How to Stay Informed Without Being Consumed by the Gloom and Doom of the News

Staying informed is an important part of being prepared. Knowing what’s happening locally, nationally, and globally helps you make better decisions for your family. But let’s be honest—modern news is designed to grab attention, and fear is one of the easiest ways to do that.

If you’ve ever gone down a news rabbit hole and walked away feeling anxious, helpless, or overwhelmed, you’re not alone. Being prepared should reduce fear, not fuel it.

Here’s how to stay informed in a healthy, sustainable way—without letting the gloom and doom take over.

 

1. Understand How the News Works

Most news outlets make money from clicks, views, and ad revenue. That means stories are often framed to:

• Trigger emotional reactions
• Emphasize worst-case scenarios
• Focus on conflict, disaster, and outrage

This doesn’t mean the news is fake—but it does mean it’s filtered through what gets the most attention.

Prepared people don’t need to consume everything. They need accurate information, not constant stimulation.

 

2. Set Clear Boundaries Around News Consumption

One of the biggest mistakes people make is treating news like background noise—always on, always available.

Try this instead:

• Choose specific times to check the news (once or twice a day is plenty)
• Avoid scrolling first thing in the morning or right before bed
• Turn off breaking news alerts unless they are relevant to your area

Information is a tool. Use it intentionally.

 

3. Prioritize Local and Practical Information

For preparedness, local information matters far more than global panic headlines.

Focus on:

• Local weather alerts
• Emergency notifications from your city or county
• Utility company updates
• School district and transportation notices

Knowing about a snowstorm, power outage, or water main break near you is far more useful than tracking every global crisis.

 

4. Use Fewer, More Reliable Sources

More sources doesn’t always mean better understanding.

Choose:

• One or two trusted news outlets
• One local source (local paper, city alerts, or emergency management page)
• One non-news source focused on preparedness or practical response

Avoid doom-scrolling across multiple platforms. Repetition increases anxiety without increasing readiness.

 

5. Learn the Difference Between Awareness and Anxiety

Preparedness is rooted in awareness:

• “This could happen. Here’s what I can do.”

Anxiety sounds like:

• “Everything is falling apart and there’s nothing I can do.”

If your news consumption leads to paralysis instead of action, it’s a sign to step back.

A simple test:

• Did this information help me take a practical step—or just make me worry?

If it’s the latter, it’s not serving you.

 

6. Balance News With Skill-Building

For every 10 minutes you spend consuming news, try spending time on something that increases capability:

• Organizing your emergency kit
• Practicing a skill (first aid, cooking from pantry staples, situational awareness)
• Reviewing your family communication plan

Action counteracts fear. Skills create confidence.

 

7. Remember: You Are Not Meant to Carry the Weight of the World

Humans were never meant to absorb global tragedy 24/7. Feeling distressed by constant bad news doesn’t mean you’re weak—it means you’re human.

Preparedness is not about living in fear. It’s about:

• Calm readiness
• Thoughtful planning
• Confidence in your ability to handle disruptions

Sometimes the most prepared thing you can do is turn the news off and focus on what’s within your control.

 

Final Thoughts from Ready & Prepped

You don’t need to know everything to be prepared.

You need:

• The right information
• At the right time
• In a way that supports action, not fear

Prepared people are informed—but they’re also grounded, capable, and calm.

Staying ready doesn’t mean staying scared.

 

Other Articles of Interest

How to Start Prepping Without Feeling Overwhelmed

How to Avoid Panic Buying and Build a Smart Emergency Stockpile

Security and Self-Defense: Building Confidence in Uncertain Times

Fit to Survive: How Physical Fitness Increases Your Disaster Resilience

How to get your Spouse (and Family) On Board With Prepping