Top Ten No Cost Ways to Tune Out of Bad News for Mental Health

Top Ten No Cost Ways to Tune Out of Bad News for Mental Health

In these times of the pandemic and social unrest, tuning out bad news can be quite difficult. Watching news updates all day can be quite draining on one’s mental health. Those who are empathetic are affected even more and can find it quite hard to function. While it is crucial to be aware of what’s happening in the world, it is also important to take care of your mental health. We all need a break in order to recharge, stay positive, and be productive. Here are the top ten no-cost ways to tune out of bad news for your mental health.

1. Step Outside - Going for a walk or spending time in nature helps clear your mind and reduce stress levels. It gives you an opportunity to breathe in fresh air and get some exercise. By simply taking a break from screens, you get to reset your system, and engaging in physical activity also gives you a dose of endorphins which makes you feel good.

2. Creative activities - Engaging in a creative activity can help you shift your focus from the news to another activity that’s often therapeutic. Examples include painting, writing or drawing. It’s a great way to free your mind and create a product which can be satisfying and inspiring.

3. Mindfulness exercises - Mindfulness exercises can help you reduce the symptoms of anxiety and improve overall mental well-being. Try meditation, yoga, breathing exercises, body scans, or even just relaxing in a quiet space. Mindfulness activities can be practiced anywhere and anytime, and once you’ve learned how to do them correctly, they can be extremely helpful.

4. Surround Yourself with Positive People - Social media can be a harbour for negativity, so make sure you follow groups or accounts that are positive and uplifting. Spend time with friends that bring you joy and uplift your spirits. Venting or sharing your thoughts with someone who understands can also be a great way to relieve stress.

5. Listen to Music - Music has the ability to lift your mood, distract you from anxiety, and stimulate creativity. Make a playlist that’s upbeat and enjoyable to listen to when you are feeling down. It can be a powerful tool when trying to distract your mind from the news.

6. Cooking - Cooking can be a creative outlet that allows you to shift your focus from the news and into the present. Try new recipes, cook a meal for a friend or family member, or cook some of your favourite comfort foods. Food also has the power to heal, so cooking can be a therapeutic activity that is quite helpful.

7. Books - Reading is a great way to escape reality and gain a new perspective. It’s also a great way to learn something new and expand your knowledge. Fiction books can be quite engaging and emotionally stimulating, while non-fiction books can be informative and educational.

8. Devote time to your passions - Engage in activities that make you happy, be it playing an instrument, writing poetry, dancing, or playing a sport. Devoting time to what you love can help you tune out from daily stressors and enjoy the present moment.

9. Practice Gratitude - It’s easy to focus on the negatives, but practicing gratitude can help you maintain a positive outlook. Take a few minutes to write down things you are grateful for each day, be it a sunrise, a good meal, or a kind gesture.

10. Take a break from social media - Social media can be a great tool for staying connected with friends and family, but it can also be harmful to one’s mental health. Sometimes, tuning out from the constant news cycle on social can be really helpful. Turn off notifications from news sources or limit your time on social media that tends to be mentally draining.

It’s important to take care of your mental health and well-being. Tuning out bad news for a little while can be helpful in maintaining a positive outlook. Simple activities like stepping outside, engaging in creative activities, practicing mindfulness exercises, surrounding yourself with positive people, and taking a break from social media are just a few ways to maintain your mental health. Our mental health is vital, and while it's important to stay educated on world events, it is equally important to occasionally press the pause button and focus on your own well-being. Being intentional about self-care and carving out time to do the things that fulfill and enrich our lives is essential for mental health. Try implementing some of these tips to feel better and stay positive amidst tough times.

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• As always, Bee Max Healthy encourages everyone to check with their trusted health care provider before embarking on a new diet, supplement, or exercise plan.