Recently, it seems like there is always bad news flooding into our lives. In an era where we have constant access to all the world’s information in the palm of our hands, it is hard to avoid negativity. With recent news about the environment, AI, job loss, political instability and more, you are certainly not alone in feeling like negativity is constantly thrown in your face. It is hard to remember that there are plenty of things to be joyful about and you can always find them if you look.
I notice this wave of hopelessness particularly among college students, especially those who are about to graduate and enter the working world. The news about mass job loss and economic instability is instilling a deep fear in young people. I hear so many people I know asking, “Will I be able to get a job after college?”, “Did I choose the right major?”, “Will I ever be able to afford my own house?” These fears are very real and it can be difficult to find joy when there are so many reasons to feel sadness. When the big picture is heavy, it helps a lot to zoom in and focus on little things that bring us joy and relieve stress. Here are some things that help me:
It brings me joy to make my ordinary days feel special. I try to find ways to spend time with people I love while doing something regular. I invite friends over to study with me, my roommate and I grocery shop for the week together, or I invite a friend to get coffee as a reward after class.
Take up a hobby! As someone who has experienced a lot of anxiety in her life, drawing is something that helps me calm down. I love making little drawings for my loved ones and even just coloring helps me relax. Dedicating time to my personal hobbies gives me something to be excited about. Not to mention it is a great meditation tactic.
Go outside. No seriously, it helps. Going on a walk and appreciating the world around you can be a great way to bring some extra joy into your life. Look at the sunsets, watch people go by and watch the leaves change color.
Pay attention to good news out there. It is important to stay informed about what’s going on in the world. But also try to focus on good things that are happening. I love looking at the Good News Network to see some inspiring stories from that week about the environment, scientific discoveries and more.
Most importantly, tap into your support system. If you are feeling down, saying it out loud really helps. Talking about your feelings with loved ones can not only help you feel some relief, but it can also help you see that you’re not alone.
It is easy to fall into despair during such difficult times. Just remember you don’t have to navigate these feelings alone. There are always little things you can do to bring yourself some peace.