Headline Surfer photo illustration / Talk, talk, talk! Yak, yak, yak! Political overload in media can be toxic to our sanity.
By RUTH PIERRE-CHARLESDELAND, Fla. -- Politics has becoming overwhelming in this 21st century world.
There are constant breaking news updates of terrorism, shootings, and suffering all in one sitting. And depending on which side of the political fence one is sitting, from liberal to conservative, it can become unnerving, especially with the advancement of technology, news alerts and updates are all at the tip of your finger, via your cell phone, tablet or TV remote.
All too often, trying to stay on top of the news with all the political much is worse than keeping up with the Kardashians: The bombardment of political speak, trying to stay calm while willing to give it a try in discussing politics with others often makes you feel like you’re drowning in the minutia of talking head ideologues, especially on the big cable networks like CNN, MSNBC and FOX News.
It seems like the news never stops coming, but at the same time it’s hard to look away. You want to be an informed citizen.
You want to be able to understand what is happening in the world and how it affects you, your loved ones, your neighbors, co-workers and friends. But before you know it, you are at the point where news updates have consumed your life.
YouTube download / Highlights on E Network's Keeping up with the Kardashians.
All too often, trying to stay on top of the news with all the political much is worse than keeping up with the Kardashians: The bombardment of political speak, trying to stay calm while willing to give it a try in discussing politics with others often makes you feel like you’re drowning in the minutia of talking head ideologues, especially on the big cable networks like CNN, MSNBC and FOX News.
It seems like the news never stops coming, but at the same time it’s hard to look away.
You want to be an informed citizen. You want to be able to understand what is happening in the world and how it affects you, your loved ones, your neighbors, co-workers and friends. But before you know it, you are at the point where news updates have consumed your life.
This essay is for the people like you. The people who are looking to be rejuvenated by an overdose of politics. You need to recognize the warning signs so you can get a reprieve from political overload.
Here are some warning signs I have compiled to help you cope:
• If you catch yourself getting very upset at the majority of the stories that you read on the internet, or watch on cable or broadcast news programs you need a break from politics. Anger usually leads to irrational and belligerent behavior which ultimately leads 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 built-up anger could lead to further anger. It is okay to disagree with an article or video segment, but if you feel like you are about lose it, then step away. Go for a walk.
• This is particularly directed towards those of you on Facebook, Twitter and other social media platforms where what you may have already seen is magified, regurgitated and twisted in any number of directions to suit the political ideology of the news organization.
• If you notice that you are ranting about every news article you’ve seen or read on the cable networks or any other news outlet showcased in social media platforms, 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.
Politics can be “a bit much” sometimes. It is important to realize the state of your health. Do not let politics take over and consume you. That is not healthy for anyone. Once you’ve realized these signs, here are some ways to make things better.
• 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 being your regular self 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. Formulate effective ways to find a solution to the news you have consumed.
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 your world.