Podcast | How to Stop Watching the News

In this episode of Homemaking with Grace, I talk about how Christian women can and should stop watching the news -- or at the very least, start to create better boundaries around it. The news can be addictive and it also tends to be very negative. Learn about how and why you should stop watching the news or how you can have healthier boundaries with it.

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In today’s fast-paced world, the constant barrage of news can be overwhelming and distressing. Doomscrolling refers to the habit of continuously scrolling through and reading negative or distressing news on social media or news websites. This can also include celebrity gossip and obsessing over politics and world events. This behavior often leads to increased feelings of anxiety, sadness, and helplessness. The term gained popularity around 2020, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, as people spent more time online consuming alarming news.

It’s important to be mindful of this habit and take steps to limit exposure to negative content to maintain mental well-being.

For Christian women, there are compelling reasons to consider stepping back from the relentless news cycle. Here’s why and how you can make this change for a more peaceful and spiritually enriching life.

The Impact of News Consumption

• Emotional and Mental Health: Constant exposure to negative news can lead to anxiety, stress, and a sense of helplessness. The news often focuses on tragedies, conflicts, and disasters, which can take a toll on your emotional well-being. By reducing or even eliminating news consumption, you can protect your mental health and maintain a more positive outlook on life.

• Spiritual Focus: As Christians, our primary focus should be on our relationship with God and living out our faith. The news can distract us from this focus, filling our minds with worldly concerns and fears. By stepping away from the news, you can create more space for prayer, Bible study, and reflection on God’s word.

• Time Management: Watching the news can be a significant time drain. The time spent consuming news could be better used for activities that nurture your soul and strengthen your community, such as volunteering, spending time with family, or engaging in hobbies that bring joy and fulfillment.

How to Step Back from the News

• Set Boundaries: Decide on specific times when you will check the news, and stick to these times. Avoid watching the news first thing in the morning or right before bed, as this can set a negative tone for your day or disrupt your sleep. In extreme cases or if you are a highly sensitive person that doesn't do well watching the news, remove it from your life entirely. If you want, just ask your husband to keep you informed about anything important that you might need to know. 

• Choose Reliable Sources: When you do consume news, choose reliable and balanced sources. Avoid sensationalist media, fake news and conspiracy theories that thrive on fear and outrage. Consider reading summaries or weekly digests from trusted sources that are not sensational instead of following the 24-hour news cycle.

• Engage in Positive Activities: Replace news consumption with activities that uplift and inspire you. Read books, listen to uplifting music, watch a nature or Christian documentary, listen to an encouraging podcast, or engage in creative pursuits like painting or gardening. These activities can help you maintain a positive mindset and reduce stress.

• Stay Informed Through Community: Instead of relying solely on the news, stay informed through your community. Engage in conversations with friends, family, and church members about important events. This can provide a more balanced and less stressful way to stay updated or simply ask your husband to keep you informed about anything important. 

The Benefits of Reducing News Consumption

• Improved Mental Health: By reducing or eliminating exposure to negative news, you can experience lower levels of anxiety and stress, leading to better overall mental health.

• Stronger Spiritual Life: With fewer distractions, you can deepen your relationship with God and focus more on spiritual growth and service to others.

• Greater Peace and Contentment: Stepping back from the news can help you cultivate a sense of peace and contentment, allowing you to live more fully in the present moment and appreciate the blessings in your life.

It is vitally important to protect your mental and spiritual well-being. By setting boundaries on news consumption, choosing reliable sources, and engaging in positive activities, Christian women can lead more peaceful, fulfilling lives centered on faith and community.

(C) Adrienne Jason 2025. Feel free to share this blog/podcast with others.