Part of my former job as a public relations counselor was to voraciously consume the news so that I could be well-informed to do my job well. However, from 2016-2020 and then with the arrival of the pandemic, my poor nerves couldn’t take the constant barrage of news about disasters, political issues, school shootings, and Covid coverage any longer – which is why I pivoted toward theatre and general comms consulting since then.

That’s not to say that I am now ignorant – part of the reason why I was so successful in public relations was because I like being well-informed. I feel that it’s important to know what’s going on in the world, even if it sometimes makes me angry or breaks my heart. But after consciously pivoting away from PR, at least I now have the option of taking a break from the never-ending onslaught of truly awful news.

During the pandemic, like many others I started taking part in that phenomenon called “Doomscrolling.” With little else to do but stay home with my family in my small house trying to do remote school with my kid, I found myself scrolling repeatedly through the horrible Covid news, feeling my blood pressure and emotions rise. Once I figured out how doomscrolling was impacting my mental health, I got better about stepping away when I needed to, and really haven’t had many issues with it since then.

That is, until this past week.

My social media and Google News feeds have been shocking, horrifying, and bewildering, to say the least. I worry about those in California, immigrants and migrants who are being rounded up like cattle, bird flu, LGBTQ+ as well as minority populations that are being blatantly discriminated against and targeted by the removal of federal DEI policies, and about my own family and how we’ll fare in this increasingly unstable and crazy world that’s increasingly looking like it’s built primarily for the billionaire assholes who want to see it burn to further pad their already overinflated profits.

So I found myself doomscrolling yet again, my blood pressure and stress steadily rising over the past week. However, instead of totally freaking out and getting super anxious like the last time doomscrolling took over my life, I implemented some coping mechanisms so that way I could remain informed – yet attempt to maintain my mental health.

Log Off Social Media

Just the simple act of logging off of my social media accounts has done wonders for my sanity. I realized that I don’t need to waste hours of my life scrolling through feeds getting upset and angry about what was being posted. I had a choice in the matter, and could choose to opt out.

So, when it all starts becoming too much, logging off is what I do to get a break. If you want to take it a step further consider deactivating your accounts for awhile, especially if you’re going through a particularly stressful period and need to save your peace. Or, go on a social media cleanse.

Do Something that Brings You Joy – Outside of Your Devices

Get off your phone! Close your laptop! Put down that iPad! Turn off your TV! Do something that doesn’t involve a screen that brings you joy – like painting, knitting, playing a board game with your family, building something, home improvement projects, yoga, etc.

For me, I go for walks around the neighborhood or in a local forest preserve. Lately I’ve started going to jazz dance classes to up my dance game and have been playing the piano at home. When the weather is warmer I play pickleball with my husband and kid and grow things in the garden. I also do the theatre thing – behind the scenes and/or onstage – which is a great way to get off of screens and actually interact with other people in person while creating something beautiful for the community.

Get Active in the Community

After seeing a therapist a couple of years ago in an effort to better cope with my anxiety, I came to the realization that I alone can’t fix everything that needs fixing in the world. Instead, I should focus on what I can realistically do in my own home and local community.

For me, that involves promoting the arts and volunteering at my kid’s school. For others it may mean helping out with local nonprofit organizations or donating funds and/or needed items to those who need it most. That way you can see the impact you’re making directly and know that you’re doing your part to help make the world a better place.