3 Tips For Mindful News Consumption

Find the one source you trust most for reporting accurately and compassionately. Stick with sources that report factually without excessive amounts of emotion. A certain level of humanity and compassion are an integral part of a news report. News sources that rely heavily on individual anecdotes tend to affect our moods the most. Intentional manipulation of your emotions is not something you need to give into in order to be informed.

• Get one email delivered to your inbox with the day’s news headlines
• Listen to one radio broadcast or podcast, about 10 minutes maximum
• Watch one news program limited to 30 minutes that does not include back-and-forth argumentation

Take the news out of your hands, literally. Once you’ve tuned in each morning, reject continual grabs for your attention. All-day news consumption is not necessary to be informed.

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Once you’ve got your news for the day, what are you going to do about it? If you simply consume without acting, you may end up feeling anxious and powerless.

Here are a few options for action steps after news consumption:

• Take direct action. Typically, this means donating to a cause or writing your representative. If you feel compelled to be directly involved, don’t wait on it.
• Meditate. If you don’t feel there is a direct action step you can take, then spend a few minutes returning to yourself before you start your day. If you have a meditation practice, employ it now. If you don’t, take 5 clearing breaths, then spend 3 minutes noticing how your body is feeling.
• Reach out for support. If you’re feeling stressed, anxious, or burdened by the news, reach out to a friend, family member or therapist. Try to find someone who will compassionately listen without magnifying your anxiety.
• Exercise. By exerting yourself, you will trigger an endorphin rush, clear cortisol from your body, and feel more in control of your day.