Take a break from the news

You may have realised that we are staring at a global pandemic. This likely means you are watching more news than ever. And when this is not enough, you go to the internet for even more information. This may be a bad idea.

During this time of the novel coronavirus (Covid-19), people are encouraged to stay offline and take a break from the news as it can get a little overwhelming.

The bad news and the fear of what might happen next can take a toll on even the strongest individuals.

‘FLIGHT RESPONSE’

It is indeed true that media exposure can increase perceptions of threat and activate the "fight or flight response", which can lead to a variety of physical and mental health problems.

New research published in the Health Psychology journal looks at how widespread media coverage of a collective crisis like the coronavirus pandemic may amplify distress. The study says that during times of uncertainty and crisis, people rely on the media for risk assessments and recommendations for self-protective behaviours.

However, anxiety increases in the face of an uncertain or uncontrollable threat. Therefore, it may be wise to take a break from the news for a while and concentrate on something else like exercising or playing board games.

KEY WORKERS

I say this while remaining fully aware about a group of people who do not have the luxury of taking a break from coronavirus-related content.

Journalists have been identified as key workers along with health workers and those providing essential services, meaning they still go to work even past curfew hours.

Many journalists feel under enormous pressure to make sure that the public is getting the right information about the outbreak.

STRESSED JOURNALISTS

Across the world, media companies are trying their best to ensure the the welfare of their employees.

However, one thing that a journalist simply cannot do even when told to by a doctor is keep away from possible news stories. This might not be a good thing, especially since we are now witnessing more stressed and overwhelmed journalists around the world.

Last month, Rachel Maddow, a host with the American television network MSNBC, broke down on live television while paying tribute to her colleague Larry Edgeworth, who died of Covid-19.

This was hard to watch, especially since the bad news is already draining most of us in newsrooms.

LET GO

While it is critical for journalists to have accurate and updated information on the spread of the coronavirus, the psychological distress resulting from repeated negative information exposure to the pandemic is slowly taking a toll on many of them.

My simple advice for those working in and out of newsrooms is to take a break. Everything may be looking grim and you could be searching through information to get a glimmer of hope, but how about you let go and let God handle it?