If your inbox looks anything like ours at VotesforSchools HQ, chances are your Monday morning kicks off with a flurry of headlines, political drama, social injustices, and the odd sprinkling of climate dread. My Guardian newsletter this week? Wall-to-wall doom. And while staying informed is part of the job (and, dare we say, a bit of a compulsion), sometimes it’s all just... a bit much.
That got us talking. How do we, as educators, facilitators, and human beings, keep ourselves grounded and not spiral every time a new headline pings our phone?
We definitely don’t have all the answers (and we’re not here to peddle bubble baths or tell you to breathe more deeply), but we do have a few genuine things that have helped us switch off and stay sane. Here's a short, no-preach list of ways the VotesforSchools team are trying to keep calm and carry on, even when the news feels never-ending.
App limits, but make it manageable
“I used to set a screen time limit on my phone for the week, and I’d get a Sunday notification telling me whether I’d stuck to it or not. It was a small reminder, but a helpful one.”
Whether it’s Apple’s Screen Time, Android’s Digital Wellbeing, or something like Freedom or Opal, a gentle nudge to close the app can go a long way.
Mute the mess (especially in the evenings)
“Some of my friends use ‘sleep mode’ on their socials, no notifications past 7pm. You could do the same for news alerts too.”
Yes, that’s right. You’re allowed to not find out about everything immediately. Especially after a full day of guiding young people through difficult conversations.
Follow good news accounts
“I follow a positive news page on Instagram. It posts wholesome stories that cheer you up. Small joys.”
We like The Happy Broadcast and Positive News. Or better yet, save feel-good student comments from your VotesforSchools lessons and keep them handy for when things feel bleak.
A surprisingly good yoga pose
“Legs up the wall. You sit sideways against a wall, swing your legs up, and lie down. It’s great for anxiety and you can stay there for longer than you'd think.”
No spiritual overhaul necessary, just a moment to be horizontal and still.
Listen to your "Information Diet"
“I use an app that boots me off the news after 30 minutes. Also, this podcast was a game-changer: Spotify: ‘On Your Terms’ - The Information Diet.”
It’s not about knowing less, it’s about choosing what’s worth your headspace.
In short: We see you
This isn’t a “5 ways to radically transform your media habits” post. This is us saying: we get it. We’re in it with you. And if all you can manage is ignoring the headlines for one afternoon or skipping a push notification, that’s enough.
In the classroom, you’re guiding young people through global crises, political discourse, and social justice issues every week. If you need a breather from it all, take it. We’ll still be here, doing the work with you, one VoteTopic at a time.