Let’s be honest. Lately, it feels like the world has been turned up to maximum volume. Every time you open your phone, there’s a new headline, a new scandal, a new argument, and about 3,000 opinions demanding your attention before you’ve even finished your morning coffee.
Staying informed matters. But being constantly overwhelmed does not make us better citizens, better neighbors, or healthier people. If anything, nonstop exposure to heavy news and social media chatter can leave us feeling anxious, angry, exhausted, and sometimes completely powerless.
So how do we stay engaged without letting the noise take over our mental health? Here are some practical ways to protect your peace while still staying connected to the world around you. And trust me when I tell you, this advice is as much for me as it is for you. I have been feeling my anxiety going through the roof because I have been struggling to shut off and tune out.
Endless scrolling can make it feel like everything is happening all at once, even when it isn’t. Try setting specific times during the day to check the news instead of consuming it nonstop.
You don’t need push notifications for every developing story. In fact, turning off breaking news alerts can significantly reduce stress and help you focus on what’s actually happening in your own life.
Being informed is good. Being constantly bombarded is not.
Your social media should not feel like an emotional obstacle course. If certain accounts or topics consistently leave you feeling anxious, angry, or drained, it’s OK to mute, unfollow, or take a break.
Remember that algorithms are designed to keep you engaged, not necessarily to keep you well. Content that sparks outrage or fear tends to spread faster, which can create the illusion that everything is worse than it actually is.
Take back control of your feed. Follow people who inform you thoughtfully, make you laugh, inspire you, or help you learn something new.
When emotions are running high online, it’s easy to jump into debates or share content immediately. Before reacting, take a moment to breathe and ask yourself a few questions:
Is this information verified?
Is sharing this helpful or just adding to the chaos?
How will engaging with this conversation affect my mood today?
Not every comment section needs your participation, and not every argument is worth your energy.
When the online world feels overwhelming, intentionally seek out things that remind you that goodness still exists. That might mean watching a funny video, checking in with a friend, reading a good book, or spending time outside.
Good news exists too, but it doesn’t always trend. Sometimes you have to look for it or create it yourself through small acts of kindness and connection.
Many global events feel huge and far away, which can create a sense of helplessness. Instead of trying to carry the weight of everything, focus on actions that are within your control.
Be present with your family. Support your community. Volunteer locally. Help a neighbor. When you shift your focus to tangible, positive actions, the world starts to feel a little more manageable.
One of the healthiest things you can do is simply step away. Take a social media break for a day, a weekend, or longer if you need it. The internet will still be there when you come back.
Logging off is not ignoring the world. It’s protecting your ability to show up in it as your best, healthiest self.
We are living in a time when information travels faster than ever, and sometimes it feels like we are expected to carry the emotional weight of every headline. But you are allowed to set boundaries. You are allowed to unplug. And you are allowed to prioritize your mental health without guilt.
The world may be loud right now, but your peace still matters. Protect it.
I’m going to end with an apology and correction. I made an error on last week’s cover. The date for the Coldest Night of the Year Walk for the American Rescue Workers should be February 28th. It was correct in Dave’s article, but I did mistype on the cover. Again, I am sorry for the error.
