In the recent news, we’ve been consistently bombarded with a stream of distressing news and events. Whether it’s political corruption, misuse of public funds, or social injustices, the media inundates us with stories that can be emotionally draining. Many of us feel compelled to stay informed, fearing that we might miss out on important developments. We find ourselves constantly checking social media, news websites, and television channels, absorbing a relentless barrage of negative information.
This relentless exposure to negativity can take a toll on our mental well-being. It is like a cancer that slowly and quietly eats you up from within causing major damage. I vividly recall the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, when the news was filled with reports of rising death tolls and the spread of the virus. The impact of this constant barrage of distressing information became painfully clear to me one evening when my youngest child, then 8 years old, broke down in tears, overwhelmed by fear and uncertainty about the future. She asked me if we were going to die.
It is often said that we are what we consistently think about, and it is true that our mental and emotional well-being can be profoundly affected by the information we consume. While it is important to stay informed, we must also recognize the need to shield ourselves from the harmful effects of excessive negativity. We must consciously limit our negative consumption and actively seek out sources of positivity and balance the negative with the positive.
In such a negative environment, it’s important to be aware that we have the power to choose how we engage with information. The first step is obviously to limit our exposure to negative news and reducing the amount of time spent on social media. I’m a victim of this, and my first stop is usually twitter for news updates and information. Problem with this is one has to scroll through many items to find information and it can be quite addictive. By the end of your scrolling, there’s another story you need, rather, want to follow, and on and on it goes. This never leaves one in a happy state.
At work, we spend time catching up with colleagues and more often than not, complaining about one thing or another. From the economy to politics, both internal and local politics. This is the time we glean information we’ve read and listened to. While this is meaningful at times, it can also leave you with negative emotions, thus unhappy.
In these times, we need to actively seek out positive stories and news; they say ‘no news is good news’. Make an effort to engage in meaningful conversations, read helpful material, learn a new skill, become more grateful for the positive things that are going on around you, and surround yourself with uplifting influencers. By doing so, we can cultivate a more positive mindset and protect our mental and emotional health.
It is important to remember that while negative events will always occur, we have the ability to control our response to them. Just as Moses instructed his people to focus on a symbol of healing, we too can choose to focus on what uplifts and strengthens us. By consciously directing our attention towards positive influences, we can insulate ourselves from the pervasive negativity that surrounds us.
For every negative news you follow, try and listen or intake double the amount of positive news. The Fear of Missing out is after all, just in our minds. You don’t need to listen over and over to news that you have no control over, you don’t have to watch all the breaking news and monitor it every hour, you don’t need to know everything. Make it a habit to watch day 2 news – news that has been digested and can be received in full with all the relevant details.
Ultimately, we have the power to shape our own experiences and responses to the world around us. We can choose to focus on what uplifts and inspires us, rather than allowing ourselves to be overwhelmed by negativity. By actively seeking out sources of positivity and resilience, we can navigate the challenges of the world with hope and strength.
Let’s be more proactive this year and seek positivity around us.
