The news always feels negative at the moment. The pandemic continues to rage around the world, especially in the UK and the US, where the situation feels as though it might never end. But, it’s not all as bad as it seems, and this guide will help you feel more positive about the world around you, and the negative news you see.
Remember; good news never sold a newspaper
OK maybe with the exception of the end of war, or the birth of a royal baby or something, there is never good news on the cover of a paper or hitting the top of your feed. That’s simply because good news does not sell the news, and the point for most news outlets is to make money. This is because if there is a scary sounding headline, people will want to read on to find out just how bad it is, if they should worry and what they should do to prepare. So we are always seeing the very worst on the cover of the paper, and after a while, it’s a lot.
Turn off your notifications for the news, or delete the apps
If you find that breaking news popping on your phone when you’re chilling out is stressful, use a few of the tools on your phone to stop it invading every corner of your life. Turn of the notifications completely or restrict how often they appear. You could even go so far as to delete the apps. This way, you can find out what’s going on your terms, and not when you are trying to sleep, in the bath, or in the middle of a zoom class.
Restrict your news intake for a while
We aren’t saying you need to bury your head in the sand and pretend it all isn’t happening, but if you find the constant negativity in the news overwhelming, the best thing might be to take a break for a while.
Always check your sources
The trouble with the news these days is you are never quite sure what to believe. Read this for the ultimate guide on how how to sort out fact from fiction.
Book in time to talk about what scares you with people you love
Whether it’s when you are all sat around the dinner table, or when you and your mates are on a zoom call, talk about what’s worrying you. It can help to share those negative thoughts with people you care about, and they might be able to give you a different perspective. Read this for tips on how to open up to your mates about mental health.
And make sure you have time to take your mind off of it
Book in time to occupy yourself with something you enjoy. Whether it’s video games, online shopping, playing with your dog or watching a movie, using some time to remind yourself of the things you enjoy in life will help you refocus, and give you some much needed positive energy.
If someone brings it up and you don’t feel comfortable, ask them to change the subject – simple as that!
Literally. Just ask to change the subject, or just deflect the subject yourself. You don’t even need to tell them why, and if it gives you a break from your anxiety, we call that a win.
There is so much positivity out there – so seek it out
The pandemic has brought a lot of negative news into our lives, but there are some amazing stories or people helping others, and showing the very best that humanity has to offer. So go and look for some of these stories. Whether it’s the improving environment for animals because of lockdown, keen fundraisers or front line heroes, there is no shortage of joy out there.
This will end. We promise.
The last thing to remember is that this will not go on forever. We know it might feel like it, but it won’t. And in the meantime, you can always talk to us.
