5 Things To Do When The News Cycle Becomes Overwhelming

As we are in the midst of yet another stressful world event, we ask ourselves how do we cope with yet another event that can feel out of our control? 

Since the pandemic, it has felt that our world has been thrown upside down and constantly being hit by different news cycles. It's normal for our minds to race to questions such as: 

How did we get here?

What will happen? 

How will this affect my life? 

What can I do about it? 

The reality is sometimes we won't have all the answers, and it's essential to concentrate on what we can control. Here are 5 things to do when the news cycle becomes overwhelming. 

1. Breathe. 

If you feel overwhelmed or stressed out, step away from what you are reading or currently doing. Take a moment to do a breathing exercise. One of our go-to is the box breathing—breath in for 4 seconds, hold for 4 seconds, breath out for 4 seconds, and repeat as needed. 

You can also try taking time to meditate by trying this quick grounding exercise. Name 5 things you can see, 4 things you can touch, 3 things you can feel, 2 things you can smell, and 1 thing you can taste. 

If your looking for guidance you can check out some great apps like Headspace or Calm. 

2. Get Your Body Moving! 

Focus on what feels good for your body. Whether that's a five-minute walk, running around with the kids, or following an exercise routine, or hey, maybe it's even deep cleaning the shed you've been avoiding. Have you tried a dance party? Put on your favourite Garth Brooks songs and show off those hidden dance moves. 

3. Nourish Yourself. 

Often when we are feeling stressed out, we forget to take care of our body and ensure we are eating right. Maybe it's time to try grandma's recipes that you haven't made in a while. 

4. Connect With Others. 

When the news is scary, we can often be lost in our thoughts. Instead, reach out to family and friends and talk about what's on your mind. If it's taking room up in your mind, it's worth discussing. If you're not sure if you're ready to share, try writing it down in a letter. 

5. Log Out or Silence Your Phone. 

It's okay to need breaks from the news and social media. It’s okay to unplug. We shouldn't be expected to stay connected 24/7. Try putting a timer on your phone, so you limit your access to social media or news. 

Have tips or tricks that you do? We would love to hear how you cope!