Ready For Some Good News? Tips For Managing The INBOX In Your Brain.
Did you know that what we take in through the eyes and ears is just as important as what we take in with our mouth?
While many of us are careful eaters, avoiding pesticides and poisons in our food, we often fill our minds with junk.
Most of the news out there is repetitive, agitating, and possibly even traumatizing. Just like food, be sure you limit your intake of media that has low nutritive value and fill up with healthy mindfood.
Hearing only bad news can lead us to operate in survival mode instead of creative mode, and possibly worsen symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Tip#1: Set boundaries
Photo by Drew Hays, Unsplash
How much is too much news?
While it is important to be aware of current events, it is also important to take the time to process the information you’ve consumed. If you look critically at your newsfeed, you’ll find that most of it is repetitive.
Try this: Limit your news intake to 3 articles a day. If you’re already depressed, then detox by going 3 days without checking the news.
Tip#2: *Pause* Take time to think for yourself
Photo by Zoe Holling, Unsplash
After you ingest the news, be sure to take the time to process it. If you don’t allow yourself to unplug from the news, then chances are, you’re letting someone else dictate how you think.
No matter which news source you’re receiving, it all comes from someone’s point of view. It’s important to take a break so you know what your point of view is.
Make sure you put down the phone and take a walk, eat lunch, or do the dishes. These seemingly mundane events allow your brain to filter out the information in a creative way.
Tip #3: Delight in Good News
Photo by Larry Crayton on Unsplash
The next time you find yourself in a funk, ask yourself why. It might have been because you’ve been reading about disasters all day. Most news outlets don’t report on the positive things that organizations, people, and animals engage in every day. When we consume only bad news, we arrive at a negative outlook on life.
Get a balanced perspective by looking for the good news, too.
Karmatube, Upworthy, and Storycorps are all great sources of positive happenings in the world. Read your alumni magazines and fill up with inspiring stories about new discoveries that will change our lives for the better. Another reliable source is asking your friends what they’re grateful for. If you need a reminder about the positive qualities in your life, create a word jar.
A word jar is a fun and easy tool to uplift your spirit. Check out the how-to video I’ve made for you here:
