By Brenda Carrico
In today’s digital age, the relentless onslaught of clickbait headlines and negative news can be overwhelming. It often feels like we’re drowning in a sea of doom and gloom.
The good news?
There are ways to manage this barrage of negativity and reclaim your mental well-being and joy. Check out these ideas to help reduce the impact of negative news and start feeding your brain with more positivity.
Recognize the Clickbait
The first step in reclaiming some positivity is recognizing clickbait for what it is: a strategy designed to grab your attention and provoke strong emotional responses. Clickbait headlines are often sensationalized, exaggerated, or misleading. They aim to lure you in with dramatic phrases like “You Won’t Believe What Happened Next!” or “The Shocking Truth About…”. Remember, not all that glitters is gold, and not all that clicks is truth.
Ask yourself: Does part of this story seem missing? Do I need more context before I react?
Limit Your Exposure
Constant exposure to negative news can take a toll on your mental health. Set boundaries for yourself by limiting the time you spend consuming news. For example, allocate specific times of the day for checking news updates instead of scrolling endlessly. Turn news notifications on your phone off to avoid being bombarded with updates throughout the day.
Curate Your News Feed
Take control of what you see by curating your news feed. Unfollow sources that thrive on negativity and sensationalism. Instead, follow reputable news outlets that provide balanced and factual reporting. You can also follow pages and accounts that focus on positive news, uplifting stories, and feel-good content.
Engage in Digital Detox
Consider taking a break from social media and news platforms altogether. A digital detox can help you reset your mind and reduce anxiety. Use this time to engage in activities that bring you joy and fulfillment, such as reading a book, spending time with loved ones, or exploring a new hobby.
Practice Mindfulness
Mindfulness practices, such as meditation and deep breathing exercises, can help you stay grounded and focused. When you encounter negative news, take a moment to breathe and center yourself. Acknowledge your emotions without letting them overwhelm you.
Seek Out Positive News
Balance the scales by actively seeking out positive news and inspiring stories. Here are some resources to get you started*:
- Good News Network: This website is dedicated to sharing uplifting and positive news stories from around the world. Good News Network
- The Optimist Daily: A platform that delivers solutions-oriented news to inspire and empower readers. The Optimist Daily
- Positive News Foundation (PNF) is an international nonprofit organization based in The Hague, Netherlands. Its mission is to promote positive journalism that informs and inspires the public, aiming to boost social progress globally. Positive News Foundation
- Sunny Skyz is a website dedicated to sharing positive and uplifting news stories, inspirational content, and feel-good media. Sunny Skyz
- The Today show has a dedicated section for good news, featuring inspirational, uplifting, and happy stories. Today Good News
- CBS has a segment called “The Uplift,” which focuses on sharing good news and heartwarming stories that lift your spirits. CBS The Uplift CBS News
*These resources are more information purposes only, to be used as examples. The examples should not be considered an endorsement by the author or our firm.
Remind Yourself: It’s Not All Bad
In the midst of negative news, it’s important to remind yourself that the world isn’t all bad. Acts of kindness, breakthroughs in science, and stories of resilience are happening every day. By shifting your focus to the positive aspects of life, you can foster a more hopeful and optimistic outlook.
Navigating the negative news cycle can be challenging, but by recognizing clickbait, limiting exposure, curating your news feed, engaging in digital detox, practicing mindfulness, and seeking out positive news, you can help reduce its impact on your mental health and joy. Remember, there is still goodness in the world—sometimes, you just have to look a little closer to find it.
If you find yourself concerned about how the news is impacting your financial situation, let us know. We are here to help you determine what needs to be addressed and what isn’t as “important” as the headlines would lead you to believe.
The opinions expressed herein are those of certain Searcy Financial Services, Inc. personnel and are subject to change without notice. The opinions expressed are as of the date of publication and are subject to revision due to changes in the market or economic conditions, which may not necessarily come to pass. Any opinions, projections, or forward-looking statements expressed herein are solely those of the author, may differ from the views or opinions expressed by others in the firm, and are meant for general informational purposes as of the date indicated. Searcy Financial Services, Inc. is not compensated by these vendors, nor are there material conflicts of interest that would affect the given statement.