News sites and social media have been a distraction at work ever since the invention of the internet and social networking, but their intrusion into the lives of Israelis is at an all time high. Ever since October 7, it’s been almost impossible to keep the news out of our lives, and there’s nothing mundane about current events – they’re highly emotional, full of ups and downs and can easily take over your thoughts and push work right out. These strategies can help you tune out the news at work.
Turn off notifications
So many platforms pull you in with notifications that taunt you until you click on them. The fewer notifications you have (on your computer and on your phone) the less you will be tempted to check what’s going on in the world. This way, instead of interrupting your work to go on social media, you can delay looking at the sites until you have a break.
Keep your phone out of reach
Turn off your phone, put it in your bag or leave it at the front desk. If your phone is not easily accessible, you’re less likely to obsessively check the news. If you need to be available for family members or colleagues during the work day, let them know that you will answer if they call, but messages will be ignored until you’re on a break and have finished working.
Designate a time and place for news consumption
Decide how you want to consume news and designate a specific time and place for that, outside of work hours. For instance, you may want to watch the extended news programs that Israeli channels feature at 8 PM. Or you might decide that the train ride from Tel Aviv after work is a good time to scroll through social media and news sites and catch up on what went on during the day. If you know that there’s a specific time dedicated to the news, it’s easier to ignore it the rest of the day.
Accept that sometimes the news will get in the way
There are some days in Israel where the news just takes over. On days like that, it’s easier to accept that a certain amount of distraction is normal. You may find yourself talking to colleagues about what’s going on or even watching the news together on a big screen in the office. If this is the general office atmosphere, give yourself a little grace. But if everyone else’s heads are down and hard at work and only you are consumed with the news, you’ll have to put current events aside and concentrate on what you’re being paid to do.
Take control
One of the reasons that we allow news to take over our lives is because we feel powerless, stressed and anxious about what’s happening now and where it will lead. Every development in the Iron Swords war feels monumental in its effect on our future, but we have no control over what is happening. One way to combat these feelings is to do things that are in our control, such as donating to soldiers, volunteering with farmers, praying for hostages etc. Embracing family and spending as much time as possible with them also helps combat the negative effects of the news.
Tuning out the news at work is all about balance. The world will keep spinning whether you check the headlines every five minutes or not. By setting boundaries, managing your screen time, and focusing on what’s in your control, you can stay informed without letting the news consume you. Work deserves your attention, your mental health deserves protection, and let’s be honest—doomscrolling never solved anything.