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You wake up in the morning, check the news, and feel stressed. This experience is common for many people who engage in "doomscrolling," a habit that can exacerbate stress levels. In response to this issue, several strategies have been proposed to help manage mental health while staying informed.
Setting time limits on news exposure is one recommended approach. Similar to setting boundaries for children's TV watching, adults can limit their news consumption to 30 minutes daily or use phone tools to set screen limits. Alternatives like walking or calling a friend during breaks can be beneficial.
Other strategies include reading beyond headlines for context, monitoring news sources for credibility, and getting involved in community issues. While staying informed is important, excessive consumption of negative news can lead to burnout and stress.
For those feeling overwhelmed by news-related anxiety or depression, seeking help is advised. Duly Health and Care offers mental and behavioral health support accessible through primary care providers. They assist with emotional discussions, coping strategies, and additional resources tailored to individual needs.
Maintaining a positive mindset amidst challenging topics can also aid mental well-being. Conversations focusing too much on negative events might need redirection towards more positive subjects. Practicing mindful reflection by discussing challenges alongside exciting or hopeful developments is encouraged.
These steps aim at breaking doomscrolling habits and fostering healthier news consumption practices which positively impact mental health over time.
