Following politics in 21st century can be overwhelming, especially with Trump media coverage

Trump and media at war / Headline Surfer

Headline Surfer photo illustration / President Trump and the mainstream media remain at odds.
 
By RUTH PIERRE-CHARLES
Case By Case
Headline Surfer

DELAND, Fla. -- Following politics in the 21st Century can be overwhelming at times. All one has to do is to turn on the TV cable news channels to see Donald Trump being bashed on CNN and MSNBC and coddled on FOX News.

It's no different in the internet blogs, daily newspapers, and social media.

There are also constant breaking news updates of terrorism, shootings and suffering, all in one sitting.

With the advancement of technology, news alerts and updates are all at the tip of your finger. That can become overwhelming to keep up with, stay calm, or be willing to discuss politics with others when you feel like you’re drowning in it.

It seems like the news never stops coming, but at the same time, it’s hard to look away. You want to be the informed citizen. You want to be able to understand what is happening in the world and how it affects people. But you are just at the point where news updates have consumed the majority of your life. 

This column topic is for the people like you who feel like politics has consumed their lives and they need some rejuvenation. You need to recognize the warning signs that you need a break from politics. 

Trump is always big news on the cable networks / Headline SurferWith the advancement of technology, news alerts and updates are all at the tip of your finger. That can become overwhelming to keep up with, stay calm, or be willing to discuss politics with others when you feel like you’re drowning in it.

It seems like the news never stops coming, but at the same time, it’s hard to look away. You want to be the informed citizen. You want to be able to understand what is happening in the world and how it affects people. But you are just at the point where news updates have consumed the majority of your life. 

This column topic is for the people like you who feel like politics has consumed their lives and they need some rejuvenation. You need to recognize the warning signs that you need a break from politics.

I have compiled some warning signs to look out for: 

• If you catch yourself getting very upset at majority of the articles that you read on the internet, you need a break from politics. Anger usually leads to irrational and belligerent behavior which ultimately leads us to mental exhaustion.

• If you notice that you are about to snap a pencil reading an article that you disagree with, that is a sign that you need to step away. You need to be honest with yourself and realize that this anger built up will only lead to chaotic behavior. It is okay to disagree with a political story, but if you feel like you are about to lose it, step away.

• This advice is also directed towards people on Facebook. If you notice that you are ranting about every news article you’ve read on CNN, MSNBC, Fox News, or any other news outlet on Facebook, you may need to stop typing and take a break for a while. Rants on Facebook is a form of venting to the world about your frustration. However, when It is done excessively, it does not produce a good look. You’ll probably be perceived as a raging lunatic.

The tips are here to guide you through the nastiness of politics. Politics can be “a bit much” sometimes. It is important to realize the state of your health. Do not let politics take over. That is not healthy for anyone. Once you’ve realized these signs, here are some ways to help:

• Political news will always be here, but your sanity is more important. Take a breather—step away from all of it by doing some meditation, yoga, running, playing basketball, whatever gets you back to YOURSELF again.

• Put some variety in your news selection. Instead of reading breaking news articles try reading articles about animals, science, or health. Learn more about other things you are interested in to help keep that balance that you seek. You will be surprised. Some of these things may spark some interest for further research.

• Focus on how you can channel that frustration into positive initiatives. Join an activist group for that cause, call your local representative about this situation and explain to him/her how this frustrates you. Start a national movement. Formulate effective ways to find a solution to this news article that you have read.

The first step is recognizing that you are politically overwhelmed. The next step is utilizing that frustration into something impactful for your livelihood and for the benefit of the world.