Between politics, the economy, and the coronavirus, there is a lot to be anxious about right now. Like a trainwreck, all of this dire news is hard to look away from. Doomscrolling is becoming a real threat to people’s mental and physical health!
Although it’s good to stay informed, you need to find ways to alleviate the constant onslaught of bad news. If you can’t get away from the screens for a walk or a break from cyberspace, try focusing on some good news for a change.
Here are a few tips for including some happy stories in your daily media diet:
1. Get Hyper-Local
Of course, there are things going on in our individual communities that bear worrying about as well. However, local news sites are more likely to include nice stories about people you know and good news about accomplishments, celebrations, and milestones.
This news site features event listings for fun happenings in the area, in addition to updates on items of local interest like pedestrian walkways. Other local news sources publish birthdays of seniors over age one hundred, the names of graduating students, and reviews of local eateries.
By checking in on your friends and neighbors, you will be better able to keep the bad news in perspective and see that happy things are happening in the world as well as disasters.
2. Animals, Animals, Animals
Nothing will cheer you up more than pictures of cute animals. You may like to “ooh” and “ah” over baby kittens, puppies and rabbits. You may like to admire different birds from around the globe.
Zoos all over the world are offering virtual tours where you can get up close and personal with pandas, penguins, and other creatures you may not get a chance to see in real life for a while.
If you want some companionship during these scary times, check out the websites of some local rescue shelters, and scroll through the adorable dogs and cats looking for forever homes.
3. Sports
A lot of American sports are being played to empty stadiums now, but you can still catch a game on TV or online and enjoy the thrill of baseball, tennis, or football. Real fans are even watching old classic games from years ago.
The National Hockey League has moved its games from the U.S. back to Canada, so there is some good news! Those north of the border may soon be able to root for their teams when that season begins.
There’s no better way to get your mind off negative things than to cheer for your favorite team!
4. Celebrities
Some things never change. We are still fascinated by the marriages and divorces of the rich and famous, who had plastic surgery lately, and who is expecting a baby.
The paparazzi have not slowed down at all during COVID-19, so get your mind off of serious doom and jump into some delicious gossip sites for the latest dirt on all your faves. You may even get some good news about movies going into production!
5. Travel
Travel for most of us is limited right now, but we can still dream. Scroll through the travel sites offering flexible refund policies and look for where you would like to go when all the restrictions lift.
You can study up on parts of the world you have never seen, preparing for the day when you might visit in person. Learn the history and even study the language!
Tough times are always easier when you have something to look forward to.
Good News: Keep Your Spirits Up
The bad news is, 2020 has been a challenging time for everyone. The good news is, life keeps rolling on, and there are still occasions to celebrate and fun to be had. If you look hard enough, you can find plenty of ways to keep your hopes up and your spirits high as we get through these challenges together.
For more ways to stay positive, keep checking back for new content.
