May 10, 2022
By Amerie Diaz
Staff Writer
It is easy to feel hopeless and uneasy nowadays. Devastating news dominates conversations, headlines and social media posts. Time is limited to save the planet, inflation is at its highest in 40 years, a new subvariant of Omicron is spreading and the war in Ukraine rages on as Russia continues committing war crimes.
It is normal to feel overwhelmed by all of this, but if the world’s current state is exhausting you, consider the following tips:
1. Avoid using technology for at least 30 minutes before sleeping. Using devices before bed can interfere with one’s sleep patterns by creating distractions. Likewise, reading the news before bed can result in negative thoughts that disrupt sleep.
2. Balance negative news with positive news. With all the tragedies going on in the world, sometimes all you need is reassuring news. A website to find positive news is humanprogress.org, which stresses the importance of growth and achievement in the world.
3. Be proactive. To alleviate feelings of hopelessness, consider volunteering or joining an organization to make a difference.
4. 4. Create a gratitude journal. Reflecting on aspects of your life that bring you joy benefits your health. Set aside time each day to document what you’re grateful for. To begin, simply list what you’re thankful for or follow gratitude prompts.
5. Read/watch the news in moderation. While it is important to stay informed, endless streams of bad news can make one feel anxious. In fact, according to a Pew Research Center poll, two-thirds of Americans say the amount of news they consume drains them. If you find the news to be too discomforting, recognize your triggers and limit your exposure to them. One way to do this is by removing notifications and allowing yourself to let some emails from news outlets go unread.
In uncertain times, it is crucial to remember that you are not alone. While it may be difficult to remain at ease, I hope these tips can relieve some worry from your mind.
