Fires, shootings, suicide attempts, kidnappings, and more. We're glued to our phones or televisions in our quest to know more — but the persistent bad news can leave us feeling tense, sad, anxious, or worried. Overexposure to the news can lead to some sort of trauma. The sheer amount of stressful events that happen almost daily can make people feel pessimistic or anxious. While everyone has different methods of coping with the daily stresses of life, here are some tips.
* What has worked for you in the past? Increase leisure activities that you enjoy, get more exercise and a consistent sleep schedule, for example. The balance of self-care in the face of the vicarious negative experience is crucial to give your body and mind time to process the disturbing news and give it a place.
* If you feel overwhelmed, social support is important. Joining a book club or social group can provide much-needed support, as an opportunity to express your emotions and gain support from others.
* Provide a sense of control by doing good. For example, attending a local gathering, making a donation, or setting aside time to help others can counteract feelings of helplessness.
* Limit your exposure to news coverage. Only focus on the news at certain times of the day or certain days of the week. It can be helpful to limit your media information sources. For example, you can read a newspaper online, but not scroll through Twitter.
