I am sick of the news. The constant bombardment of news, misinformation, oversharing, and repetition of what is going on can be draining. Unless you permanently log off the internet, stop all phone calls from coming in, and avoid everyone you know, it is almost impossible to avoid.
We all process information in different ways. My mom, for example, has a penchant for sharing the saddest most depressing stories via email and text. She has always been this way, she is very good at looking at things objectively. But in today’s environment, I cannot handle sad news on a daily basis. It’s not willfully ignorant to want to ignore the news, I am very aware of how sad and depressing our neighborhoods, cities, country, and the world can be. I just don’t want to have to hear about it all the time.
A few weeks ago, I took a silent fast against the media and made a goal to avoid the internet for a day. I avoided social media, I didn’t watch any news on TV, and as much as possible, I tried to disengage with conversations that would lead to talking about whatever the latest thing to happen in the government was.
This mission was a colossal failure. Even my best efforts to disconnect with the world around me were fruitless. And as much as it pains me to admit it, I am addicted to the news. We are in a time where we can’t avoid it, and we don’t try. This is one of the reasons why I loved Anchorman 2 so much. It satirically exposed the ridiculousness that is a 24/7/365 news cycle. There’s channels for sports, channels for politics, channels for pop culture, channels for the economy, channels for Democrats, channels for Republicans, channels for anarchists. There’s news for everyone and it’s always available.
So how can you stay engaged with the news without becoming enraged?
I subscribe to a few newsletters that give me bite sized, humorous and straight the point snapshots of the news that leaves me feeling informed but not overwhelmed. These are #ShayShayTries tested and approved. Consider spending a few minutes each morning reading one of these newsletters and start your day off right.
True to name theSkimm gives you quick snips of the news skimmed off the top. Free of fluff, fat, or extra details. A perfect read on your morning commute to help prep for the inevitable water cooler fodder. Want to subscribe? Join Here. 
Looking for some daily motivational inspo? Sign up for Shine. A daily text service that not only sends a daily dose of motivational, “you go girl” messages but gives you further steps on how to make your daily goals a reality. Although it’s not news, Shine is my personal fave to make sure I start off my day on the right foot. Usually, I get my text on my morning bus ride into work which means I’m walking into work ready to conquer the day. Get your morning pep talk here.
A daily dose of economic info served piping hot each morning. Morning brew is a daily email that delivers the latest news from Wall Street to Silicon Valley. Business news doesn’t have to be dry and dense. Secure your bag the right right way. Sign up here.
The top 10 to 12 news stories outlined in no more than three to four sentences. Perfect for those who lose interest quickly, you’ll make it through this newsletter in under two minutes. I guarantee it. It’s #NEWSOVEREASY
A daily newsletter that sends you something new to learn every day. Remember, everyone you know knows something you don’t. Be the one to impress friends and acquaintances at parties with all the cool and useful info you’ll now know. Step up your brain game.
Feeling bored and looking for some distracting mindless news? Buzzfeed is so 2012. Try Distractify. Clickbait of the highest quality. Take your mind away from work for a quick second. Distract yourself now.
The Hustle
Like Bloomberg Businessweek except not. Also a little lengthier than other newsletters but worth the read. Use this to impress your snooty Wall Street Tindr date and talk about stocks and bonds like you’re a hedge fund manager. Sign up here.
What your friend group chats would look like if you actually talked about the news rather than who hooked up with who over the weekend, betches Sup has your pop culture, politics, and other shenanigans brought to you by those sassy classy gals over at The betches. Find out wassup.
Stay informed all while staying sane.
Are there any newsletters that I missed? Let me know how you get your dialy dose of news in the comments below!
[…] Everyone is sharing books, everyone is asking, “What can I do?”, everyone is donating, everyone is sharing news. But when it came down to it, I am a Black friend, a Black colleague, and a Black woman all the […]
I know that it is important to keep up with what’s going on in the world, but sometimes it is just too much. I also have a 10 year old and really dont like watching it around her either. I dont want her to worry about adult stuff, but instead worry about being a kid! So I just let my hubby watch and give me the highlights! Lol
I’m definitely going to sign up for Shine! I need something motivational to read each morning. Girl, I understand how you don’t want to watch the news. I can’t do it either because it’s very depressing. This article was amazing and I’m glad I read this!
This is so great! Earlier this year I stopped watching the news and listening to NPR on my way too and from work. It just got to be too much! Thanks for the other options!
NPR is so much more entertaining honestly lol
So true. News can be overwhelming and sometimes depressing. Good resources to get news in small capsules. Thank you
This is so damn great! Thanks for sharing this info!
This is a fantastic resource post for those who want to keep up with what’s happening, while keeping their sanity! Thanks for sharing, Shay–I personally use the Shine app and get their texts every morning. They’re perfect for that morning creativity motivation and just personal self-care tips!
Shine App literally gives all the right energy I need to get my day started of just right.
I will check out some of these. You want to stay informed buy not overwhelmed. This was useful information.
I love how you provided us with means to consume info without the depressing dump of the day. Thanks for this. And, your mom and my aunt sound like sisters.
I think getting a dose of some positive news always helps! This is great!
I am saving this to subscribe to a few of those places after the weekend – they look so interesting. I hate more than anything listening to the same thing over and over again on the news, so this is a perfect, quick way to get all the deets without getting annoyed!
Glad to help. Hope you enjoy!
I love the skimm! It keeps my up to date on world events, without sucking too much time!
I work in national political advocacy and I WISH I could just skim the news. Still these would be so handy for on the go!
great tips! I still am not going to keep up with the news. it’s all just too much and i get enough seeping in from my friends on social lol
I will have to check these sites out! I have never heard of any of them before.
The Skimm is one of my favorite ways to consume the headlines! All I want is just the snippets of the most important.
I’ve been hearing great things about the Skimm for YEARS but still haven’t signed up… I think I finally need to change that! 🙂
I just love theSkimm – such a great resource that lets you stay on top of all the need to know essentials!!! I work in marketing and public relations, so media fasts rarely work for me either. Staying up on the news is kind of a work req, however, I love using apps like theSkimm to keep from becoming overwhelmed.