Preserving Your Mental Health
When You Watch Too Much News, Move Out of the Country
I subscribe to the Axios news service and receive four updates from them most days. While some would say, “Nanc, get a life.” Trust me, I spend less time consuming the news than I used to.
American News Trends
I was pleased to read the following in Sunday’s Axios AM report:
Nearly halfway through President Biden's first 100 days (today is Day 47!), Americans have begun weaning themselves off a constant diet of political news, Axios' Sara Fischer and Neal Rothschild write.
Why it matters: Over the past five years, we devoted way more mindshare to politics than is healthy. Remember how different our news diets were pre-Trump? We'd take in some international news, some culture, some sports. Then it became Trump, Trump, Trump.
As I reported in an earlier post, Denise and I often disagreed about the amount of news I consumed. She insisted my obsession wasn’t good for my mental health. I argued she was ill-informed. I think we both were right.
Mental Health and Isolation
Many have written about the impact of isolation on mental health during this pandemic. And I certainly don’t want to minimize this. Had I made this journey alone I can’t imagine what I would be feeling right now. Though we have had opportunities to enjoy the sunshine and the local sites during our daily walks, we have very little contact with anyone other than each other.
Despite the curfews and extended lockdown, we have experienced since arriving in Portugal I actually think my mental health has improved. I still read the Times and the Post every day but I no longer consume 3-4 hours of news commentary on MSNBC.
Perhaps one of the reasons some expats immediately enjoy life in a new country is because they are less consumed with “old country” news and more oblivious to the “new country” news. I am certain this has contributed to my mental health.
However, when I talk with friends at home, most agree that they also feel lighter. The dread we seemed to always carry with us, “My God, what is he going to do next?” has lifted. I didn’t even torture myself by watching his CPAC speech on YouTube. And I am pleased to see that only 7.2 million did. While that is more than I would like, I am pleased to see that nearly 90% of his voters didn’t watch either.
So while neither of us is 100% certain we will ever return to the States, there is a better chance today than there was when we left. Given the uncertainty, I think I will hold off on breaking the news to Nicole Wallace.
Nancy I watch Nicolle and Ari every weekday. There is much hope now since the new administration has taken control and vaccine availability is increasing. Ive had my two vaccines and am finally feeling hope!
I would agree with you that 4 times a day for YOU is an improvement. But I must say, when we talk to each other I am always amazed at how you are up to the minute on USA news. For instance, you knew about the voter suppression laws that Georgia is trying to advance. And I believe you were aware of South Carolina's attempt to halt all abortions by legislating the "heartbeat" bill. As for the oppression of the USA news cycle, I am pleased to report that since Trump has left office and is Tweetless, it is much easier to draw breath and sleep soundly at night. When we are constantly living under stress, it is very difficult to deal with the day to day stresses that ordinary life affords. In the past I would have pulled my hair out if I spilled a box of cereal on the kitchen floor. Now I just pull out my Dust Buster and clean up.