Over exposure to negativity takes a serious toll on our physical and mental health. The first step in correcting this growing problem, is to admit that these days, we’re inundated with negativity.
If you think negativity is everywhere these days, you’re not mistaken. A big source of that negativity is political and the seemingly endless coverage of it in our media. There were times in which political coverage was just part of the news cycle, but today, it is the news cycle. When we throw career and relationship stress into the mix, its a rough picture. The news has become toxic and unfortunately, we now live in a world with 24 x 7 news coverage and social media — almost instant communications methods means that we are saturated with news and it seems almost inescapable. But make no mistake, it only seems inescapable.
Its a known fact that too much exposure to stressful news stories, especially about political strife, violence, natural disasters, or global conflicts, can and often does lead to increasing feelings of stress, anxiety and even exhaustion. So knowing this is a modern day “epidemic,” what can we do about it?
Take the time to consider how you’re feeling: We can’t ignore it or pretend its not an issue, so taking a cold hard look at how this negativity is making us feel is key.
Look at your social media time: If we spend too much time on social media, we absolutely will be exposed to not only negativity, but also to a feeling of having to compete — we all have those friends who post this idealized version of their lives to paint a picture of perfection. Those types of posts make us question our own lives and feelings of inadequacy rise. We need to consider if time on social media is helping or hurting us. We also need to realize that no one’s life is perfect, no matter how much they try to show it as such.
Look at our news sources and the means in which we consume news: If we’re watching just one source and that source is partisan and only focuses on political news and hysteria, it is not healthy. At all. The spread of misleading and even false information is rising on social media, but when its on our TV’s and some talking head is engaging in it, its very dangerous and a big part of the problem. Maybe its time to read the news instead? Maybe having more than one source to give you a balanced picture is more advisable?
Seek positivity: It is out there. There is a great deal of good in the world, we just need to seek it out, since media companies have a vested interest in spreading hysteria — for them, fear and paranoia sells, so of course they’re going to push the the negative. No one is forcing us to immerse ourselves in the negative, so go out and find some good news and focus on that.
Mindfulness: We should be more mindful of the now — to be in the present and enjoy life’s bright spots. Focusing on the past or the future too much, can take us out of our now and put is into a limbo. Savor every good and positive thing now.
Embrace kindness and compassion: When we’re kind and fair and helping others, in a way, the universe rewards us with happiness. So embrace being good and kind and having compassion for all life — it does work!
Positive Thinking: Each day, wake up and decide to be happy and positive. Cultivate your mind to always orient toward being happy and focusing on the brighter side of life. Use positive affirmations to keep you on track, and while no day is perfect, try to always think good and productive, positive thoughts.
Modern life is increasingly challenging, which means we all have to be on guard. The way to stay positive is to remember that nothing is perfect all the time and that what we consume into our minds and bodies, impacts us greatly. Consume negativity and the result will be bad. Consciously embrace positivity, choose happiness and do so daily and the end result will be wonderful.
“Change your thoughts and you change your world” — Norman Vincent Peale
“Great things happen to those who don’t stop believing, trying, learning, and being grateful.” — Roy T. Bennett
“One of the things I learned the hard way was that it doesn’t pay to get discouraged. Keeping busy and making optimism a way of life can restore your faith in yourself.” — Lucille Ball
