CHARLOTTE – We’re living through, historic times. There’s a lot going on and unfortunately, most of the news is pretty stressful.

Social media has made it easier than ever to consume negative news all the time, especially when big events happen.

Enter doomscrolling.

What is doomscrolling? Here’s a common definition:

Doomscrolling (also known as doomsurfing) is the act of consuming a large quantity of negative online news, typically without pause, to the detriment of the mental health of the person consuming it.

If you find yourself glued to the TV and checking Facebook as upsetting news is unfolding, then you’ve been doomscrolling. Most of us have done this at least a few times in the past year, but many have done it often.

It can feel like watching a train wreck, you don’t want to see it but you can’t seem to look away. As it turns out exposing our brains and our emotions to that kind of negative in such large quantities isn’t good.

The best way to limit or eliminate doomscrolling is to limit your time on social media. This is a lot easier to do when it’s already a regular habit, and limiting the time you spend on social media everyday or watching the news is a good idea.

Other things you can do to cut down on doomscrolling are:

• Meditate
• Have a hands-on hobby like gardening or drawing
• Get outside
• Turn off your notifications

Remember the internet and social media are great servants but poor masters.