Starting my News Hermit journey means making real changes to how I interact with the world, and there’s no better place to begin than my mornings. For years, I’ve had the habit of listening to the “Morning Briefing” on Alexa while making coffee, feeding my dogs, and preparing breakfast for my mother-in-law. It’s been my way of staying informed and feeling prepared for the day, but it’s come at a cost—a cluttered mind and a heightened sense of anxiety.

BEFORE, my morning feed was a constant stream of updates, often reporting on the same thing:

• Today’s Weather Forecast
• NPR News Now
• CNN Flash News Briefing
• Colorado Public Radio Newscast Briefing
• NPR Up First
• Washington Post The 7
• AP Press Audio Feed
• NPR Story of the Day
• BBC World Service
• CNBC Flash Briefing
• Reuters Now
• Word of the Day from Merriam-Webster

It was a lot to take in before my day had even started. And while it felt productive and it satisfied the news-as-entertainment itch, it often set the tone for a day steeped in stress and news-fatigue.

NOW, I’ve simplified my routine to this:

• Today’s Weather Forecast
• Word of the Day from Merriam-Webster
• Everyday Positivity

It’s a start. On one hand, I’m happy that I’m no longer wallowing in an overwhelming pool of repetitive news first thing in the morning. My mornings already feel lighter and more focused. But I’m not entirely satisfied with this setup yet. Alexa’s options for positive, curated content are more limited than I’d hoped. I’m realizing that to create a morning routine that truly sets a positive tone, I may need to explore other platforms or even curate my own lineup of uplifting content.

There’s more to come as I continue to redefine and refine this morning ritual and find the perfect balance between staying informed, being inspired, and preserving my peace of mind. Stay tuned as I share what works, what doesn’t, and how this journey evolves.