When the world feels uncertain, it’s natural to search for answers. We scroll, click, refresh—hoping that one more headline will bring us peace. But more often than not, the opposite happens. We become consumed.
In times of crisis, fear drives us to seek control. And in today’s world, control often looks like consuming as much information as possible. With news available 24/7, alerts pinging constantly, and social media spinning every story into a wildfire—it’s easy to lose ourselves in the noise.
Staying informed is important. But there’s a difference between being informed and being overwhelmed. There’s a line where knowledge becomes anxiety, and awareness turns into obsession. If we want to stay grounded, present, and well—we have to learn how to navigate that line.
When the Need to Know Becomes Too Much
Before I began this journey of healing and self-awareness, I didn’t know where that line was. When national tragedies or global emergencies happened, I’d get hooked. I’d sit in front of the news for hours, scroll endlessly, and tell myself, “I just need to stay updated.”
But the more I consumed, the more I spiraled. I wasn’t calming my fear—I was feeding it.
And here’s what I’ve learned: when I don’t check in with myself, when I don’t have balance in my day, my mind will find the darkness. If I give my energy to fear-based media or worst-case-scenario stories, that part of my brain that wants to spiral takes over—and fast.
We See What We Seek
It’s true: we find what we’re looking for.
If we’re looking for fear, we’ll find fear. If we’re looking for anger, grief, chaos—we’ll find it, and then some. But if we make the choice to seek calm, hope, and positivity, we’ll start to notice those stories too.
Our perception is shaped by what we consume and who we surround ourselves with. The news we follow, the conversations we engage in, the content we share—it all matters. It all shapes our internal world.
That’s why I’ve learned to set boundaries. I limit the content I consume. I check my sources. And then, I require balance: something that feeds my mind, something that fuels my body, and something that lifts my spirit.
When I follow that formula, I feel grounded. I feel like me.
Information Is a Tool—Not a Lifestyle
In this 24-hour news cycle, information never stops. But that doesn’t mean you have to keep consuming it nonstop.
Just because it’s available doesn’t mean it’s healthy. We don’t need to know everything in real-time. We don’t have to refresh the feed to feel in control. Sometimes, turning the news off is the healthiest decision we can make.
Information should support you—not suffocate you. It’s meant to help you make informed decisions for your life and your family. But it should never be the thing that consumes your energy, time, or peace.
Take the Break You Deserve
If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or hopeless—it might be time to check in.
Ask yourself:
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How much news have I consumed today?
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Have I moved my body?
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Have I taken a deep breath?
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Have I laughed, reached out to someone, or stepped outside?
The news will still be there when you get back. But your peace needs to be protected now.
Take the break. Put the phone down. Fold up the paper. Let your mind rest. Engage with your life—your real, tangible, beautiful life.
SLAY Reflection
Let’s check in together, SLAYER:
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S: Do you find yourself consumed by news or social media during difficult times?
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L: How does this impact your mental, emotional, and physical health?
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A: What’s one boundary you can set today to create more balance?
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Y: What can you add into your daily routine to feed your spirit and shift your focus back to the present?
Call to Action: Join the Conversation
I’d love to hear from you.
How are you protecting your peace while staying informed?
Share your story in the comments. Let’s cheer each other on.
And if you know someone who’s feeling overwhelmed by the noise, send this to them.
Sometimes, all we need is a nudge.
