Keep the news cycle simple

We all know it’s important to keep up with news and current events, particularly where it applies to our industry and how events impact the economic environment. Staying abreast of the news was easy back in the day when it meant simply dipping into your daily newspaper, keeping an eye on the evening TV news, and subscribing to pertinent trade publications, but these days, social media, podcasts, and multiple competing news and media channels means we are constantly inundated with opinions and information – with each new headline or alert raising our anxiety levels. It's hardly surprising that studies suggest that this level of exposure to news is bad for our mental health. 

This begs the question of how to consume the news without letting it consume you. It helps to turn to Kyocera’s guiding philosophy, in this case, “to maintain a mindset that always seeks ways to simplify complexities.” It’s not about consuming more news; it’s about being intentional about what you consume. 

These tips are adapted from Rebecca Knight’s article on How to Keep Up with the News Without Getting Overwhelmed. Knight suggests:

1. Get perspective: You don’t have to keep reading when the day’s news threatens to overwhelm you. Take a break and remember how you respond to an event is more important than how much you consume.
2. Be judicious and deliberate: Stick to credible news sources and don’t get drawn into reaction-driven social media.
3. Develop healthy news habits: Set boundaries for your news consumption, such as one hour in the morning. Don’t succumb to compulsive scrolling, and balance your activities by taking a walk, journaling, or joining a yoga class.
4. Transform anxiety into action: If you feel passionate about an issue, take a stance – volunteer, advocate for legislation and support community initiatives.
5. Go old school: Read full articles in print newspapers or magazines and focus on one thing at a time.

Instead of adding more confusion to your news consumption, “capture the essence of a matter” by reading news round-ups and expert opinion pieces. Kyocera’s Weekly Industry Highlights, for example, takes the complexity out of the industry news cycle by pinpointing the issues that are important to us in the context of our industry. Pass it on to colleagues and customers so that you all have common knowledge in your ecosystem.

As biologist and thinker E.O. Wilson wisely noted, “We are drowning in information, while starving for wisdom.” In today’s relentless news cycle, intentional filtering is key. By focusing on credible sources, setting boundaries, and engaging with news that truly informs and empowers, we transform overwhelm into clarity and action. 

Sharon Peché - Marketing and Communications Manager - KYOCERA Document Solutions South Africa