A Refined Life Without the News: Finding Peace and Purpose in a World of Chaos
The Newsmongers. Gabriel de Saint-Aubin, 1752. Courtesy Metropolitan Museum of Art.
A refined minimalist knows that the greatest luxury is the freedom to curate your mental space, and sometimes, that means saying no to the news.
In the wake of the Uvalde school shooting in May 2022, I made a decision that has profoundly impacted my life: I stopped watching the news. The constant barrage of negativity, from COVID-19 to wars to national tragedies, was taking its toll on my mental health. Years prior, I had fasted from the news and remembered how much better I felt. It was time to make the fast permanent.
The Impacts of Negative News
I used to believe that being an informed citizen required consistent news consumption. Knowing what was going on in the world seemed important for engaging where it mattered, empathizing with others, and participating in the political process. However, today’s news landscape–guided by algorithms and ratings wars–can quickly flood your thoughts with despair and the seemingly hopeless.
A 2024 study found that individuals who frequently consume news, especially negative news, are more likely to experience anxiety, depression, and stress. These mental health issues can then lead to physical problems, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and digestive problems. Another study showed that watching just 14 minutes of TV news can increase feelings of anxiety and sadness, but also the tendency to catastrophize a personal worry.
Staying informed without the noise
Since quitting, I feel significantly better. I'm more emotionally available, clear-headed, and grounded. I can focus on the things that matter and engage with the world in a more meaningful way. Of course, I still stay informed. I rely on trusted friends and family to share important news with me, filtering out the noise and negativity.
This experience led me to the concept of a "designated news person,” someone who shares your values and can filter the noise on your behalf. This person is not emotionally affected by the news in the same way as others and can filter information, ensuring that you receive what you need to know without being overwhelmed. I have multiple, most notably my mother.
An Invitation to Disconnect
I invite anyone who feels the weight of the world when they consume the news to simply turn it off. Find your designated news person and redirect your emotional energy to where it matters most. Limiting your daily news intake to just 30 minutes, getting involved with an issue that’s important to you, and doing more of what brings you joy are also ways to offset the impact of negative news.
While not for everyone, not watching the news is a key component of my refined life. It allows me to create mental space, reduce anxiety, and engage with the world in a more positive and productive way. Let's all reconsider the role of news in our lives and find ways to curate our mental spaces for the better.
Join the conversation on Instagram and share your thoughts on how you manage news consumption in your life.
