Why I’m Breaking Up with Breaking News: A Productivity Survival Strategy for Chaotic Times

Day 14 of 30 – Why breaking news breaks your brain (and your sleep)

Author

Selim Uysal
June 14, 2025

Hi friend,

Before I begin,

I want to acknowledge something deeply important.

What’s happening in the world right now, across the Middle East and beyond, is heartbreaking.

As a humanitarian and simply as a human, I’m truly sorry for the lives lost, the children suffering, the fear and pain so many are living with right now.

This post isn’t about detachment or ignoring reality.

It’s about staying mentally grounded so we can still show up, care, and contribute, especially in times like these.

I’m praying for peace, safety, and healing for all affected.

—

These days, I’ve been distracted.

There’s the Iran–Israel escalation.

Unrest in LA, political and economic issues from all around the world.

A general sense that the world is shaking and we’re all trying to make sense of it.

Like many people, I found myself glued to headlines.

Endlessly refreshing, scrolling, jumping between sources.

Wanting to stay “informed.”

But here’s the uncomfortable truth I’m learning:

Doomscrolling isn’t research. And consuming more doesn’t help you contribute more.

🧠 This Piece Hit Me Hard

I came across this powerful essay by Farnam Street:

Stop Reading News

Discover why constant news consumption makes us less informed and how to break free from information overload to think more clearly.

fs.blog/stop-reading-news

One sentence cut through the noise:

“We’re drowning in facts but starving for real knowledge.”

They describe exactly what’s happening:

  • News prioritizes speed over truth

  • Headlines feed emotion, not understanding

  • Most updates expire by tomorrow

  • The true cost isn’t time, it’s attention

  • And even more importantly, it’s sleep

Because late-night scrolling doesn’t just steal your focus

It destroys your sleep, weakens your emotional resilience, and wrecks tomorrow’s productivity.

📉 The Real Cost for Knowledge Workers

Whether you’re in MENA, Europe, or the U.S., this affects all of us.

Your work depends on:

  • Clear thinking

  • Emotional regulation

  • Rested attention

But when your brain is hijacked by the news cycle?

None of that is possible.

You don’t need to know everything right now.

You need to be well enough to do something useful.

⚙️ What I’m Trying Instead

Inspired by Farnam Street’s approach, I’m adjusting:

  • Avoid breaking news until evening

  • Check summaries or long-form essays, not live feeds

  • Default to books, timeless essays, or conversation instead of alerts

  • Use AI to separate signal from noise (see below)

🤖 Try This AI Prompt

Next time you’re anxious from scrolling, pause and ask:

“Summarize this story in 2 sentences. What’s actually actionable, and what is just emotionally charged noise?”

Or:

“Help me think clearly about this event. How might it affect me or my work in the long-term?”

AI can’t fix the world.

But it can help you think straight in it.

💬 Your Turn:

What helps you stay grounded when the world feels chaotic?

—

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Onward,

Selim

—

P.S. Want to build a writing habit that stays steady—even when the world doesn’t?

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