I guess it was just time again. And so, before it gets too much, I've decided to take a little break. It's not yet clear how long this will last, or how long I'll be able to keep it up, but in a previous attempt I managed to stay abstinent for several weeks. At least as far as possible, because unfortunately it doesn't usually work one hundred percent.
I'm talking about a break from the news here, which is why I'm now trying to avoid the normal media as much as I can. Above all, that means less Internet, where I usually like to keep myself informed and up to date with events around the world on various news portals. I always want to know what's going on and, above all, why. But these two questions always prevent me from switching off at the end of the day and getting in the way of winding down and relaxing. Especially as I usually only really have time in the evening, but when your head is full of the latest world events, it's naturally not so easy to find a good night's sleep. Unfortunately, I've been struggling with sleep for ages and the last few weeks have shown me time and time again that I really need to change my sleeping habits.
So let's start right away, and that's why I've imposed a news embargo on myself. I don't watch TV anyway, but unfortunately sometimes I can't avoid it being on in the place where I happen to be. At least I can block out some of it due to the existing language barrier, which is quite helpful. And when it comes to the internet, I've managed already to slow down quite a bit over the last days and hopefully I'll continue to do so for some time to come. Until recently, I regularly opened the news sites I trusted so that I was always informed about what was going on. Following world events is extremely interesting, and most of you will probably agree with me. But because there is simply not enough good and positive news, you end up being much more annoyed by what you read and learn than it is good for you. So a little distance can't do any harm and I'm allowing myself this chance again right now.
I still check my SNS regularly, although I'm more of a reader there, which is quite good for my blood pressure. And actually there's not that much interesting to find out there, the algorithms there seem to hide the relevant posts that are worth reading, for a reason that has yet to become clear to me. So I have little to fear from this site.
With some major global political events and decisions coming up in the next few days and weeks, I thought that now is the best time to deny myself this information. At least for as long as possible, because eventually this news will reach me too. But you don't always have to be informed on a daily basis, a little distance in terms of time and perhaps also space can definitely do me good. The free time you gain can certainly be put to much better use elsewhere, even if it's just to close your eyes and switch off occasionally. A little more peace and quiet can only benefit me and my surroundings, and that's what I'm going to work towards now.
I'd rather enjoy what the current season has to offer. Although it's getting colder and wetter around here too, I hope that I can still enjoy the colorful side of autumn, which should reach its peak in the coming days and weeks. So let's put the computer and smartphone away, and rather get the door open and leave the house. And I'd better get started on that right away, some things just shouldn't be put off....
