The 21st century is a world that is constantly changing and buzzing with new information. It’s easy to get caught up in the details. How often do you spend your free time scrolling through social news or news on your phone, forgetting that you need to get up. It can be shocking to many that our screens are being notified weekly. This can be harmful to our mental health. This can lead to anxiety and stress. We can become addicted to news feeds and the 24-hour news cycle.
The Impact of Social Media on News
Social media can be a powerful tool that allows us to make connections, make friends, grow businesses, share ideas and culture, have a good time, and even have a lot of fun. On the other hand, social media can be very toxic with unfiltered judgments and sketchy news reports. This, combined with exposure to news outlets can quickly damage our mental health.
Engaging in healthy conversations and staying up to date about current events can help you grow and develop as an individual. However, too much exposure can cause problems. If we allow these things to have unrestricted access to our bodies, we can experience stress, anxiety and depression.
Set Boundaries and Stay Informed
While it is valuable to be aware of what is going on and how people feel about it, it’s also crucial to set boundaries for how we engage with the barrage of news and opinion. Humans have never had this much information; we must create new paths. We can avoid harming our mental health by setting boundaries and sticking to them while still being engaged with the world and what is happening in our communities.
The screen-time limits that you set will likely change depending upon your life and circumstances. If you’re a congressional aide or a lobbyist, for example, you probably need to spend more time on these things than if you’re a kindergarten teacher or a contractor. The key idea is to set aside enough time to turn it off every day and then follow through.
How to set media boundaries for yourself
Limit the time you spend on social media
It’s easy to get caught up in the temptation of scrolling through social media for hours at once. If you’re finding that the time you’re spending on social media leads to increased stress, anger, anxiety, disengagement, or other issues, try setting boundaries for how much time you spend on it.
Maybe all you need to change is increased awareness, but it’s possible you’ll need other tools to help you out. You can find out more about the tools that can help you track the Time spent on each app to limiting your access as you outline.
You can also use a timer. It’s a good idea, at least initially, to jump into something you like at the end of your allocated social media time. This is what you should be doing. new habit may take a while, but it’s worth it.
Plan the Time You’ll Spend Watching the News
News channels can also take over your attention and time. Their programming is designed to keep viewers watching and ensure that there is always an audience for their non-stop coverage. You should plan how much and when you watch the news, just as you limit your social media use. Although important events are happening constantly, we cannot all keep up with them all.
Protect your Mornings and Evenings
Winding down is your main priority after a certain time in the evening, usually an additional hour before bedtime. Do not scroll on social media or watch the news during this time. This will prevent you from getting anxious, despair, or angry right before you go to bed. It will help you fall asleep quicker, get better sleep, and be ready to tackle tomorrow.
The tone of the day can be set by scrolling on social media or reading the news right before we get up. Instead of scrolling on your phone every second you wake up, take the time to get your thoughts and feelings in order. Get up, get dressed, eat breakfast, go outside, and talk to your family. If you can complete your day without checking social media or the news, you will be more likely to have a positive day.
Engage wherever you are
There are many reasons to be mindful about how much time you spend on current events. Some of these we don’t even know about. We can all agree with some of these goals.
You can thrive right where you’re at your best by limiting how much time you spend on social media and news. Engaged and present are the keys to flourishing.
You don’t have to be a failure to thrive. A therapist can help you work through what’s holding you back, keeping you stuck, stifling you, or draining your resources. Start your search today for a therapist and start living the life you want.
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