Feeling overwhelmed by the constant swath of political news and social media updates about election outcomes?
You’re not alone. As the dust settles from the 2024 election season, now is the perfect time to take a step back and reclaim your peace of mind. Unplugging from the digital world can do wonders for your mental health and overall well-being. That’s especially true if you are feeling strong emotions about a candidate in a race who may have lost.
One notable race was the 2024 presidential election, with numerous Kamala Harris supporters flooding the internet with messages of sadness after she fell short of the Electoral College votes needed to win the White House.
Donald Trump held an early lead on Election Day and was later declared president-elect, set to begin his term in January. Many Black Americans took to social media to express anxiety about what a Trump presidency could mean for their lives.
Proponents of Trump have said they believe he would be more effective in addressing economic issues and securing the border to prevent illegal immigration. Regardless of which side you’re on, it may be a good time to take a break from the 24-hour news cycle after a contentious election.
By taking steps to unplug from news and social platforms, you can improve your mental health, strengthen relationships, and foster a more positive outlook on life. It’s a small change that can make a huge difference in your overall health.
Here are five reasons to hit the pause button on your news feed and social media scroll:
Reduce stress and anxiety
Constant exposure to political news and social media debates can heighten stress and anxiety levels to the point where you may feel on edge all the time.
According to the American Psychological Association, a significant portion of Americans report that politics is a major source of stress. The 2024 elections likely exacerbated feelings of anxiety and stress.
By disconnecting, individuals can reduce their stress and anxiety levels and focus on more calming activities like walking, exercise, meditation, spending time with loved ones, or practicing deep breathing techniques.
Improve overall mental health
Spending less time on social media and news sites can lead to improved mental health overall. Studies have shown that excessive social media use is linked to feelings of depression and loneliness.
For instance, a study published in the Journal of Behavioral Addictions found that digital media can lead to anxiety and depression. Taking a break allows for more face-to-face interactions and engagement in activities that promote mental well-being.
Talk with a mental health therapist or a health care professional if you are still struggling with mental health issues linked to social media or news. Better Help is an online therapy service connecting people with licensed therapists and counselors. For more information, visit betterhelp.com.
Reconnect with family and friends
Unplugging from digital devices provides an opportunity to reconnect with family and friends in a more profound and meaningful way. When you step away from your phone screen and news, you can open yourself up to the fulfillment of real-life interactions.
Engaging in meaningful conversations and spending quality time with loved ones can also strengthen relationships and provide emotional support during stressful times, especially after a tense election.
Instead of scrolling through endless feeds, you can engage in face-to-face conversations that build deeper bonds and foster a sense of connection. Plus, meaningful conversations allow you to share your thoughts, feelings, and experiences with those you care about, which creates a supportive environment.
Increase productivity
Constant notifications and updates can be distracting and reduce productivity. By limiting time spent watching the news, you can focus better on work, hobbies, and other important tasks.
For example, turning off push notifications on your devices can help you concentrate better on your work or school projects without constant interruptions. It can also make more room for spending quality time with your kids or other loved ones by giving them your undivided attention.
If you must check social media, set specific times instead of constantly checking it throughout the day. This allows more uninterrupted time for hobbies like reading, cooking, or exercising.
Additionally, using apps like “Do Not Disturb” modes during focused work periods can significantly increase your efficiency and allow you to complete important tasks more effectively.
Foster a positive outlook
The news cycle often focuses on negative events, which can skew one’s perception of the world. It’s no secret that the more you click on stories about crime and violence, the more algorithms tend to show you even more of that type of content.
Taking a break from this negativity allows you to focus on the positive aspects of life and cultivate a more optimistic outlook. Engaging in activities that bring joy and fulfillment can help maintain a balanced perspective.
But if you are an avid news reader, you can try to seek more positive news instead through news sites that are dedicated to publishing uplifting stories. One example of a positive news site is the Good News Network, which focuses on uplifting and inspiring stories from around the world.
You can check out their website here.
