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From DestinationSpaVacations Health Canyon Ranch (Arizona) This just in - the news can stress you out. Every day we're bombarded with the sights and sounds of horrific events taking place around the globe and in our own backyards. Standard newscasts, coupled with modern technologies -cable and the Internet that allow us to experience events unfolding before our eyes - bring formerly distant wars and minute-by-minute reporting on economic and natural disasters right into our living rooms. So it's not surprising that media immersion can lead to depression, anxiety, loss of sleep and an overall bleak outlook on the world. A grain of salt Over time, if bad news is all you see and hear, your view of the world will become equally dark and grim. This effect is common among older people, who tend to watch more news than busier, younger people. Many of the elderly are painfully anxious about possible dangers they and their loved ones face in the world. If news were balanced, for every car wreck reported, the tragedy would be put into perspective by noting that millions of people traveled safely in cars that day. But news organizations do not profit from promoting a sense of well-being, and we rarely hear about positive events, or even about ordinary things simply going right. It's important to realize that the news we see is only a small slice of the way things really are. Don't shoot the messenger Even positive stories are often given a negative spin. People are driving less and using less gasoline? Bad! The drop in gasoline tax collections is a major headache. It's a beautiful, sunny day? You need to worry about skin cancer! It's raining? Oh boy - global warming. Just remember, the media wants your attention, and to get it, they appeal to your human tendency to worry. So what can you do? No one wants to be an ostrich with its head buried in the sand, yet staying mentally healthy is just as important as being informed about current events. Here are some tips for combating the stress that comes with keeping up on the news: Watch for repetition. With cable, the Internet and news radio, it's not unusual for people to get information from multiple sources every day. When you start getting the same story over and over, it's time to switch off. Don't become a news junkie. When a crisis or breaking news event occurs, decide how many times you'll watch updates on television or check the Web. Stick to your limit - the news will still be there in the morning. Limit TV. Television can be informative and educational, but it can also be dangerous. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children spend no more than two hours a day in front of the TV and computer combined to avoid becoming sedentary. TV also exposes children to sex, criminal doings, drinking and smoking, among other adult behaviors. If you and your family are spending too much time watching and too little time doing things together, set some rules. Try planning a regular night away from the television. Change your focus. The media can dominate all your thoughts and time. Deliberately do things to break away. If you already have hobbies or volunteer, consider stepping it up. If you don', develop an interest in a life-affirming activity, such as spending time with family and friends, learning to do something you've always dreamed of, or helping others. And don't forget regular exercise, preferably outside. There's nothing better than a brisk walk to reset your focus and your mood. Don't be scared: Prepare! If you feel concern because of events in the news, take necessary precautions - create a family emergency plan and stock a home emergency kit. Then quit worrying: You're ready. Have a heart. Give yourself permission to feel and grieve the losses of others when you encounter disturbing news. Cry with them, send a donation if you feel moved to, but be prepared to get on with life when the newscast is over. Carrying around the sadness of the world doesn't actually help anybody, and it can hurt you. Make a connection with others. Try talking to family or friends about news events that cause you concern. By simply talking about what bothers you, fears and anxieties can be kept in check and you can feel more confident about your world. Take a news break Turn it off and take a vacation from the news for a day or two. The world will go on in exactly the same way whether or not you're paying attention. Taking some time out to appreciate all the good people and things that surround you will do wonders for your sense of well-being. http://www.canyonranch.com/ © Copyright 2008 |
