There’s a scene in the Netflix show Mo that stopped me in my tracks. It’s Thanksgiving, and a mother is glued to her phone, watching the news from her home country, Palestine. Her adult daughter, Nadia, gently calls her out:

Nadia: "Mama, you're going to kill yourself watching the news 24/7."

Her mom: "What do you want me to watch instead? That baking show you're always talking about?"

Nadia: "It's wholesome, uplifting, and sometimes that's helpful. I mean, we are allowed to watch things we enjoy, aren't we?"

Her mom shares the atrocities she is seeing: "We owe it to them to watch at least."

Nadia: "We owe it to them to live too. You have to look after yourself so you can help others."

Her mother pauses, takes it in, and agrees: "Well said. I've put my phone to the side."

This moment captures the tension so many of us feel: the pull to stay informed, to bear witness, and to acknowledge suffering, alongside the need to protect our own well-being. If we look away, does it mean we don’t care? If we never look away, are we harming ourselves to the point where we can’t actually help?

Finding Balance Between Awareness and Well-Being

We are living in a time where it feels like the world is unraveling, and it’s easy to get lost in the endless cycle of news and social media. But Nadia’s words ring true: We owe it to them to live too. We have to find ways to stay informed without burning out. Here’s how:

1. Know the Difference Between Being Informed and Being Consumed

Checking headlines and staying aware of global events is responsible. But doom scrolling for hours, reading every horrific detail, and refreshing your feed nonstop? That’s not helping anyone, least of all yourself.

2. Give Yourself Breaks Without Guilt

Taking a step back doesn’t mean you don’t care. Watch something lighthearted. Read a novel. Take a walk in nature. You’re allowed to laugh, to enjoy a meal, to rest. You will be more effective when you do engage.

3. Find People You Can Be Honest With

Having a safe space to share your feelings is essential. Find people who think like you, who can hold space for your emotions. But be mindful—before unloading, ask if they have the capacity to listen. "Hey, I need to vent—do you have space for that right now?" goes a long way.

4. Take Small, Meaningful Action

When the weight of the world feels like too much, action helps tame anxiety. Donate, volunteer, write letters, support causes you care about. Feeling powerless only adds to burnout—doing something, no matter how small, reminds you that you can make a difference. (Read more about this in my post on Action Tames Anxiety).

5. Create a List of What Helps You Step Away

What does it look like for you to rest, to laugh, to recharge? Make a list and start this week. Here are some ideas:

• Watch something that makes you smile
• Plan a fun outing or dinner with loved ones
• Go outside and move your body
• Read a book that has nothing to do with current events
• Take five deep breaths and stretch

You Are Allowed to Step Away

If you need the reminder today: You are allowed to step away. You are allowed to laugh.You are allowed to rest. The weight of the world is not yours alone to carry.

Let’s live, love, and take care of ourselves—so that when we do show up for the world, we do it with strength and purpose.