It is very important today to find a media diet that works for you. I know many people who have on cable, either Fox or CNN or MSNBC, all day long. The stories are repeated from hour to hour, the hosts are snarky and emotional. They draw out the same topics all day long, which is on the surface is a mystery because there is so much news to share, but that is no longer their main focus. The best way to keep you watching is to hook you emotionally so they stay with the most upsetting stories. Don’t fall for it.

Break away from the cable addiction and get your news in a manner that won’t keep you up at night. The best way to get your news is from reliable websites using journalistic standards that use the least amount of sensationalism. That would be your local newspaper or programs such PBS or NPR. Even though all organizations have a level of bias it is possible to get the news without all the fanfare and fear.

I recommend getting your news at lunch. Don’t start the day with the news. Skim the headlines if you want to make sure WWIII hasn’t started, but don’t sink into the depths of despair. It’s not a great way to start the day.

It’s not a great way to end it either. Maybe watch the local news at 5, the national news at 6 but then switch to entertainment or turn it off all together and play Scrabble. You’ll find your heart rate go down, your breathing slow, you’ll get sleepier earlier and rest better throughout the night.