Avoiding News Overload – Staying Positive in a World of Overwhelming News
How to Stay Positive When the News Feels Overwhelming: A Guide to Disconnecting and Recharging
Primary Category: Psychology
Intended Audience: Scam Victims-Survivors / Family & Friends / General Public / Others
Author:
• Tim McGuinness, Ph.D. – Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
About This Article
In an era where negativity dominates the news cycle, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, anxious, and powerless by news overload. Constant exposure to distressing headlines can lead to emotional exhaustion, increased stress, and a distorted perception of reality. However, taking intentional breaks from the news—whether for a few hours, a day, or even longer—can help restore mental clarity and emotional balance.
Limiting exposure, turning off notifications, and engaging in positive activities like reading, spending time in nature, or practicing mindfulness can significantly reduce stress. When re-engaging with the news, it’s important to do so mindfully—setting limits, choosing reputable sources, and balancing negativity with stories of hope and progress.
Ultimately, protecting your mental well-being in a chaotic world isn’t about ignoring reality; it’s about managing your engagement with it in a way that allows you to stay informed without being consumed by fear.
How to Stay Positive When the News Feels Overwhelming: A Guide to Disconnecting and Recharging
Avoiding News Overload – Take a Break from the News Monster
It’s becoming harder and harder to remain hopeful when every news outlet seems to be broadcasting a steady stream of doom and gloom. While there are real challenges in the world, the media thrives on fear and crisis because they generate engagement and ad revenue. As a result, people are bombarded with negativity daily, making it feel like everything is spiraling out of control. Even when real news is reported, it can feel overwhelming, leaving many people emotionally exhausted, anxious, and hopeless.
For those already stressed or dealing with trauma, the weight of nonstop bad news can be paralyzing. That’s why it’s crucial to take intentional breaks and allow yourself time to step away from the chaos. If you find yourself feeling drained, consider a “news detox.” Take a day or two—or even just a few hours—to disconnect from social media, turn off the news, and focus on something that brings you peace. Engage in activities that ground you, such as spending time in nature, reading a book, or enjoying a hobby. Prioritizing moments of joy is not avoidance; it is a necessary act of self-care.
When you do re-engage with the news, approach it with intention. Set limits on how much time you spend consuming it, and be mindful of your emotional state. If a particular topic makes you feel powerless, shift your focus toward areas where you can make a difference—whether that’s supporting a cause, helping a neighbor, or simply staying informed without letting fear consume you. Remember, the world is not as dark as the headlines make it seem, and there are still good people and hopeful stories that deserve attention.
Most importantly, remind yourself that you are not obligated to carry the weight of the world on your shoulders. Your mental well-being matters, and sometimes, the best thing you can do is step back, breathe, and reclaim your peace before diving back into the noise.
Essential to Learn How to Step Back
Whether it’s political turmoil, economic instability, health crises, or global conflicts, it can feel as though the weight of the world is on your shoulders. Even when real, urgent issues demand attention, the sheer volume of negativity can leave people feeling exhausted, stressed, and hopeless.
For those who are already dealing with personal challenges, trauma, or high levels of stress, this unrelenting flood of bad news can be paralyzing. When fear and anxiety take over, it can become difficult to function, think clearly, or maintain any sense of optimism about the future. That’s why it is essential to learn how to step back, disconnect, and recharge—without losing sight of reality.
Why the News Feels So Overwhelming
It’s important to understand why modern news feels more overwhelming than ever. The truth is, media outlets are not just reporting the news—they are also businesses that need engagement to survive. Fear, outrage, and sensationalism drive clicks, views, and ad revenue. Studies show that negative headlines attract more attention than positive ones, which is why so many stories are framed to provoke strong emotional reactions.
Social media amplifies this problem. Algorithms are designed to keep users engaged, and that often means prioritizing emotionally charged content. If you’ve ever found yourself doomscrolling—endlessly reading bad news without being able to stop—it’s because the platforms are designed to pull you in. While staying informed is important, constant exposure to negativity takes a toll on mental health.
The Cost of Constant Exposure to Negative News
If you’ve ever felt emotionally drained after watching the news or scrolling through social media, you’re not alone. Research has shown that excessive exposure to negative news can contribute to:
- Increased Anxiety & Stress – Constantly worrying about global events can cause chronic stress, which negatively impacts both mental and physical health.
- Feelings of Helplessness – When bad news keeps coming, it’s easy to feel powerless, as though nothing you do will make a difference.
- Emotional Numbness – Over time, repeated exposure to trauma-filled news can lead to emotional burnout, making it hard to care about anything.
- Anger & Frustration – Many news stories are designed to spark outrage, leaving people feeling upset without a productive outlet for those emotions.
- Disconnection from Reality – When bad news dominates your perspective, it can distort your view of the world, making things seem worse than they actually are.
Recognizing these effects is the first step toward taking control of how news consumption affects your well-being.
How to Disconnect and Find Peace: A Step-by-Step Guide
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the news, it’s time to step back, reset, and recharge. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to take a break, regain peace, and develop healthier habits for staying informed.
Step 1: Acknowledge the Need for a Break
The first step in disconnecting is recognizing that it’s okay—and necessary—to step away. Taking a break from the news does not mean you don’t care. It simply means you are prioritizing your mental health so that you can process information in a healthier way.
If you’re feeling constantly anxious, upset, or emotionally drained after consuming news, that’s your mind and body telling you it’s time for a reset.
Step 2: Set a Timeframe for Your News Detox
Decide how long you want to take a break from news and social media. It could be:
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- A 24-hour break to give your mind some quick relief.
- A weekend reset where you unplug for two or three days.
- A longer break (a week or more) if you need deeper mental and emotional healing.
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Even a single day away from negative news can make a noticeable difference in how you feel.
Step 3: Turn Off Notifications & Limit Social Media
Social media is one of the biggest sources of negative news and constant updates. To fully disconnect:
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- Turn off notifications for news apps and social media platforms.
- Remove news apps from your phone for the duration of your break.
- Use website blockers if you find yourself checking news sites out of habit.
- Log out of social media accounts so you’re not tempted to scroll.
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If you still want to use your phone, consider using apps that promote relaxation, like meditation guides or calming music.
Step 4: Replace the News with Something Positive
Instead of filling your downtime with news, replace it with activities that bring you joy, relaxation, and a sense of peace. Some ideas include:
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- Reading a book (fiction, self-improvement, or anything uplifting)
- Going for a walk in nature
- Practicing meditation or deep breathing exercises
- Listening to music or podcasts that inspire and uplift you
- Spending quality time with loved ones
- Engaging in a creative hobby (painting, writing, cooking, etc.)
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By consciously filling the space with positivity, you allow your mind to reset.
Step 5: Re-engage with the News Mindfully
Once your break is over, you don’t have to jump back into the news the same way you did before. Instead, adopt a mindful approach to news consumption:
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- Set time limits – Check the news once or twice a day instead of constantly throughout the day.
- Choose reputable sources – Avoid sensationalist outlets that thrive on fear and outrage.
- Filter out unnecessary negativity – You don’t have to read every tragic story. Focus on the news that truly matters to you.
- Balance negative news with positive stories – There are plenty of stories about human kindness, scientific breakthroughs, and social progress—make an effort to seek them out.
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Step 6: Engage in Meaningful Action
One of the most overwhelming aspects of the news is the feeling of helplessness. Instead of just absorbing negativity, consider what small actions you can take to make a difference:
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- Donate to a cause that matters to you.
- Volunteer in your community.
- Educate yourself on an issue and share helpful information.
- Support businesses that align with your values.
- Focus on creating positivity in your own daily interactions.
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Taking action—no matter how small—helps shift your mindset from despair to empowerment.
Final Thoughts: Protecting Your Peace in a Chaotic World
Staying informed is important, but it should not come at the cost of your mental and emotional well-being. News will always exist, and crises will continue to unfold, but you have the power to control how you engage with it. By setting boundaries, taking intentional breaks, and balancing your perspective with positive influences, you can stay informed without becoming consumed by negativity.
The world is not as dark as the headlines make it seem. There is still kindness, progress, and hope all around us—sometimes, you just have to take a step back to see it clearly.
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Important Information for New Scam Victims
- Please visit www.ScamVictimsSupport.org – a SCARS Website for New Scam Victims & Sextortion Victims
- SCARS Institute now offers a free recovery program at www.SCARSeducation.org
- Please visit www.ScamPsychology.org – to more fully understand the psychological concepts involved in scams and scam victim recovery
If you are looking for local trauma counselors please visit counseling.AgainstScams.org or join SCARS for our counseling/therapy benefit: membership.AgainstScams.org
If you need to speak with someone now, you can dial 988 or find phone numbers for crisis hotlines all around the world here: www.opencounseling.com/suicide-hotlines
A Question of Trust
At the SCARS Institute, we invite you to do your own research on the topics we speak about and publish, Our team investigates the subject being discussed, especially when it comes to understanding the scam victims-survivors experience. You can do Google searches but in many cases, you will have to wade through scientific papers and studies. However, remember that biases and perspectives matter and influence the outcome. Regardless, we encourage you to explore these topics as thoroughly as you can for your own awareness.
Statement About Victim Blaming
Some of our articles discuss various aspects of victims. This is both about better understanding victims (the science of victimology) and their behaviors and psychology. This helps us to educate victims/survivors about why these crimes happened and to not blame themselves, better develop recovery programs, and to help victims avoid scams in the future. At times this may sound like blaming the victim, but it does not blame scam victims, we are simply explaining the hows and whys of the experience victims have.
These articles, about the Psychology of Scams or Victim Psychology – meaning that all humans have psychological or cognitive characteristics in common that can either be exploited or work against us – help us all to understand the unique challenges victims face before, during, and after scams, fraud, or cybercrimes. These sometimes talk about some of the vulnerabilities the scammers exploit. Victims rarely have control of them or are even aware of them, until something like a scam happens and then they can learn how their mind works and how to overcome these mechanisms.
Articles like these help victims and others understand these processes and how to help prevent them from being exploited again or to help them recover more easily by understanding their post-scam behaviors. Learn more about the Psychology of Scams at www.ScamPsychology.org
SCARS Resources:
- Getting Started: ScamVictimsSupport.org
- FREE enrollment in the SCARS Institute training programs for scam victims SCARSeducation.org
- For New Victims of Relationship Scams newvictim.AgainstScams.org
- Subscribe to SCARS Newsletter newsletter.againstscams.org
- Sign up for SCARS professional support & recovery groups, visit support.AgainstScams.org
- Find competent trauma counselors or therapists, visit counseling.AgainstScams.org
- Become a SCARS Member and get free counseling benefits, visit membership.AgainstScams.org
- Report each and every crime, learn how to at reporting.AgainstScams.org
- Learn more about Scams & Scammers at RomanceScamsNOW.com and ScamsNOW.com
- Learn more about the Psychology of Scams and Scam Victims: ScamPsychology.org
- Self-Help Books for Scam Victims are at shop.AgainstScams.org
- Worldwide Crisis Hotlines: International Suicide Hotlines – OpenCounseling : OpenCounseling
- Campaign To End Scam Victim Blaming – 2024 (scamsnow.com)
Psychology Disclaimer:
All articles about psychology and the human brain on this website are for information & education only
The information provided in this and other SCARS articles are intended for educational and self-help purposes only and should not be construed as a substitute for professional therapy or counseling.
Note about Mindfulness: Mindfulness practices have the potential to create psychological distress for some individuals. Please consult a mental health professional or experienced meditation instructor for guidance should you encounter difficulties.
While any self-help techniques outlined herein may be beneficial for scam victims seeking to recover from their experience and move towards recovery, it is important to consult with a qualified mental health professional before initiating any course of action. Each individual’s experience and needs are unique, and what works for one person may not be suitable for another.
Additionally, any approach may not be appropriate for individuals with certain pre-existing mental health conditions or trauma histories. It is advisable to seek guidance from a licensed therapist or counselor who can provide personalized support, guidance, and treatment tailored to your specific needs.
If you are experiencing significant distress or emotional difficulties related to a scam or other traumatic event, please consult your doctor or mental health provider for appropriate care and support.
Also read our SCARS Institute Statement about Professional Care for Scam Victims – click here
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By absorbing regularly, without much thought, the vast amount of information we are fed by the mass media, we often do not realize what a negative impact it has on our mental health. It’s time to change bad habits using this great guide.