I haven’t watched the news for 2 weeks now. I still read a few articles but I’m selective in what I choose to read. I am feeling less stressed and anxious and — although I don’t know for sure that it is because of not watching the news — I want to continue this practice. At least for awhile.
I have always been a news junky. I would check news web sites several times during the day. My husband and I would eagerly look forward to sitting down in front of the TV and watch the evening news. Only then would we turn in.
But for the past 5 years it has been more stressful than educating. I would feel panicky after watching the broadcast — so much attention was placed on what the former president said or did and it seemed very little positives were highlighted for the current president. The news — even from our favorite stations — seemed to fall into an “”entertainment” rung rather than search out facts or present what was important to us. What we were interested in hearing more about was climate and education issues and voting issues. Little time was spent on those issues in the news broadcasts we watched.
So I decided to forego watching the news.
It was difficult at first and I initially thought of giving up the avoidance. But after 4 or 5 nights it became easy. I will be continuing it.My only hesitation is that I wonder if I will miss a breaking story that becomes important. Maybe — but I doubt it. Since I still am reading some news and most of my friends and family are connected to news I suspect I will know if something “big” happens.
So I will stay disconnected from network news at least for the near future. And it feels right for now.
On the path, Jane+
Pilgrimages and Paths 