From Constant Updates to Conscious Consumption
A News Detox Story
New Jersey’s news landscape is unique—straddling two major media markets, New York and Philadelphia, without a designated broadcast hub of its own. This absence of a singular media identity makes it an extraordinary place to learn the art of earning news coverage.
I mention this because, as I reflect on my childhood home, I realize how much news consumption shaped my upbringing. The television was always on—morning shows, evening broadcasts and Sunday programs were part of our daily routine. Just as essential were the daily print editions of the Asbury Park Press and The Coaster weekly, which kept us grounded in hyperlocal stories that bigger outlets overlooked.
Lately, I’ve been revisiting that old news ritual, hoping to reclaim a more deliberate way of staying informed. The relentless churn of the news cycle is aging me faster than my teenage roommates.
So I’ve adjusted my once-constant media diet to a more measured, familiar cadence. I tune into the evening news for 30 minutes, commit to just one Sunday show and make a daily effort to read the local paper. Though I’ll admit, watching my current hometown paper deteriorate under questionable ownership is testing my faith in that news source.
In a world where news never stops, it’s easy to feel consumed by the sheer volume of information coming at us. But we aren’t built to process this much, this fast, all the time. Our nervous systems weren’t designed for a never-ending firehose of headlines, notifications and breaking news alerts. This level of news is meant to wear us down, but we have a choice—we can step back, refocus and prioritize what truly matters: our lives, our families and our communities. Taking a break isn’t disengagement; it’s preparation. We step back so we’re ready to step up when it truly counts.
When we turn down the noise, we make space for clarity. Instead of chasing every headline, we can invest our energy in what truly matters—checking in on a neighbor, showing up for local issues or simply finding time to breathe without the weight of the world pressing in. This isn’t about disengagement; it’s about recalibrating. By reclaiming a more intentional, measured way of consuming news, we don’t just protect our peace—we become better, more thoughtful participants in the world around us.
Best part of my week is when I can execute a "no screens until 2 pm" pause on a Saturday or Sunday. Building in windows to escape information anxiety should be part of any health routine.