Wellness & Self-Care Resource Guide for Students

In a world where the news changes minute to minute and social media demands your constant attention, you may sometimes experience information overload. These strategies can help you manage this common feeling. 

• Be intentional. Before you read a news article or open a social media app, ask yourself why. Are you looking for specific information? Connecting with someone intentionally? Identifying why you are seeking news or engaging with social media may help you decide whether your actions are intentional or out of habit. 
• Decide when you are going to engage with news or social media and stick to those times. While it is important to stay informed, mindlessly checking the news or social media could lead to feelings of overwhelm. Recognize when you are best equipped to handle new information and only engage during those times, such as at lunch or at the end of the day when classes are over. 
• Set a timer to avoid doom scrolling. Social media in particular is designed to keep you online. Setting an alarm for a set time (such as 15 minutes) can help manage the amount of time you spend online. 
• Slow down! Read information with a critical eye and pay close attention to how you are feeling. This will also help you recognize when content has been created with a particular slant or bias.