No News Is Good News: How a 30 Day News Blackout Changed My Life

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Wresting my sanity from the grasp of a depressing media with a news blackout.

news blackout
Photo courtesy of Library of Congress.

They didn’t use the word “intervention,” but that is exactly what it was; friends and family peppering me with examples of how my cable news addiction hurt them. How I needed to change, or else. How ruining Christmas with my endless rant about the other side of the aisle being brainless was enough. I needed a 30 day news blackout.

Their ultimatums pressured me to take a long look at myself. I’m a better person for it. Here’s just a few of the changes a life free of cable news has brought about:

  • My reliance on comfort foods (cupcakes, chips, Valium) decreased exponentially. I ate my first piece of fruit in seven years.
  • I had the strength to participate in the last twelve days of Dry January.
  • I found my sleep to be more restful, both at home and on the job.
  • I no longer lose my temper when my neighbor Carl says, “Good morning,” or makes some other smug remark.
  • Intimacy is more enjoyable, both at home and on the job.
  • My 28-year-old son still lives at home, so no change there.
  • My digestive system, which was a mess, has improved and is no longer a roller-coaster of inconsistency.
  • I’m more playful and my coat is shinier.
  • I care about my appearance again
  • I no longer weep when I wake up
  • The woman I married is very intelligent, and has a world of thoughts and opinions. Who knew?!
  • The time I save not watching news I can spend on my online gambling career.
Ed O'Neill
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