By Every day we open our phones, turn on the radio or watch TV, and see headlines about wars, disasters, crimes and scandals. Sometimes it feels like the world is on fire. While it’s important to stay informed, too much bad news can quietly hurt your mind and body. On the other hand, good news can lift your spirit and make life feel brighter.
Let’s break it down in a way that’s easy to understand.
What Too Much Bad News Do to You?
- It Stresses you and make your Worries Go Up:
When you keep hearing scary or sad news, your body goes into “fight or flight” mode. This means stress hormones rise, your heart beats faster, and you feel more anxious. - Sadness and Depression May Follow:
Reading negative stories all the time can make you feel powerless and sad, especially when you believe there’s nothing you can do to change things. - You Start Feeling Helpless:
Seeing one bad headline after another can make you think “what’s the point?” This drains your energy and can stop you from taking positive action. - You don’t SLEEP well:
Scrolling through bad news late at night (“doomscrolling”) wakes up your brain instead of calming it. The blue light from your screen also tricks your brain into staying awake & deprive you of quality sleep. - Your Body Feels It Too:
Accumulation of those news causes Constant stress can show up as headaches, fatigue, high blood pressure, or a tense neck and shoulders.
Does that mean you will stop listening to news? NO! Just filter what you consume and focus on the ‘good news’ more.
🌞 How Good News Helps You.
- Good news Improves Your Mood:
Positive stories can boost happiness and life satisfaction. They remind you of the good things still happening in the world. - Good news Supports Your Mental Health:
Good news gives your mind a break, balances out the bad news, and makes you feel more hopeful.
🛡️ How to Protect Your Mind From Bad News
Here are simple, practical steps you can take:
- Limit Your News Time:
While it is almost impossible to do that, Choose a set time to check the news, maybe once in the morning and once in the evening, instead of all day long. - Look for Positive Stories:
Actively search for uplifting or inspiring news. Follow pages or accounts that focus on solutions, kindness, or community success stories. - Check Your Feelings:
If you notice you’re feeling anxious or angry after reading the news, take a break. Step outside, stretch, or chat with a friend. - Relax On Purpose:
Practice Deep breathing, gentle stretching, praying, or go for a short walk that will calm your body after stressful news. - Practice Self-Care
Ensure you Eat well, get enough sleep, talk to supportive people, and do activities you enjoy. A strong mind and body handle stress better.
💡 BEAUTIFUL TAKEAWAY!
News is powerful. It can inform you, inspire you, or overwhelm you. By choosing what you watch, how much you watch, and balancing it with positive stories and self-care, you protect your mental health and improve your daily life.
P:S: Remember, staying informed should not cost you your peace of mind.