5 Ways to Deal with News Fatigue (yes, it's a real thing!)

As I mentioned in a recent piece, I sometimes struggle with balancing my desire to be up to date on current events and my anxiety. I want to know what's going on - and/also - it stresses me out and I feel pressure to do something about it. And with the ongoing climate crises around the globe and the U.S. heading into an election cycle - it's not going to slow down anytime soon.

As vital as staying updated regarding current events is, the constant bombardment of news in the 21st century can lead to an unhealthy obsession. Technology has made it easier than ever to look up the news whenever and wherever we want to, meaning we are frequently exposed to all the latest headlines and the most disturbing happenings. While being informed is a virtue, too much news can eventually lead to news fatigue.

News fatigue is a term for what some psychologists now identify as a phenomenon in which individuals who intake significant quantities of news suffer from mental/emotional fatigue which can lead to physical fatigue to the point of distress. Exhaustion, anxiety, and even depression are among the effects of excessive news exposure.

Fortunately, there are several ways to cope with news fatigue, which not only means bouncing back from chronic distress but also experiencing updates on current events without compromising your mental or physical well-being. Here are our top five tips on coping with it.