We all know that the world is a pretty frightening place right now. Shootings, bombings, murders, despair and tragedy are flashed before us in a constant news cycle. Reporters report on the same stories over and over, sometimes repeating the same events for days on end. Over time, this has a tendency to wear us down and numb us to all the goodness in life.
This summer, I've made a conscious effort to turn off the TV news. I have seen about two newscasts since the end of May, and those were because my husband was watching as we were heading off to sleep.
I still know all the bad stuff is happening out there, but I don't need to be reminded of it 24/7. I don't need the emotional stress of all the tragedy. I don't think it's healthy. I still hear about events through conversations with other people, on the radio, or through social media. I'm not completely oblivious, I have just chosen not to constantly expose myself to bad news. The only thing I miss about not seeing the daily news is the weather forecast. Luckily, there's an app for that.
Since going on a news vacation, I am definitely happier. I have more time for reading, gardening and cooking. I am not drawn to a schedule dictated by when the news is on. I can think about world issues and come to my own conclusions, not those that are voiced to me by news people with their own agenda. As a side benefit, my husband is picking up a book to read more often than reaching for the remote control at night.
I truly feel more mindful and peaceful. And happier. {Did I mention happier?}
For this, I celebrate.
This summer, I've made a conscious effort to turn off the TV news. I have seen about two newscasts since the end of May, and those were because my husband was watching as we were heading off to sleep.
I still know all the bad stuff is happening out there, but I don't need to be reminded of it 24/7. I don't need the emotional stress of all the tragedy. I don't think it's healthy. I still hear about events through conversations with other people, on the radio, or through social media. I'm not completely oblivious, I have just chosen not to constantly expose myself to bad news. The only thing I miss about not seeing the daily news is the weather forecast. Luckily, there's an app for that.
Since going on a news vacation, I am definitely happier. I have more time for reading, gardening and cooking. I am not drawn to a schedule dictated by when the news is on. I can think about world issues and come to my own conclusions, not those that are voiced to me by news people with their own agenda. As a side benefit, my husband is picking up a book to read more often than reaching for the remote control at night.
I truly feel more mindful and peaceful. And happier. {Did I mention happier?}
For this, I celebrate.
More mindful, peaceful, and happier! Wonderful results occurring from your news vacation. Congrats on a practice that makes more time in your life for the good things - reading, gardening, and cooking.
ReplyDeleteThis reminds me of how important it is to find and maintain balance in our lives. We are blessed to have summer vacation to slow down and evaluate how we spend our time. Good for you for determing what is important for you and letting go of what is not!
ReplyDelete😕Ugggg...spelling error...determining😊
ReplyDeleteI wish the media were more responsible in their reporting nowadays. Everything seems to feed off fear. I'm glad you've avoided the news. It's not like anyone can not stay informed despite not reading/watching the news since people talk.
ReplyDeleteI'm on a news vacation, too, and without television. And I, too, feel the benefits of this.
ReplyDeleteI too removed myself from the news quite a while ago and I don't miss the sadness it always brought. I wish there was a channel of just happy news!
ReplyDeleteI did not do so intentionally like you, but I have not watched news in quite a while. And like you said, you hear about it and know what's going on, but the constant way the media goes over and over a tragedy can get to you. So much happier to sit and read.
ReplyDeleteSounds like something I need to hear, Jennifer. It's been a tough time these past weeks, and I am trying not to watch too much. I read more from the newspapers, count on them to share what's important. You're inspiring!
ReplyDeleteThank you! You reminded me to turn it off and it will be OK. I will cut back more on my intake of bad news.
ReplyDeleteThank you! You reminded me to turn it off and it will be OK. I will cut back more on my intake of bad news.
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