If it feels like the news cycle has become an emotional treadmill you can’t get off, you’re not alone. The sheer volume of distressing headlines—from war zones to natural disasters, political unrest to climate collapse—can make staying informed feel like an endurance test. And yet, turning away often feels impossible. For many, following the news is more than a habit; it’s a moral choice. So how do you stay connected to what matters without spiraling into anxiety or hopelessness?Human brains are hardwired to prioritize threats. This survival mechanism means we’re naturally drawn to negative news—but it also makes us vulnerable to the mental and physical consequences of repeated exposure. Doomscrolling, the habit of endlessly consuming grim headlines, can lead to anxiety, fatigue, irritability, trouble sleeping, and even symptoms similar to post-traumatic stress.Graphic images and videos shared on social media often carry more emotional weight than traditional reporting. While TV and print journalism tend to follow editorial standards, your social feed delivers raw, sometimes disturbing content with little filter. And research shows the psychological impact can be significant.Even knowing the risks, many people feel compelled to stay plugged in. If your loved ones are in a conflict zone, if your identity is linked to ongoing social issues, or if you simply feel that tuning out would be irresponsible—these are all valid reasons to follow the news. But here's the thing: the line between responsible consumption and emotional overload can be thin.What Mindful News Consumption Actually Looks Like?Instead of attempting to detox entirely from the news (which isn’t always realistic), experts recommend learning to engage with it mindfully. That means paying close attention to your motivations, your emotional responses, and your mental bandwidth before, during, and after consuming news. Here’s how to start:Pause first. Take a few deep breaths and check in with yourself. Are you already anxious or overstimulated? Are you opening the news app to learn something specific or just out of habit?Notice your reactions. While reading or watching, ask: How is this making me feel physically and emotionally? Are my shoulders tense? Is my heart racing? Are my thoughts spiraling?Process, don’t just scroll. After a news session, take time to reflect. Did you learn something useful? Did it change your perspective? Do you feel informed, or just drained?Even small moments of self-awareness can help you regain a sense of control over what and how you consume.Red Flags That It’s Time to Step BackSometimes, the signs that news consumption is affecting your mental health can sneak up on you. Watch out for:Obsessively checking news updatesDifficulty sleepingFatigue or mental fogFeeling hopeless or overly irritableDigestive issues or physical tensionEmotional swings, panic shopping, or impulsive behaviorThese are signals your nervous system is overwhelmed. The solution? Step away.What To Do When the News Is Too Much?If you’re feeling saturated by the weight of current events, take a break. That might mean muting notifications for an hour, deleting social media apps for a weekend, or creating clear boundaries (no news after 7 p.m., for example).Then reconnect with your body and environment. Activities that require your hands or physical movement can be grounding: gardening, baking, walking outside, even tidying up a messy drawer.Connecting with others can help too. Whether it's through conversation, humor, or shared silence, human connection can buffer the effects of emotional overwhelm.And if your distress is interfering with your work, relationships, or daily functioning, it’s time to talk to a mental health professional.Stay Informed Without Losing YourselfYou don’t have to choose between ignorance and overwhelm. It’s possible—and necessary—to find a middle path.Set intentional limits: Check the news once or twice a day, from a trusted source. Avoid doomscrolling before bed. Be selective with your exposure, especially to graphic content.And remember, staying informed is important, but staying regulated is essential. You are more capable of helping others and engaging in meaningful change when you’re not running on emotional fumes. News doesn’t have to wreck your day. With a bit of awareness, you can learn to read the world without losing yourself in the headlines.