15 Things to do instead of watching the news

By: Jeff Bennett
June 16, 2020

The world seems pretty messed up... Especially if you are constantly tuning into the 24/7/365 news broadcasts. Each news channel, website and social media feed are all competing for your attention. Each outlet offering a vast array of opinions attached to their fascinating and sensational “news stories.”

If you are constantly consuming news and it is making you feel like crap, you should just turn it off. The messages are rigged, they all know you’re addicted… news junkie. How can you look away from scary things, fires, destruction, anger and hatred? Bad news sells. Some psychologists say we are drawn to depressing stories and events without even realizing it.

There are a lot of good things happening in this world that your favorite news sources are just not covering. Because positive messages and random acts of kindness are not headline worthy. My advice: Just turn it off. Take a break from it.

So, what should you do to fill this time you no longer will be investing in the news dump? I think there are some quick fixes you can turn to as an alternative to vodka or Xanax. Here are my top fifteen things to do instead of watching the news (in no particular order):

1. First things first… Take a break from social media. I know you want to look at your Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn or whatever when you first wake up in the morning, but please don’t. Also, turn off the notifications on your mobile device. Those badges and pop-up messages are not only distracting, they are controlling you.

2. Handwrite a note or card to a friend, colleague or relative and tell them why you appreciate them. Sure, you can send a text or drop an e-mail, but nothing says how much you care as when you take the time to pick a note card and physically send something with a personal touch.

3. Send someone a gift. Just like #2, you can really connect or re-connect with someone on a personal level. Some ideas: Books make great gifts, try to stay away from controversial topics or politics. Music, gift cards, plants and flower arrangements are also appreciated by most people.

4. Listen to music. Put on your headphones. Better yet, build some playlists that bring back memories from different times in your life (preferably pleasing times). Listen to audio books or podcasts that are uplifting, interesting or can teach you a new skill.

5. Revisit nature. Take a long walk in the woods. Go hiking. If you have a dog, well you know they like to go for walks. Explore a park or venue that is new to you. If you’re a jogger, load up the playlists you made in item #4 and go for a run.

6. Light a candle. Meditate. Find some place quiet and try to completely relax and press the reset button. Clear your head.

7. Spend some time in the kitchen. Bake something, cook something, and experiment with new foods or spices. Try your hand at making homemade ice cream. Everybody loves ice cream!

8. Watch a classic movie that you may have skipped. Look up the top 100 movies of all time and see what you might have missed.

9. Get up earlier than usual, make your coffee or tea, go outside and enjoy watching the sunrise and hear the birds sing.

10. Revisit your lists… Your dream list. Your vacation idea list. Your to-do-list. Your bucket list.

11. Clean out some clutter. Everyone has a closet, desk drawer, file cabinet, garage, basement or space that could use a good straightening. In addition, get rid of things you no longer feel you need anymore. Have a garage sale, sell on eBay or donate items to charity.

12. Plan a coffee or lunch date with a friend, colleague or family member.

13. Create something. Paint, draw, doodle, build, write a book, write a story, experiment with new mediums.

14. Any random act of kindness will produce a positive result for both you and the recipient.

15. Most of all, be grateful. If you are lucky enough to be reading this, you might want to consider how lucky you are to be able to read. We take so much of this miraculous life for granted. Try to be more thankful and empathetic and leave the judgements and anger to those raving lunatics on the news and on social media. Which you don’t listen to anymore, because you're too busy making butter-pecan ice cream with a hint of cinnamon, while listening to some cool music and burning some candles.