Did you know we check our phones an average of fifty-eight times each day? In a hyperconnected world, we’re drowning in information.
We’re constantly bombarded by headlines, updates, and breaking stories. If you’re like me, you sometimes wish for a flip phone. Flip phones are actually trending again, thanks to people driven by nostalgia, a desire for a digital detox, and a yearning for simpler times.
It’s no wonder that 66 percent of Americans report feeling “worn out” by the sheer volume of news they encounter. Information overload is costing us both personally and professionally. Studies suggest that too much news costs the U.S. economy an estimated $900 billion annually in lost productivity and reduced satisfaction. We’re processing the equivalent of 174 newspapers worth of information daily—far exceeding our cognitive capabilities.
March 20 marked the first day of spring, which presents the perfect opportunity for a digital detox, specifically targeting our news consumption habits. Just as we clear out our closets and refresh our living spaces, our minds deserve the same intentional care and organization. The following strategies offer a balanced approach to staying informed while reducing the mental clutter that excessive news consumption creates.
This isn’t about remaining uninformed—it’s about creating healthier, more intentional relationships with news and information as we embrace the renewal that spring symbolizes.
Here are four intentional approaches to refresh your information diet:
- Set Clear Boundaries – Designate specific times for news and social media consumption (perhaps fifteen to twenty minutes in the morning or evening but NOT the first thing in the morning and not less than sixty minutes before you go to sleep. Note: Blue light exposure from screens suppresses melatonin production, the hormone that regulates sleep, making it harder to fall and stay asleep. Additionally, doomscrolling or consuming negative news before bed can increase cortisol levels and activate the brain’s stress response, leading to heightened anxiety and poorer sleep quality (PNAS).
- Curate Quality Sources – Consider one email newsletter that summarizes key events without sensationalism.
- Practice Mindful Consumption – Ask yourself: “Does this information serve me? Is it actionable?” Notice how different news sources affect your mood and energy especially right after you read them and for an hour or two after.
- Explore Healthier Alternatives – Replace some news and phone time with nature walks as spring unfolds. Listen to the birds and keep the phone and headphones at home. We all need space to clear our heads, hearts, and minds.
What aspects of your current news and social media consumption feel most draining or in need of a spring refresh?
As spring arrives, consider nurturing a healthier relationship with news and information. Start small—perhaps by implementing just one approach—and notice how it affects your mental clarity and emotional well-being.
The goal isn’t complete disconnection but intentional connection, curating an information diet that nourishes rather than depletes. By mindfully adjusting how we consume news, we can stay informed while reclaiming the mental space needed for creativity, presence, and peace this season.
