For the next four weeks, I’m taking a break from intentional consumption of media.

The fact that it’s an American election month is purely coincidental, but I look forward to reaping the benefits.

I’ve cut back on news significantly over the last year but I still like to have a basic understanding of what’s going on. As a traveller, I like following the nuances of geopolitics.

But I don’t think I’ve ever taken a considerable break from it all — and I like doing these little experiments. I want to see how I feel mentally after removing these inputs for a few weeks.

So for the rest of the month, I won’t watch or read any news and will abstain from all social media aside from messaging apps. While this is an experiment on my mental health, I also want to see how much more productive I am. I don’t feel that I waste a lot of time with these things, but the few minutes here and there will add up over a month.

Understanding what is happening in the world through news is important, and social media is a valuable tool when used right. I don’t see myself removing either from my life in the long term. Still, I’m curious to see how this will affect me.