Media Consumption and Anxiety

Virtual Anxiety Therapy in NJ

Worldly events can bring up big feelings. A lot of news reporting and social media focuses on negativity and reporting events that can be anxiety provoking. This can increase our own fears and cause us to feel anxious.

We can practice balance to stay informed about events happening in the world and in our country while also creating boundaries to protect our mental health. We do not have to consume content 24/7 just because we have access to it 24/7. We can create boundaries on when we are consuming content, how we are consuming content and from what media sources we are consuming content.

How to create boundaries to stay informed while protecting your mental health:

• Set a Time Limit for Media Consumption

  • Ex. I will only watch the news for 30 minutes one time a day

• Change Your Social Media Algorithms

  • Scroll fast past anxiety provoking material and spend more time on material that brings more joy

• Pick and Choose Where You Will Consume Content From

  • Be mindful of what content is real and what is fabricated. We may choose to consume content from one news source and limit it to that.

• Create Boundaries With Your Phone and Television

  • Leave your phone in a different room on purpose to prevent constantly checking it. Only have the television on during certain portions of the day.

• Quiet Your Mind

  • Find self care activities that help you to be present. When our mind is present, it cannot be simultaneously having anxious thoughts. The more quiet our mind is, the more clarity we have in our decision making and the better we feel.

• Get Outside

  • Nature and exercise are always helpful for quieting the mind no matter what the weather is outside.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Hey, I'm Brooke -- I'm a licensed anxiety and addiction therapist serving individuals, adolescents and couples in the states of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware and Florida. My experience brings both a personal and professional perspective to the work that I do with my clients. If you are interested in learning more about the therapy process and would like to schedule a free consultation, I would love to chat with you!