It’s OK to Take a Break from the World
We live in a time where the news can feel overwhelming, and it’s easy to get caught up in everything happening around the globe. But constantly worrying can take a serious toll on your mental health and on your children’s too.
Taking intentional breaks from stressful news is not selfish, and it’s not something to feel guilty about. In fact, giving yourself and your family moments of calm, creativity, and even silliness can help you recharge, stay grounded, and approach life with more energy and positivity.
Some simple ways to step back include limiting news intake, going for walks, reading, listening to music, or practicing mindfulness. You can also embrace lighthearted fun: dance around the living room, try silly crafts, build blanket forts with kids, blow bubbles, or even just take goofy photos with family.
For children, these playful activities aren’t just fun. They help them process emotions, boost creativity, and feel safe. And for adults, letting yourself laugh, dance, or be a little silly can reduce stress, reset your mood, and remind you that life still has joyful moments.

Remember: taking care of yourself and your loved ones is part of caring for the world. You don’t have to absorb every worry. Sometimes the best way to contribute is to be your calmest, happiest self.
Sometimes it helps to have a few simple tools on hand to make switching off a little easier. These are a few affordable finds that can make relaxing, playing, or creating just that bit more enjoyable for both adults and kids. And keep scrolling for the free downloads for lots of fun, stress relieving ideas.
Stress relief tools:
- Edens Garden Stress Relief Essential Oil Roll-On – carry it with you
- Gya Labs Stress Relief Essential Oil Blend – for roller or diffuser
- Gear Ball Fidget Toy – great for busy hands and anxious moments
- Little Ouchies Fidget Keychain – great when you are on the move
Family games:
- Skillmatics Rapid Rumble Board Game – a fast, funny, clever category game
- Sequence Premium Edition with Giant Board – for 2 -12 players, ages 7 and up
- Hues and Cues – for those who love colour
Creative activities:
- Crochet Kit for Beginners – 9 colours of yarn, and 8 safety eyes to make four critters
- Origami Paper Pups Kit – designed for absolute beginners with 50 sheets to build a puppy family
- Paint by Numbers Kit for Adults – includes a framed canvas and wooden easel
- 4 Pack Framed by Numbers Kit for Kids & Adults – simple designs and no experience needed!
Check out our Fridge-Friendly Activity List with 20+ ideas for adults and children to unwind, have fun, and feel good every day—because self-care matters, and it can be joyful too!

Download your list HERE!
Or you can scroll through our 100 Things to Do Instead of Worrying poster, which is filled with fun activities to relax your mind and find joy in the present. Download HERE!


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Images courtesy of https://pixabay.com/
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Thank you for sharing this thoughtful piece. I especially enjoyed your perspective on stepping away from the world as a form of emotional recalibration rather than something to feel guilty about. 🤍
There is nothing to feel guilty about when we take tiime for ourselves, set boundaries and slow down when needed.
Thank you Anne for this post, it resonated a lot with me! I decided already a few years ago to significantly reduce how much I follow the news, and it makes me much calmer. And I loved the suggestion to dance in the living room, another thing I relate to. Great post!