GOOD AT LIFE

Whether it’s financial instability, climate crises, war, or crime, news headlines typically focus on the bad rather than the good.

Here are 12 tips to help you cope with negative news better and feel more empowered and positive.

1. Find other topics to talk about

Limit the number of conversations with friends and family about specific subjects ─ especially if these topics cause division. Decide what news is essential to communicate and debate.  

2. Digest the news properly

Maintain perspective and properly digest news rather than just using it to support anxieties and fears. Choose fact-based news coverage over opinion and avoid news sources with a biased agenda. Remember that social media has a reputation for scaremongering and circulating misinformation and rumors.  

3. Stay connected

Social media has its good points too. Message boards and support groups show that you are not alone. You can talk to like-minded people and discuss concerns and possible solutions to the issues of the day.

4. Let your voice be heard

Social media makes planning a peaceful protest or creating an online petition easy. Rather than feel frustrated and silenced, you can meet those who feel the same way as you about an issue and present your viewpoint forcefully. 

5. Volunteer for something you care about

Whether it’s a local environmental project or a community support program, by actively engaging you are doing something to make a difference. You are responding to the news rather than just listening to it.

6. Put things into perspective; accept what you can’t change

There will be certain things in life that you must accept ─ at least temporarily. But remember circumstances change in time. Stock markets bounce back; inflation and interest rates fall (as well as rise); and house prices stabilize.

7. Feed body wellness

Make sure you remain mindful about your body’s needs. Exercise and a healthy diet are an important part of helping youfeel energized, gaining a sense of control, and reducing stress. Practice more relaxation and mindfulness activities ─ maybe try meditation and yoga.

8. Keep a good work/life balance 

In the post-pandemic world, many more of us are working from home. Flexible working has many plus points but it can also make you feel isolated. Keep regular work hours, so your work life doesn’t spill into your home space, and encourage in-person updates where ideas and opinions can be expressed.

9. See the glass as half-full and set a positive example

Practice being optimistic and hopeful. Optimism has been found to be a key ingredient in helping our minds and bodies feel stronger. Model positive coping for your children if you have them. This can be a valuable opportunity for them to learn from you about how they can deal with their emotions and fears as they grow.

10. Make positive lifestyle choices

The sensory environment has a big impact on your state of mind. Listen to music that uplifts you ─ put together playlists that create a positive mood. Also, read books that inspire you, and have a quiet place where you can retreat for relaxation. Improve the quality of your life by trying new activities instead of dwelling on any you can no longer do.

11. Laugh more

Maintain your sense of humor. Laughter can help restore a sense of perspective. Be active socially and spend more time with friends who are positive; and less time with “energy vampires” – those people who drain your emotional energy.

12. Take one day at a time

Handle only what you can tackle today and appreciate your accomplishments. Develop flexible plans for possible challenges you may face in the future. The more prepared you are, the less anxious you will feel.

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