How to Stay Up-To-Date With the News During Times of Change
Do we need Nirvana, or the mute button?
This week marks National News Literacy Week. In a GLOBAL world where news cycles move faster than ever before, it’s extremely easy to feel overwhelmed. Headlines, “breaking news updates” that are not really breaking news updates, and viral stories bombard us on every platform and the news invades our inter-personal relationships and sets the tone for the day. While many mental health professionals suggest disconnecting altogether, that is not always practical—especially for busy professionals, entrepreneurs, and business leaders who need to stay informed.
When people find out we are in the news business, they look horrified and ready to have a debate or discuss the latest thing that made them mad as hell. Here are a couple of tips that we advise our clients of how to stay connected while actively participating in the world. At COMMS/NATION, we believe in striking some semblance of balance: staying engaged with the news while protecting your mental well-being. Here’s a couple of tips to help do both:
1. Set Boundaries with Your News Consumption
Instead of passively consuming news throughout the day, be intentional about when and how you check in. Try:
Designating specific times to read or watch the news (e.g., 15-30 minutes in the morning and evening).
Muting push notifications that constantly pull your attention away from your personal life.
Choosing reliable news sources instead of doomscrolling through sensationalized headlines.
2. Diversify Your News Intake
Just like a balanced diet, a balanced media diet matters. Consuming news from different perspectives helps you stay informed without getting caught in an echo chamber. Consider:
Following a mix of reputable national and local news sources.
Engaging with newsletters that curate top stories in a digestible format.
Listening to podcasts or reading long-form journalism that provides context rather than just shock value.
3. Engage, But Don’t Absorb
It’s important to stay aware of what’s happening in the world—but not at the expense of your peace of mind. Practice mindful news consumption by:
Reading with a critical but detached mindset: observe without internalizing every piece of bad news.
Asking yourself, Is this directly affecting my life or work? If not, do I need to dwell on it?
Seeking stories of resilience, progress, and solutions—not just crises.
4. Take Action Where You Can
Feeling powerless over the news can lead to anxiety and burnout. Combat this by:
Supporting causes or organizations that align with your values.
Voting, volunteering, or contributing to change in meaningful ways.
Discussing news in a way that’s constructive rather than anxiety-inducing.
5. Prioritize Your Well-Being
At the end of the day, your mental health comes first. Balance news consumption with:
Engaging in hobbies that have nothing to do with current events.
Spending time in nature or exercising to clear your mind.
Practicing gratitude by focusing on what’s going well in your life and work.
Final Thoughts
The world is complex, and staying informed is important—but so is protecting your wellbeing. As modern people in a fast paced world, we tend to underestimate the amount of media we consume. By setting boundaries, diversifying your news sources, and focusing on what you can control, you can engage with the world in a way that’s empowering, sexy, and inspirational, not draining..
More about the author: Andréa M. Garcia is the managing partner of COMMS/NATION LLC where her team builds strategic award-winning PR and communications campaigns and thought-provoking leadership for ambitious business leaders who want to dominate their respective industries. She’s a trailblazer in communications and a dedicated advocate for minority entrepreneurs.