Canadian Blog House received compensation for this guest post from BetterHelp.com, in order to bring you tips on how you can stay positive in a world full of negative news.

It is hard to turn on the news without seeing something negative anymore. Someone got shot, mugged, or attacked, the police are in trouble for shooting someone they shouldn’t, children left alone while mom works because she cannot afford a sitter. Women and men being sexually harassed or assaulted, a missing child, the American president in trouble again for something he said.

The list goes on and on.

These things seem to be a daily affair and it has gotten to the point that you don’t even want to watch the news anymore. But, how will you stay informed on what is going on? You could try the internet or social media, but you cannot really trust these sources. So, what can you do?

How to Stay Positive in a World Full of Negative News

Let It Go

First of all, take everything with a grain of salt. What you read or hear is usually someone else’s opinion, even when it is reported by the news. You do not have to take everything to heart and, in fact, let it roll right off your back by thinking about something positive.

You can find something positive in everything if you look hard enough. If not, just ignore it. Unless it is something that pertains to you directly, you do not have to absorb what is being reported. You cannot control it, so let it go. Just let it go.

Surround Yourself with Positivity

How can you make your life more positive no matter what the news says? Besides ignoring the negative, fill your life with positivity. Keep the friends who are positive, upbeat, and happy, and ditch the ones who are always spouting negativity. Build a network of happy people to surround you and you will have no choice but to be happy too. Let their light shine on you, keep you happy, and help you stay positive.

Look for It

Stay positive by finding the positive in every situation. Look for the helpers. There are always people who help. Find them and attach yourself to them. Be like them or just enjoy watching them help.

Even in the worst tragedies there are people who help. In the 9/11 tragedies, thousands of people stepped up and helped out. This is the positive in every story. Ignore those who just want to make things worse by joining in on the negative news.

Change Your Routine

Do you start your mornings by watching the news or reading the paper? Maybe you should change that. Start your day with a walk around the park or an exercise routine. Take a drive in the country. Try some meditation or yoga.

If you really have to watch the television, watch cartoons or some other lighthearted program. That can put a smile on your face that will stick with you through the day.

Stress Causes Illness

Too much stress can cause many health problems, both physical and mental. You can end up with high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, or a mental health condition like anxiety or depression. Soaking up too much negativity can cause these issues and you don’t need that kind of negativity in your life.

In fact, mental health and physical health are connected in many ways. For example, you are more likely to have a heart attack or stroke if you have an anxiety disorder or depression. In return, physical activity can help your mental health by increasing the endorphins in your body. Those are the “feel good” hormones that make you happy.

Talk to Someone

So, if you are having signs of any of these issues such as changes in sleep, feeling stressed or depressed for no obvious reason, mood swings, lack of interest in your favorite activities, or fatigue, you need to speak to a mental health professional.

BetterHelp can help you with any of these or other mental health issues. Contact a professional today and start feeling positive again.

Marie Miguel has been a writing and research expert for nearly a decade, covering a variety of health- related topics. Currently, she is contributing to the expansion and growth of a free online mental health resource with BetterHelp.com. With an interest and dedication to addressing stigmas associated with mental health, she continues to specifically target subjects related to anxiety and depression.