Everywhere you turn these days, you’re bombarded by bad news.
If it’s not the actual TV news bombarding us with reminders about how terrible the world is right now, it’s the internet and social media. It’s important not to live with your head stuck in the sand, but by the same token, you also have to protect your mental health. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by all the doom and gloom and need to feel a bit of levity in your life, here are some things you can try.
1. Limit your news consumption.
It’s tempting to stay on top of everything, but endless news updates can leave you feeling drained and anxious. Limiting your daily intake—maybe checking in just once a day—lets you stay informed without getting overwhelmed. Giving yourself permission to tune out here and there can make a big difference. When you control what and when you consume news, you’ll feel a lot more balanced.
2. Spend time outdoors.
It’s easy to forget how much fresh air can shift your mood. Whether it’s a quick walk around the block or a hike on the weekend, being outside can ground you and boost your spirits. Nature has a calming effect that helps put things in perspective. Even a short outdoor break can help clear your mind and give you a bit of peace.
3. Connect with people who uplift you.
We all have people in our lives who make us feel lighter, and sometimes, we just need their energy. Reaching out for a chat or catching up over coffee can remind you of the good things and the people who care. Building in regular time with those who lift you up can create a much-needed break from negativity. It’s a reminder that you’re not alone in the chaos.
4. Practice gratitude daily.
It might sound cliché, but focusing on what’s good in your life—even small things—really helps. Taking a moment each day to list a few things you’re grateful for can shift your focus from what’s wrong to what’s right. It’s easy to get caught up in what’s missing or going wrong, but gratitude shifts that perspective. It’s a small practice that can help you appreciate life’s little joys.
5. Reduce screen time.
Source: Unsplash Screens are part of life, but too much time online can add to stress and anxiety. Setting limits on social media or cutting back on aimless scrolling can free up time and mental space. Giving your mind a break from digital overload is refreshing and can help you refocus. A little screen-free time each day helps keep life feeling more manageable.
6. Create a comforting routine.
When everything feels chaotic, a simple routine can be grounding. It doesn’t have to be complex—maybe a morning coffee ritual or reading a few pages before bed. Small, comforting routines give a sense of normalcy and control in an unpredictable world. It’s amazing how just a little structure can bring a lot of calm.
7. Set boundaries with your time.
Saying yes to everything can quickly lead to burnout, especially when there’s a lot going on. Protecting your time and setting clear boundaries—whether at work or in personal life—can make a big difference in how you feel. When you honour your own limits, it creates space for you to recharge. Remember, it’s okay to say no when you need a break.
8. Do something creative.
It’s easy to feel bogged down in routine, but a little creativity can lift your spirits. Whether it’s doodling, cooking a new recipe, or even trying a new hobby, creative activities let you focus on something purely for fun. Creativity offers a break from the day-to-day stresses and gives your mind something fresh to enjoy. Letting yourself create without pressure is incredibly freeing.
9. Practice mindfulness or meditation.
Mindfulness doesn’t have to mean sitting in silence for hours. Even a few minutes of focused breathing or a quick meditation can help centre your thoughts and calm your mind. When life gets overwhelming, mindfulness can give you a break from constant mental noise. Just a small pause each day can make a big difference in your overall stress levels.
10. Focus on sleep quality.
Sleep impacts everything, and when we’re not getting enough, everything feels harder. Prioritizing decent sleep by creating a relaxing bedtime routine or limiting screens before bed can help you feel more refreshed. Good sleep has a way of making the world feel more manageable. Resting well gives you the energy to face whatever comes your way.
11. Take things one step at a time.
With so much happening, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by everything at once. Focusing on one task at a time instead of trying to tackle everything can make life feel more doable. Breaking things down into small steps helps keep you grounded. It’s a reminder that you don’t have to solve everything all at once.
12. Find small ways to help other people.
Doing something nice for someone else, even a small gesture, can lift your spirits. Acts of kindness, like helping a friend or volunteering, give you a sense of purpose and connection. When things feel dark, giving back can remind you of the good around you. Helping other people brings perspective and can make you feel more hopeful.
13. Let go of what you can’t control.
There’s so much we can’t change, and focusing on those things can be exhausting. Letting go of what you can’t control—whether it’s the news or other people’s opinions—can lighten your load. It frees up mental energy to focus on what you can do and helps reduce stress. Sometimes, giving yourself permission to let go is the best relief.
