How to Cope With Negative News
How can you cope with negative news in today’s world, with the ongoing wars and natural disasters, these occurrences are hard to ignore. It is stated that 95 percent of information from the media is negative. According to verywellmind.com, “Because sensational headlines get more attention, Jones [Logan, Jones, a licensed psychologist] says media outlets may end up focusing on disaster reporting and rarely any positive news.”
HOW TO COPE WITH THE NEGATIVE NEWS FROM THE MEDIA
The Effects of Negative News
Jones states further that consuming too much of this kind of news whether actively or passively can be very toxic, and what you hear has an impact on your mood. When you consume the news, it activates the sympathetic nervous system, which releases stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. When a crisis happens, we express a stress response, which leads to physical symptoms, like fatigue, depression, and trouble sleeping. It seems this reality has come to stay but before we discuss the ways to cope, let’s understand the meaning of the media, talk about statistics, and how to manage the negative effects of bad news.
The Media
In communication, the media is a tool used to store or deliver content. According to marketbusinessnews.com, “The media is a plural term for medium, which is a communication channel through which we spread news, music, movies, education, promotional messages, and data. It includes television, radio, billboards, telephone, the internet, fax and billboards.” The media is a powerful tool that can be used for control hence, its effects on our mental health should not be overlooked.
HOW TO COPE WITH THE NEGATIVE NEWS FROM THE MEDIA
The Statistics
The statistics according to Google states, “Sensationalist stories form 95% of media headlines nowadays. Media reports with negative news or statistics catch 30% more attention, and 26.7% of people exposed to negative news go on to develop anxiety issues. 63% of kids aged 12-18 say that watching the news makes them feel bad. 39% of Americans believe the media exaggerated the COVID-19 coverage.”
HOW TO COPE WITH THE NEGATIVE NEWS FROM THE MEDIA
Ways to Cope The Negative News Headlines
With the aforementioned, here are a few ways you can cope with the stress response symptoms caused by negative news:
- Limit your screen time every day especially if your notifications are on for the latest news updates, you may turn it off till you are ready.
- Verify information and pick up a newspaper over social media for a better balance.
- Face your worries for a short while, and discuss with your loved ones, friends, or professionals in the areas that directly affect you.
- Distract yourself with a healthy hobby like walking, talking to family, visiting your favorite spot, or exercising.
- Say words of affirmation that are powerful and effective constantly.
- Talk to God about your fears, He has the key to protection and perseverance in life. Get to know Him.
Other Articles
https://www.verywellmind.com/why-work-life-balance-is-so-important-8374683
English
One wonders what the future holds. There’s a lot of disturbing occurrences these days. Thanks for another great write-up.
@Hilda,the future is our hope in God. Let’s pray for the nations. We can apply the tips listed in the articles, share with your colleagues, friends, and family.
I thoroughly enjoyed this article, thanks for the tips.
@Tyler, thank you and regarding the tips I hope they work for you.