Political Pause: Navigating the Constant Stream of News
No matter what side of the aisle you're on, it's a lottttt
The News in 2025
As I was writing last week’s Sunday brief, I started to feel overwhelmed—trying to keep up with all the news, cover it concisely, and preserve nuance.
After two hours, I had to step away. I drove to the gym—only to realize I had forgotten my tennis shoes. One of those days. A friend suggested I stay and use the sauna. That ended up being exactly what I needed. For thirty minutes, I rotated between the sauna and steam room, silently meditating and decompressing. The sign said not to bring your phone in, so I left it outside. But once I got in, I noticed almost everyone else was using theirs.
Still, instead of going back for my phone, I embraced the silence. I sat with my thoughts, letting them settle instead of chasing them down. These days, we are always plugged in—through social media, work demands, or the 24/7 news cycle. Our time rarely feels like our own.
It’s easy to forget that because constant connectivity has become so normalized.
No matter what side of the aisle you're on, the Trump administration is moving at full speed, rolling out policies. Even if you're not personally or professionally involved in politics, the news is inescapable—whether it directly affects your work, dominates conversations, or delays your latest Temu order.
With that in mind, I want to take a moment to breathe. And I encourage you to do the same. Let’s talk about how to stay informed without getting consumed.
Strategies
Strategy #1: Choose Your News Time
Breaking news alerts flood our phones throughout the day, often dragging us into doomscrolling. Just like business experts recommend setting dedicated time to check emails, I recommend designating specific windows for catching up on news. Maybe that’s through a daily digest, a newsletter (I recommend Smartt Takes Sunday Edition ;)), or a quick Google search.
Being intentional about my news intake—rather than letting it dominate my day—has been a game-changer.
Does this mean I sometimes miss breaking news or get a policy update from a friend before seeing it myself? Yes. Two years ago—maybe even one—that would have embarrassed me. But honestly, my mental health is more important than being the first to know. And so is yours.
Strategy #2: Be Selective About Social Media Use
Social media started as a way to connect with friends and family. But with monetization, it has become an advertising platform first. Our brains, though, still default to thinking of it as a connection tool.
Don't believe me? Scroll through your feed and count how many posts are from actual friends versus ads, influencers, or news accounts. It’s jarring.
The reality is, social media is designed to keep us engaged—often at the expense of our time and mental well-being. If we’re not intentional, we can lose hours to content that doesn’t actually enrich us.
One trick I use is the 10-10-10 rule: How will I feel about this decision in:
10 minutes?
10 hours?
10 years?
This helps me cut down my social media use and focus on things that have a lasting impact. Of course, sometimes you just need a good old-fashioned scroll. (Reddit is my kryptonite.) But the goal is awareness—knowing when I’m choosing to engage versus when I’m getting sucked in.
Strategy #3: Go Phoneless for a Bit
That sauna-and-steam room session was incredible. And while the heat and detox benefits helped, I know I wouldn’t have felt as light if I had my phone with me.
Even if I brought it in just to listen to music or a meditation, the temptation to check notifications would have been there. Maybe you have more self-control than I do.
For me, carving out intentional no-phone time makes a huge difference.
In the mornings, I start my day by journaling, stretching, and meditating—before checking any notifications.
Sometimes, I leave my phone at home for walks.
At dinner, I keep it in my pocket or purse.
We've become so accustomed to being constantly accessible, but that’s not how we’re wired to function. Our time is valuable—we have to protect it.
Strategy #4: Celebrate Life. Throw the Party.
It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day grind, but how incredible is it that we’re alive? That we have dreams we can pursue?
There was an article in The Atlantic this year about how we’ve lost the art of social connection. No one wants to host the party anymore. Part of this is a post-COVID habit, but even before the pandemic, adult socialization was in decline.
The article suggested a simple solution: if everyone throws two gatherings a year ("pays their social tax"), we can rebuild connection.
These don’t have to be fancy events. They just have to be intentional. Take the time to bring people together—whether it’s a dinner party, game night, or casual hangout.
And if you’re thrilled about the new administration’s policies? Celebrate them. If you’re frustrated? Host a gathering to process and strategize. You don’t need permission to mark the moment.
Strategy #5: Connect with Your Community
Getting involved is one of the best ways to protect your mental health. Studies show that giving back benefits both the giver and the recipient.
Donating money or clothes is great, but human connection is just as valuable. There are countless ways to contribute—volunteering, mentoring, or even just showing up for local initiatives.
No matter where you live, there are organizations that need help. In Chattanooga alone, there are 300+ nonprofits. A quick Google search in your area will turn up something meaningful to you.
Strategy #6: Move Your Body (Unfortunately, It Works)
Elle Woods was right—exercise gives you endorphins, and endorphins make you happy.
If you're feeling drained—by the news or just life—moving your body is one of the fastest ways to reset. And yet, it’s often the first thing we neglect. (I’m writing this for myself, too.)
Unless you work in a life-saving profession, there’s no such thing as a [insert your job title] emergency. Block the time, take the walk, hit the gym. It’ll be worth it. And if your boss doesn’t get it? Tell them to subscribe to Smartt Takes ;).
How You Can Actively Respond to the News
Republicans:
You’re allowed to celebrate. If you’re thrilled about the administration’s direction, own that. If you’re uneasy about your party’s trajectory, you’re surely not alone. Self-awareness is the first step to change.
Democrats:
You’re allowed to be angry. You’re allowed to be frustrated. But the antidote to despair is action.
Get involved in local elections.
Call your representatives. (AOC noted that Republican constituents drive most constituent calls, which influences policy decisions.)
Use your skills to contribute to causes you care about.
Change happens through small, consistent actions—not just big moments. Find your people, organize, and take steps—however small—toward what you want to see.
Final Thoughts
It’s easy to get sucked into the news without realizing it. It’s easy to give away our time and mental energy without noticing.
This newsletter isn’t meant to be preachy—it’s a reminder to check in with ourselves. To take a step back, reclaim our time, and make sure we’re living intentionally.
Hope you’ve enjoyed this political pause. Thanks for reading, and, as always, I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Have a great week, and see you Sunday!