Go through the entire day without watching or listening to the news or reading the newspaper. Try your best to shut out the outside world, and concentrate on your own world instead. If someone you encounter wants to talk about current events or the political scene, politely inform him or her that you're taking a short break from things over which you have little control and are focusing on things you can command.
Following the news day after day can induce a feeling of depression and helplessness. Taking a respite from the constant negativity of the world scene can be rejuvenating.
Fill up the time you normally devote to following the news by doing anything else you love to do — talk to a friend, read, listen to music, go for a walk, visit your favorite restaurant — and make sure you take note at the end of the day if you feel different from the way you normally feel.
— Alan Epstein in How to Be Happier Day by Day