Can watching the news make you depressed? Perhaps an even better question is can the news make you emotional? In my opinion, I would say a little bit of both. So today I am going to give you tips and tricks on how to limit the news and the negative and positive effects of watching the news.
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What Are The Negative Effects Of Watching The News
Honestly, I do not know how my parents can watch the news most nights before they go to bed. What a really crumby way just to go to bed with. All the negative news and thoughts in your head. If you read or watch the news before bed here's what you might experience:
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You may experience anger
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You might feel sad
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You may feel worried
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You may also feel stressed
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Perhaps you may also feel scared
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maybe even feel hopeless
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A negative outlook on life
Don't get me wrong, it's important to stay up to date with what is happening around the world but we just need to get the news in a healthy dose. Check out the psychological effects of tv news.
What Are The Positive Effects Of Watching The News
Not all news has to be bad news am I right? There are some positive things that the news sometimes covers.
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You are staying informed
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You are gathering information to share with family and friends
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You are staying up to date with the weather
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You found out that your favorite sports team won
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It keeps your brain young by learning new information
Why Is The News Always Depressing?
The news is not always depressing but it sure feels like 95% if the time is just all bad, am I right? Here are a few things to keep in mind if you are reading or watching the news:
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The news is not meant for entertainment
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It’s supposed to keep you informed
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If you are looking for entertainment look elsewhere (Netflix, Hulu, Vudu).
The News Is Making Me Angry What Should I Do?
If you are one of those people who gets angry while watching the news then you need to follow some of the tips and tricks.
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Turn it off
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Crank up some music
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Read a book to escape
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Listen to some podcasts
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Do some arts and crafts
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Watch some Netflix or Hulu
The News Is Stressing Me Out What Should I Do?
If the news is stressing you out then try some of the following solutions to see if that helps.
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Take a break from the news.
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Talk to family and friends.
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Take your dog for a walk.
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Do some yoga.
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Write in a journal.
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Set a time limit for consuming the news.
The next time you are watching the news ask yourself if you are suffering from news exposure stress syndrome?
How Much News Should I watch?
I try to limit myself to only reading or watching anything news related within a 10-minute time frame. Then I read stuff that interests me like video games, fitness, etc. You just got to figure out what the right balance is for you. Only you can figure that one out. Ask yourself how you feel every 5 to 10 minutes while watching or reading the news.
What Are Some Other Ways To Consume The News?
Did you know there are so many different ways when it comes to consume the news? It doesn't have to be just watching the news. Here are some different ways you can consume the news:
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Podcasts
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RSS readers
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Newspapers
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News websites
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Magazines
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Social media websites
What Is The Best Way To Get The News?
In my opinion, RSS readers are the best way to consume news. One of the main reasons why I like RSS readers is because I can select topics and interests that I care about. Another reason why I like RSS readers is that if I do not like a certain topic I can filter out those topics.
Lastly, RSS readers let you follow sources that you like. Why read from just one source when you can read from many sources in one app?
What Are The Best Apps To Read Interesting Articles?
This list of services is the best app to follow your favorite interests and topics. There are plenty of RSS readers out there but what makes these different is the ability to follow topics and you get many different sources posting about that topic. It’s sort of like following a hashtag on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
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Flipboard
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Bundle
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Microsoft news
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Google News
What Is The Best Way To Read The News Online?
If you want to read the news online across all of your devices then you need an RSS reader that can sync across all of your devices. Who really wants to set up an RSS reader every time when they need to get a new phone or laptop? I know I would not do that.
Conclusion:
If you are suffering from too much news anxiety then you need to take a break from the news. There will always be news. If you need a mental break from the news let your family and friends give you a brief summary of what you have missed since the last time you have checked it out.
Just because when you were growing up and saw your parents watching the news or reading it. Doesn't mean you have to read and watch it every day.
