I stopped watching the news, here’s what I do instead

How do you fill your days? Watching TV and the news. Reading the papers. Scrolling social on your phones. Of course, we all go to work and then return home to complete projects that seem to have the greatest importance but bring us little joy.

We are world-weary. Most of us are buffeted by continuous torrents of tasks, responsibilities, and distressing news. But there are ways to find peace and pleasure in our daily lives despite there seeming to be so much at political stake. We need to set boundaries on how much bad news we ingest.

I gave up watching the news two years ago. Despite my proclivity toward being a news junkie, I knew there was very little I could do regarding current events. I then went a few steps further and shut down my newspaper subscriptions — even though I deeply wished to support journalism. I rarely click on news pieces in social and I shut down all notifications incoming from email, social, and app related activities. Our system is corrupt and we are being reminded of it every minute of every day.

When I returned to Boston, many people wrote to me saying “thank god you are home. We need your voice”. And yes, I considered adding my voice to the millions who were calling for activism. But I think I have something better to offer. Something more empowering to write about. Something that might make a difference in your life and how you live it.

So what did I do with all the new free time I had now that I wasn’t watching or participating in current events? Lots! And each one of those things made me a happier human being realizing that I didn’t have to slog my way through the days, weeks, and months of energy-draining headlines.

Here are a few suggestions about what can be done during those one or two hours we normally devote to watching or reading the morning or evening news: Watch the sunrise, take a morning walk, take an evening walk, do some gardening, read a great book, meditate, play with the dog, play with the cat, cook a wonderful meal (even if it’s just for yourself), learn a new language, take up a new hobby, paint, sculpt, write, photograph, call a friend, call a family member, get together for drinks, plan a vacation and study up on the place you wish to go, go back to school, consider and move toward your own goals, dream. In short, do something that provides you with contentment and personal fulfillment. Pick anything!

Trust me, if something big happens in the news you’ll know about it whether you watch TV or read the papers daily. And those nasty notifications? Get rid of them. You are in charge of your phone, not the other way around. Stop being a slave to your apps. Enjoy some quiet time. Embrace stillness and begin to listen to the stirrings of your heart. Your soul will thank you.