News break

I love news. I consume it often as a print and digital reader.

I’ve been blessed to make my living chasing and writing news. The pursuit of it gave me adventure and world travel, and it introduced me to unique and amazing people both famous and never-before famous.

Yet when I tried a one-day news break recently, I experienced … relief. And comfort.

My daily news habit has long involved rising early, brewing coffee and opening my laptop computer. Then I sip (four cups) and read (four mainstream news websites). Time spent: 30 to 90 minutes.

The coffee and news are a habit. Habit equals routine. And routine is comfortable.

Then last week, during a Zoom gabfest with friends, the discussion turned to news consumption. A couple of people noted that they occasionally avoid news.

“Aha!” I thought. “I’m gonna try that.”

I did so Sunday, often a day when my reading stretches to two hours (although still only four cups).

A miracle ensued. I got through the day without my dose of news amphetamine – and without catastrophe or calamity.