How Can I Stay Informed but Also Protect My Mental Health in 2025?
Look, I get it. You want to stay informed because you’re a responsible adult who likes to know what’s going on in the world. But also? The news feels like a never-ending stress cycle designed to spike your cortisol and ruin your day before you’ve even had your coffee.
So how do you balance being an informed citizen with not completely frying your nervous system? Let’s talk about it.
1. Be Picky About Your Sources
Not all news is created equal. Some outlets are basically doomscroll factories, while others aim to inform without sending you into a spiral. Find a few trusted sources that focus on facts rather than fear-mongering. And let’s be honest—if you’re getting your world updates from random Instagram reels, maybe… don’t?
2. Set Boundaries with the News
You don’t need to be plugged in 24/7. Set designated times to check the news—maybe once in the morning and once in the evening. Avoid doomscrolling before bed unless you love lying awake at 2 AM thinking about things you can’t control.
3. Curate Your Social Media
Your feed should not feel like a war zone. Mute, unfollow, or block accounts that constantly share anxiety-inducing content. Follow sources that give you balanced news and a little hope. It’s okay to want to see a video of a baby goat in pajamas between headlines.
4. Balance the Heavy with the Good
For every intense news story, balance it with something uplifting. Read about scientific breakthroughs, acts of kindness, or—honestly—just watch people decorating cakes on TikTok. Your brain deserves a break.
5. Take Action Where You Can
Feeling helpless is one of the fastest ways to tank your mental health. If something in the news is making you anxious, look for ways to take action. Donate, volunteer, sign a petition—do something that reminds you that you have somecontrol in this wild world.
6. Know When to Log Off
If the news is making you feel hopeless, overwhelmed, or just tired, take a break. The world will keep spinning if you step away for a bit. Your mental health matters more than being the first to know about the latest disaster.
Final Thoughts
Being informed is important. So is protecting your peace. In 2025, let’s stop treating the news like an all-you-can-eat buffet of stress and start consuming it intentionally. Stay aware, stay grounded, and for the love of your nervous system—watch a funny cat video every now and then.
Disclaimer: Just a friendly reminder—this blog is not therapy. Yes, I’m a therapist, but reading my posts doesn’t mean we have a therapeutic relationship (as much as I’d love to help everyone on the internet). The content here is for information, education, and maybe a little entertainment—it’s not a substitute for actual mental health treatment. If you need professional support, please reach out to a licensed therapist in your area. Take care of yourself, okay?