching to see if there is a resolution. However, there\u2019s really no end to the news. It keeps coming, all day every day.<\/span><\/p>\n

We need to use discernment about how much negativity you want to flow into your life. <\/span>Consider the harm<\/span><\/a> that exposure to depressing, violent, dangerous, or sad news can have on your mental and emotional state.<\/span><\/p>\n

2. It\u2019s temporary and oftentimes sensationalized.<\/span><\/h2>\n

The news is temporary. What\u2019s captivating one day is old news the next. So if you\u2019re riding the wave of one sensational news story after the next – when will it stop? Think about that…<\/span><\/p>\n

I\u2019m not proposing that you keep your head in the sand, but the news does not sustain you. It\u2019s important, but it likely won\u2019t uphold your life goals. <\/span><\/p>\n

Additionally, the news is often presented in a sensational way. A lot of what gets aired ends up being empty of real substance… So not only should we reduce exposure to negative news, but be cautious about which news outlets you listen to.<\/span><\/p>\n

3. People who watch negative news are more likely to be stressed or anxious.<\/span><\/h2>\n

Studies have been done on people who watch the news. Do you know what was found? <\/span>Watching the news causes an increase in stress and anxiety.<\/span><\/i><\/a><\/p>\n

We are likely to think catastrophically about our lives and the challenges we encounter. It seems that negative news trains the mind to think in a negative way…<\/span><\/p>\n

For that reason alone, it\u2019s worth considering what role negative news plays in your life.<\/span><\/p>\n

4. You don\u2019t want to live like a slave to your addictions.<\/span><\/h2>\n

If you feel addicted to watching, hearing, or reading the news, you might be stuck in a habit that controls you. When you do not feel in control of your habits, you can lose a sense of integrity and also perspective.<\/span><\/p>\n

You might think, <\/span>\u201cOh, I have to watch the evening news segment. That\u2019s my routine and I like the news anchor.\u201d <\/span><\/i>Ok that\u2019s fine, but observe your mind… <\/span><\/p>\n

Does it feel like a \u201cneed\u201d or like you \u201chave to\u201d? Do you feel attached? What would you feel like if you did not consume the news?<\/span><\/p>\n

Do certain events trigger you to overly consume the news in a way that\u2019s getting out of balance?<\/span><\/p>\n

5. You want to focus on what matters most.<\/span><\/h2>\n

By reducing exposure to negative news, you\u2019re creating space for what you really want to do with your life.<\/span><\/p>\n

Listen to this how this Columnist for USA Today, Jeff Stibel, reported on <\/span>his experience<\/span><\/a> of kicking his news addiction habit:<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSince dropping the habit, I am more focused on things that matter. Conversations seem to have more depth, time seems more available for family and friends, and my understanding of what is really happening in the world has actually increased. This past weekend, while everyone else was fixated on the latest news eruption from Washington, I spent my time painting with my daughter. It may be ironic that a columnist gave up the news, but who better than someone steeped in the stew to show that there are more fulfilling meals.\u201d <\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

You get to decide how you spend your time – not the news stations and not your addictions!<\/span><\/p>\n

Stay informed, but balanced…<\/span><\/h2>\n

Here are four ways you can keep a healthy relationship with the news:<\/span><\/p>\n