Doomscrolling—endlessly consuming negative news on social media—can severely harm your mental health and workplace productivity. In light of recent protests in Los Angeles related to immigration enforcement and ongoing political tensions, many employees find it challenging to stay focused amid a flood of distressing news.
Why Doomscrolling Is Harmful at Work
Constant exposure to emotionally charged news can drain your focus, increase stress, and even impact your career growth. It’s easy to get overwhelmed trying to balance work responsibilities with the urge to stay updated on unfolding events.
Practical Strategies for Employees
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Set Digital Boundaries: Limit your time on social media and news sites during work hours. Forbes contributor Chris Westfall recommends scheduling specific times for news consumption to avoid distractions.
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Use Grounding Techniques: Contributor Jess Cording advises practicing mindfulness and physical grounding exercises to maintain mental stability and reduce anxiety.
How Employers Can Support Their Teams
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Create a Supportive Environment: Leaders should foster open communication and show empathy. Tracy Lawrence emphasizes that managers don’t need all the answers but must provide steady, confident guidance.
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Acknowledge External Stressors: Recognize that employees may be distracted by external events and offer flexibility or resources to help them cope.
Feeling conflicted or distracted during turbulent times is normal. Stay informed but prioritize your well-being and work focus by managing your media intake and seeking support when needed.