EDITOR'S CORNER: Breaking the Stress-Bad News Cycle

This week, let’s take a step back and talk about how the never-ending cycle of bad news can mess with our heads—and what we can actually do to feel a bit better. With all the anxiety around US President Trump being re-electedd, plus headlines about wars, economic issues, and global tensions, you might feel like your stress levels have gone through the roof. But have you ever thought about how all this constant negativity is affecting your everyday life?

Let’s explore what this steady stream of bad news does to our brains, and talk about some simple ways to take care of yourself. Together, we’ll go over some tips for staying grounded, recognizing when it’s time to take a break, and focusing on what’s actually in your control. 

 

 HOW DOES NEGATIVE NEWS AFFECT US?

The news these days can feel like an unending wave of stress, especially here in Finland. Positive stories seem fewer and farther between. If it’s not about budget cuts or polarizing immigration laws, it's another story about Russia’s threats or actions. Add to that the steady coverage of Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan-China tensions, the civil war in Syria, and crises in Africa, and it’s no wonder it can all feel overwhelming. Then, closer to home, we see headlines about rising poverty, financial hardship, and even gang violence in Helsinki streets that used to feel safer. For me, and probably for a lot of us, it just gets to be a lot!

This overload often pushes us into “doom-scrolling”—that endless scroll through bad news or unsettling videos on our phones, where one link leads to another and the hours slip by. Maybe it’s checking news sites one after the other, or escaping into TikTok and Instagram just to tune out for a moment (that turns into hours). It might feel harmless at first—maybe even soothing—but in reality, this habit only adds to our anxiety and stress. Over time, it can lead to feelings of guilt, frustration, and shame as it eats into other parts of our lives.

The reality is, anxiety and stress are on the rise. More people are struggling to keep up with the cost of living, job security is shaky, and financial pressure is mounting. The constant flood of negative news adds to this, making everything feel heavier, sometimes even unbearable. And while checking the internet and getting notifications has become second nature, this daily exposure to stress can actually change our brains.

When we’re constantly feeding ourselves bad news, our brains have trouble separating real threats from perceived ones. The stress hormone cortisol starts to spike, and the amygdala—the brain’s fear center—goes into overdrive. Over time, this can lead to “cortisol overload” and even adrenal fatigue, putting serious strain on our health. With prolonged exposure, sleep and mental clarity can suffer, too, increasing anxiety even further.

It's a vicious cycle, but it’s possible to break free. Taking even small steps to manage our media consumption can help us reclaim some peace and protect our mental well-being. Let’s talk about how to stay informed without being overwhelmed, and find healthier ways to cope with the world around us.

HOW TO FIX THIS CYCLE? 

It’s easy to suggest simple solutions like logging off, limiting screen time, or picking up a book to break the cycle of doom-scrolling. But real life doesn’t always work that way, especially in times of heightened uncertainty and anxiety. In a world facing complex challenges, it’s not as straightforward as just “unplugging.”

So what can you actually do?

First, try to limit your screen time in a way that feels manageable. For instance, avoid reaching for your phone first thing in the morning. But if you feel the need to check it, start with something uplifting or related to your hobbies, rather than diving straight into the news. This small shift can set a more positive tone for your day, giving your mind a chance to wake up gently. It also helps to prevent a morning surge of stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, which can affect your mood and energy levels for hours.

Next, make sure that when you do check the news, you’re looking at reputable, credible sources. It’s crucial to verify that the websites or social media accounts you follow are rooted in fact rather than propaganda or misleading information. While no media outlet is perfectly free from bias, choosing sources with strong journalistic ethics helps you get a more balanced view. Recognizing these biases allows you to navigate news coverage more thoughtfully and avoid getting trapped in someone else’s narrative.

Physical self-care is also key. Make sure that you’re getting enough sleep, eating well, and staying active. If your doom-scrolling habit is eating into your sleep or physical well-being, it’s time to prioritize self-care over constantly keeping up with the news. Taking care of your body and mind will ultimately equip you to deal with whatever challenges the day brings.

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, balance your virtual life with real, in-person experiences. Connect with friends and family, go for a walk, or engage in an activity that brings you joy. Life unfolds in the real world, and spending time with others face-to-face can remind us of the goodness and beauty that still exists beyond the headlines. The internet can be a great tool, but it should be just one small part of a rich, three-dimensional life.

CONCLUSION

The world feels pretty uncertain and scary right now, and it’s normal to look to the news to ease those anxieties. But getting stuck in a doom-scrolling loop just piles on more stress, hurting both your mental and physical health over time.

Taking care of yourself—by getting enough sleep, eating well, and doing things you actually enjoy—can make a big difference. Limit screen time and spend more energy on the real world, where connecting with friends, pursuing hobbies, and being present can lift your spirits. The truth is, scrolling won’t change the world’s problems. Sometimes, we just have to accept things are a little messy and focus on creating a good life in spite of it all.