Preserve Your Energy- Stop Watching Negative Programming

One of the fastest ways to drain your energy without even realizing it is through constant exposure to negative programming and watching the news on a continuous basis. It's important to stay informed, but consuming too much of the fear based media comes at a high cost to your well-being.

If you’ve ever noticed feeling tense or exhausted after reading the headlines or watching the news, you’re not imagining it. Your body and mind are responding exactly as they’re designed to.

The Nervous System & Negative Media

The news is designed to grab attention, not to support health or balance. Sensational headlines, repeated crisis stories, and emotionally charged language keep the nervous system in a state of alert.  They have a saying in the News business- "If it bleeds, it leads".  So what does this tell ya?

So, when you are in a constant state of alert, your body interprets it as a continuous threat, even when you’re sitting safely at home!

This constant low-level stress response can lead to:

  • Mental fatigue and decision overload

  • Heightened anxiety or irritability

  • Difficulty sleeping or relaxing

  • Emotional heaviness or hopelessness

  • Reduced motivation for movement and creativity

In other words, your energy is being siphoned away before you’ve even started your day.  And starting your day with the news is the worst way you begin your morning.

Why “Just Being Aware” Isn’t Neutral

Many people keep negative programming in the background. Maybe they have the news on while they get ready or they review headlines on a lunch break.  But awareness without intention isn’t neutral. Even passive exposure shapes your thoughts, mood, and sense of safety.

Your brain doesn’t distinguish between real-time danger and repeated imagery of danger. It simply reacts. Over time, this trains your mind to look for what’s wrong instead of what’s steady, beautiful, or possible.

And that mindset can follow you into your relationships, and into how you care for yourself.

Conserving Energy Is a Must 

Choosing to stop watching negative programming isn’t you sticking your head in the sand. You need to be more discerning.  It’s recognizing that your energy is a finite resource and deciding to protect it.

When you reduce exposure to fear-driven media, you will start feeling more peace, emotional resilience, presence in your body.  You will also have more capacity to be creative and make new connections.

This is especially important for women who are already managing multiple responsibilities, transitions, or stages of life that require deeper self-care.

Be Intentional

Stopping negative programming doesn’t mean you need to live under a rock. Just be more intentional about what and how much you consume.

Here are some small ways to start: 

  • Limit news intake to a short, intentional window

  • Read summaries instead of watching hours of coverage

  • Avoid news first thing in the morning or before bed

  • Replace scrolling with a walk, stretch, or quiet moment outside

  • Choose content that educates 

Nature itself is one of the most powerful antidotes to mental overload. Time outdoors can keep you in a state of gratitude and a reminder of how beautiful life really is. 

The Space You Create Matters

When you stop feeding your mind constant negativity, you will get more energy and give space for other things in your life. 

You may notice that you get more patient, curious and your motivation increase. You don't have to ignore reality, but make the decision that you are not going to live in a constant state of reaction.  You are taking your power back when you decide to no longer watch negative programming all the time.  Oh- this also includes True Crime! 

Side note- these behaviors can also be perpetuated in movies and shows. In one of the Hallmark series, a lady was watching True Crime when she was pregnant. Not good!  

Summary

Conserving your energy, time and attention where it really matters in your life. Start small. Turn the news off for a week. Unfollow accounts that thrive on drama. You may need to even limit time with family members that broadcast the news to you.  Pay attention to how your body feels when you do.

Your Energy is precious. Where you direct your attention is where your energy flows.

Choosing calm, nature, and intentional awareness is a foundational step toward a happier, confident and more grounded life.

 

 

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