Sympathy. It’s what defines humanity. This ability to feel for the plight of others is what differentiates us from other species. Although it is something which makes us human, at times this sympathy is entirely misplaced. Mere sympathy is not going to change anything that is wrong with the world. It also causes additional (and often unneeded) emotional weight. The weight of what is going on in the world can be difficult to shoulder sometimes. Here are a few actions to take to get through all of the negativity which we are exposed to daily.
It is easy to look around and identify problems with the world. From climate change to war, there is something going on that everyone can agree is problematic. It is what we do with these things that matters. Instead of typing “thoughts and prayers,” or fixating on a world problem without a feasible solution, it is important to consider what can be done instead. Whether it be taking the initiative to start a movement all the way down to simply reading more credible articles on the topic, it is easy to become more involved in issues. Even becoming more well-versed in relevant topics that you are passionate about allows for you to get involved in issues. Education on world problems is more powerful than having a problem weigh on you and never being able to fix it. Additionally, being better informed can make issues seem easier to bear. Knowing the facts isn’t always a burden and sometimes can make things better.
Have conversations about world issues. Being able to talk about things which are going on in the world around us is something which is helpful for getting through all of the negative news we are exposed to daily. Even being able to commiserate can help get through problems which are entirely too big for one person to handle. Being comfortable enough to discuss things which are bothering you, especially if it’s something that you can’t fix by yourself, can help make big things seem to be less hopeless than they appeared to be at the start.
Be honest with yourself about what you can and cannot handle at a certain moment in time. Sometimes, it’s just not the right time to read an article about how your favorite animals are going to be extinct within 60 years and that’s okay. World problems aren’t intended to be dumped on you all at once. If you’re too stressed to check in with the news on certain issues at a point in time, that’s perfectly okay. You should never sacrifice your own well-being for staying informed. The problems of the world can seem to be a bit much at times and that’s okay. It’s completely understandable to need to take a step back from everything that’s going on in order to focus on yourself and your well-being.
Whether it be getting more involved in issues you’re passionate about or having conversations about world problems, there are a few ways that you can stay positive without sacrificing staying informed- even in a world that can be quite negative.