Overload
Some of the patients I see at the office are starting to talk to me (without my having to bring it up) about trying to manage or limit their exposure to media. It’s not that they want to eliminate it. It’s just that they want to get it down to a more sustainable level.
Just like one wouldn’t go to an all-you-can eat buffet every day, it’s a good idea to do a little “portion control” on one’s media consumption.
Always checking one’s phone amps a person up. Many report it exacerbates feelings of anxiousness. Several of the people I see at work are figuring this out.
This past week provided a few examples of why it’s a good idea to not work oneself into a froth over the latest click bait headline. It’s difficult to put the blast into any kind of context when you first see it. My own sense is that this contributes to some of the wacky (false) ideas that have taken hold and spread. Too much media bombardment sends our brains reeling. I think it’s important to note that even, say, a brief conversation with someone results in our brain making an adaptation to both the content and the emotional aspects of the exchange.
I like one of the things The Christian Science Monitor does on their news site. They include a little paragraph that explains why they have written the story. This glimpse into the editorial thought behind the post is something I find helpful.
You wouldn’t normally drink from a firehouse. Being aware of this is a step toward smart self-care and maintaining a sense of balance. I’m confident that, if you are able to exercise some moderating restraint, you’ll find yourself feeling better in fairly short order.