What if on the same day you read that a massive sink hole swallows a three story building, stocks decline as the euro hits a new low, pirates shoot at innocent people fishing on a lake, countries across the sea threaten war with potential nuclear consequences, another explosive fight goes on in the middle east, and vast amounts of oil spew out into the Gulf of Mexico threatening the lives and livelihoods of residents, becoming the worst environmental disaster of our time?

That’s just a spattering of world news today. Anyone would be anxious. It’s no wonder people are worried, there’s a lot to be worried about. And for good reason.

Is that why anxiety disorders among children and adults continue to soar? Is the world a more dangerous place than it was a hundred years ago? Probably not—as a matter of fact, in general, many people today live longer, healthier lives than their grandparents. However, news did not bombard our grandparents 24/7 through scrolling headlines, cable news, phone apps, monitors mounted throughout airports, train stations, restaurants, splashed across the faces of buildings, and for many of us during stolen moments of the workday on “breaks” from the computer.

Today, we’re taking off for a brief vacation before we start our next book project. I’m writing this blog before I pack up. Our luggage will include three computers (don’t ask), cell phones, articles and books. Are we really vacationing or just vacating our house? Actually the former; we’ll take a few hikes, have some nice meals, stay away from phone calls, and ignore email as much as we can. We also plan to take a “celibacy vow” from the news.

We recommend breaks from the world. You don’t have to go far and you can still do a bit of work. But, take some walks and turn off the news for a few days. You’ll be less anxious. If you have any comments, we’ll get back to you next week.

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From Psych Central's website:
PsychCentral (June 1, 2010)

Take a Vacation From Anxiety | Anxiety and OCD Exposed (June 2, 2010)

Trevor Wolfe (June 2, 2010)

    Last reviewed: 1 Jun 2010