Is it possible to stay across the news and still look after yourself?
When working in media and communications, being across the news is critical to do your job correctly.
Now that news is delivered in a constant 24-hour cycle across multiple platforms, it can get really overwhelming and feel like you never stop absorbing it.
It is essential to be aware of the critical updates happening in the space you work in. We also need to ensure we’re not turning our backs to the devastating challenges happening worldwide.
However, engaging with the news mindfully is possible so it doesn’t become something that burns you out.
As we head to the end of the year, many of us will feel tired and ready for a break.
Here is how I stay across the news while still looking after myself.
Think about what you really need to be across. It’s unlikely that you need to have ABC News 24 on all day and read every update on Instagram. Determine the topics you need to be across if breaking news happens and set up alerts.
Don’t ingest news mindlessly. Without thinking, it is entirely possible to be constantly consuming news. Whether it’s updates on Instagram or Facebook, the news on the radio while you drive to work, or the TV in the background, you can quickly hear and see updates all day. It might be helpful to mute news organisations on social media and check their accounts once daily. You could also pick one or two news programs to tune into daily rather than having a constant stream throughout the day.
Share the responsibility across the team. If you’re part of a team, allocating one person each day to check media monitoring if it’s part of your work could be helpful. That way, you’re not all doubling up on the task each day, and everyone gets a break every now and then.
Take proper breaks when you’re entirely switched off. Make time to step away from work and your phone each day and completely switch off. If you can use this time to do something that energises you, like exercise, cooking, catching up with friends or reading a book.
Do you have any more tips and tricks? Please share them!