News is everywhere. Once, people received news once daily or weekly in newspapers. Today, we're bombarded with current events. You can learn about the attack in Nice, France through traditional media outlets (papers, radio and TV), but also through Facebook, Twitter and even Snapchat or Tumblr.
This may be why people move on from tragedies so quickly. You'll see numerous tweets and posts and articles about the most recent calamity, and it'll go on for a week. You might've seen news of the event dozens of times, and after a while you might start to skip past it. Our globalized, connected world has so much to care about, to be sad about, or to be enraged by. How can we deal with this influx of news, most of it saddening?
1. Take comfort in your relationships.
Watch your favorite movie, play some cards or get into some lighthearted arguments over your favorite board game! Have fun with the people in your life, and be sure they all know how much you value them.
2. Volunteer or donate.
If you hate sitting still while more attacks and tragedies occur, take action by donating your time or money. You can volunteer at your local hospital, or even your library or animal shelter. Donating blood is another great way to help people out–you can save up to three lives each time. To have a more direct impact on an area, you can check if there is a fund dedicated to it. For disasters overseas, the International or local Red Cross might have set something up. (To donate to the Nice, France survivors and to the families of the victims, go to http://www.giveforfrance.org/en.)
3. Limit your news consumption.
Follow one or two reliable news sources, so that you are still aware of current events without being swamped in posts about the same event.
4. When on social media, spread kindness.
The world has enough sadness without unnecessary online drama.
5. Enjoy the simple pleasures in life.
It's the little things that give life its value. You can browse online for some new music to listen to, or snuggle up with some blankets on a rainy day. Take a walk on a sunnier day, and enjoy nature. There is an endless amount of these tiny pleasures, and an endless amount of reasons to keep kicking.
Negative news gets shares, and media outlets know this. However, seeing this content can increase stress and exacerbate anxiety and depression if you have it. Take time to acknowledge tragedies as well as to remember life's positive aspects.
