We live in an era of constant information—scrolling through our feeds, flipping through channels, or glancing at push notifications—and so much of it is designed to provoke. “BREAKING!” “SHOCKING!” “YOU WON’T BELIEVE!” These headlines are engineered to grab attention, spark fear, or create outrage. But what’s the cost to our mental well-being?
If you’ve ever felt anxious, exhausted, or overwhelmed after just a few minutes of reading the news, you’re not alone. Sensational headlines can hijack our attention and stir up stress responses that linger long after we’ve moved on. But by practicing mindfulness, which you can learn how to in mindfulness counseling, we can build a healthier relationship with the news cycle—and protect our peace of mind.
Here are a few tips to stay grounded when the headlines start to spin:
Pause Before You Click
That rush of curiosity or panic you feel when reading a dramatic headline is natural response. It can also become an opportunity to practice pausing and reflect on our internal experience. Before clicking, take a breath.
Ask yourself: “Is this headline trying to inform me, or provoke me? Am I in a good place to productively engage with this? Should I proceed?”
Becoming aware of your emotional reaction is a key step toward breaking the cycle of reactive reading.
Practice Intentional News Consumption
Instead of passively scrolling, set aside specific times during the day to check the news. Choose reputable sources that prioritize accuracy over shock value. When you read with intention, you’re more likely to process information calmly and critically. Check in on yourself and notice how you are feeling at various points in your news consumption.
Limit doomscrolling. It’s easy to fall into a rabbit hole of alarming stories—especially when they’re stacked back-to-back. Set time limits for news apps or use screen time settings to create interrupting cues that help you disengage. You don’t need to be constantly updated to be informed.
Ground Yourself in the Present Moment
If you notice your heart racing or mind spinning after reading a headline, bring yourself calmly back into your body and the present. Try this quick grounding exercise:
Take a slow, deep breath.
Take your time as you begin to shift your awareness.
Notice five things you can see.
Four things you can touch.
Three things you can hear.
Two things you can smell.
One thing you can taste.
Notice how you feel in your body.
Balance Input with Positivity
Offset difficult news with stories of kindness, creativity, or resilience. Look for media that highlights solutions rather than just problems. Curating your media diet with more intention helps protect your mental and emotional balance. There are pages designed to inform you with this in mind who can be sometimes associated with the term “hopecore”.
Talk About What You’re Feeling
Sensational headlines often stir up fear or uncertainty. Sharing your thoughts with a friend, anxiety therapist, or support group can help you process what’s happening rather than internalize it. You're not alone in feeling overwhelmed—connection is a powerful antidote to fear.
Remember: Mindfulness Counseling in Asheville, NC Can Help You Care Without Carrying It All
Mindfulness doesn’t mean tuning out or becoming indifferent. It means staying present, aware, and compassionate—without letting every crisis pull you into a spiral. Boundaries can be a key balancing feature to ensure you are healthily informed. You can care deeply while also protecting your own mental space. Being mindful in the face of sensational headlines doesn’t mean ignoring the world—it means choosing how you engage with it. With intention, awareness, and a few simple tools, you can stay informed without sacrificing your peace.
If you're struggling to cope, talking to a counselor can help you process your emotions, regain a sense of balance, and build resilience. You don’t have to carry the weight of the world alone—support is available, and healing starts with a conversation. Our team of caring therapists would be happy to offer in-person or virtual support from our Asheville, NC-based practice. If you are interested in learning more or ready to take the first step toward improving your mental health, follow these simple steps:
Meet with a compassionate therapist
Begin your journey to healing and relief!
Other Services Offered by Strive On Counseling
We offer a wide range of mental health services designed to support your overall well-being. Our services include individual counseling, anxiety treatment, EMDR trauma therapy, therapy for men’s issues, mindfulness practices, Buddhist counseling, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and teletherapy/online therapy. Some other resources we offer include guided meditations, a list of books and other useful resources, and online courses. If you would like more information about any of these services, please don’t hesitate to reach out and start your therapy journey in North Carolina today!