Student Worksheet

News Consumption And Mental Health - Activity Instructions

There’s never been more ways to find out the news, but does it ever feel like you’re finding out too much or maybe just not enough about the right things? Track your news consumption habits for a week and then reflect on the way the news is shaping your mindset. Found some habits that aren’t doing you any good? Then you’ll explore some ways to change them.

Part A: Tracking Your News Consumption

Step 1.

Write down four purposes for listening to the news.

Step 2.

This activity requires you to track your news consumption for a week. You need to write down every time you view/hear about/read or listen to any news. The point of completing this table is to look for patterns in what you view, its topic and mood and how it makes you feel.

Step 3.

Look back at your table. Do you notice any patterns (things that happened repeatedly)? Write them down.

For example, you might write:

I regularly felt _____________ when I heard news about _____________

I often felt _____________ when I ___________

Step 4.

Reflect:

• Do you think your current news habits have been keeping you informed?

• Has your news consumption impacted your emotions? Why/why not?

• Do you want to change anything about the way you consume the news?

Taking It Further

These articles provide some good ideas for how to manage anxiety and the news during this time. They include strategies like taking news breaks, focusing on what you can solve and scheduling time to see the news.

Black Dog’s Article: 10 Tips for Managing Anxiety during Covid-19
Medical News Today Article: How to cope with the news

News Consumption And Mental Health

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