Constant streams of bad news can feel overwhelming. Without safeguards, they lead to mounting stress. Here's how to let negativity slide off while protecting your mental health.
You're tired of the day's gloom but keep reaching for your phone, only to face more global frustrations. Sound familiar? Prioritizing mental hygiene is key to thriving amid endless negative headlines.
Mental hygiene means nurturing yourself with daily structure, ample rest, sleep, and exercise to safeguard physical and mental health. It also involves curbing screen time and mindfully selecting news. "In uncertain times, we crave information for a sense of control," notes American clinical psychologist Jacqueline Bullis. Short-term news binges may soothe, but long-term, they heighten anxiety. "We think more info equals control, but chasing it amplifies worry," she explains. "The future is inherently unpredictable."
Even normally, nonstop screen time and news absorption is unhealthy. During pandemics, FOMO intensifies it, keeping us perpetually alert. With lockdowns disrupting routines, leaving extra time for scrolling and fretting, mindful news consumption is crucial.
Curate trusted sources. Not all news matters. Skip daily case counts if they don't help. Stick to two or three reliable sites, checking once or twice daily. Unfollow stress-inducing feeds and accounts.
Seek positive news. Focus on inspiring topics that motivate growth or bring joy. Tailor social media for daily uplift from resonant voices. Reclaim your feeds with energizing content—it's abundant online. Try positive outlets like Instagram's @goodnews_movement and @upworthy.
Spread the positivity. Shift conversations beyond doom. Host virtual watch parties via Netflix Party or start a group chat for sharing uplifting stories. Good news is everywhere—share it!
Text: Emma Verweij / Images: Getty Images
