Five ways to take your mind off the news
Need a break from the 24/7 media and news cycle? Here are five ways to bring some healthy escapism into your life.
Spend time outdoors to clear your head
Get back to nature to refresh your mind and body. As little as 15 or 20 minutes outdoors can awaken your senses and help you feel happier and more relaxed.
Spend some time in nature. Visit a local park or botanical garden. Walk on a favourite footpath. If you live near the sea, walk along the coastline of a beach or beside a lake and savour the tranquility of the setting.
Go stargazing. See how many constellations you can recognise. Download an app to observe what’s out there. Or bookmark the Starstruck column on the National Geographic website for more discoveries in space.
Socialise
When you do meet, agree not to discuss politics or the news with your friends and family.
Get together. Have dinner parties. Plan a game night. Arrange a film night together at someone’s house or at a cinema.
Organise a party around a special event. Start planning now for a Eurovision party or a long weekend celebration. Or give a birthday party for a friend.
Catch up with a special relative or friend you rarely get to see. Plan together for a phone or video call—or better yet, an in-person get-together—and put it on your calendar.
Use exercise to take your mind off your worries
Exercise can be a great distraction—and also a great way to improve your outlook and mood.
If you feel the urge to plug into the news, wear your walking shoes and head out the door.
Sign up for a new class at your gym or community centre. You could try a yoga class, join a team, or try a sport you’ve never tried—for example, by joining a rock climbing club.
Invest in new gear that will revitalise your fitness routine. Tired of weight training? Work out with a weighted exercise ball. Or pick up resistance bands that will make your routine more challenging.
Pursue a hobby or interest
Look for a new pursuit that’s so absorbing you won’t miss the news. Almost any fresh and fun activity can be invigorating—reading, cooking, skating, playing a musical instrument, or speaking another language. Join a band or choir if you love to sing. Many local libraries hold fun events or interesting lectures that you could consider attending. Sign up to become a volunteer in your community. Or get involved with a quilting, pottery, or woodworking group if you enjoy craft projects.
Show yourself some kindness
Give yourself the gift of some time doing only what you want to do. It’s beneficial to your wellbeing to practise self-care to forget about life’s worries for a while. Treat yourself to a massage. Have coffee with a friend. Put your feet up, make popcorn, and watch a favourite movie. Take a nap or a long bath. Savour the pleasure of making a great meal from scratch. Or turn off your devices and focus your full attention on a pet, neighbour, niece, or nephew.
If you are a parent, take your time to show your children how to self-care. Perhaps they can play a game, go out for ice cream, or watch their favourite TV show together. This way, you can teach them how to be well and get some downtime for yourself, too.
Permit yourself to be a bit indulgent, recharge, and take care of yourself.
