We don’t have to know everything.

So relax. 

Being well informed—others seem to expect it of us, and we expect it of ourselves. News of the latest political crisis delivered to our smartphone, the final episode of a popular TV series, editorial opinions in the newspaper, local news on the radio.

How did we get to this point?

Who decided it was so crucial for us to know about, well, everything.

And why do we buy into such thinking?

Yes, we need to know enough about our world to remain aware of the things directly affecting us and those we’re responsible for. But why spend valuable time and energy on the things that don’t affect us or that we have no influence over? Why do we feel we need to offer an opinion on whatever people are talking about? Is it due to not wanting to appear ignorant? Or are we trying to fit in? Or trying to be helpful?

Whatever the reason, being smitten by (perhaps addicted to) constant updates steals our time and wastes our energy.

As Nancy Reagan advised: “Just say no.”