Positive Ways to Respond to the News

An image that features a mug full of coffee, a pen, and a napkin. On the napkin is written” Positive mind, positive vibes, positive life.

Having some awareness regarding current events is part of being a responsible citizen. But reading or hearing the news can often leave us feeling helpless and in despair. We may wonder, “What’s the point of being aware of these issues if there’s nothing I can do about them?” However, there are many positive ways that we can choose to respond to the news. 

1. Offer compassion. We are all impacted by current events in different ways. Perhaps you’ve heard that there is a hurricane headed to Florida, and your friend moved there. Sending a text can let them know that you’re thinking of them. Or maybe you’ve heard that older adults are more isolated during the coronavirus pandemic. You can consider calling older family members, or sign up to be a pen pal for an elderly person in a nursing home. 

2. Spread awareness. If you read an article about something that you think is important, you can share it on social media. You can also share petitions calling for change, or fundraiser links helping people in need. 

3. Learn more. Change starts from within. When we make a sincere effort to continue learning about issues that affect our society, we are able to adjust our attitudes and behaviors. When we make an effort to learn now, we improve our chances of making a positive impact in the future. 

4. Speak up. If you are affected personally by an issue, or care deeply about an issue, sharing your perspective can inspire others to use their power and resources to make a difference. Of course, you should never feel obligated to share something if doing so would compromise your personal safety or well-being. 

Read a news article that interests you, from a reliable source. Reflect: How can I respond to what I have just learned? What can I do that is reasonable and healthy for me?

Reliable sources: 

https://www.huffpost.com/section/teen

https://newsela.com/

https://www.nytimes.com/section/learning

https://climate.nasa.gov/

https://knowherenews.com/stories

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Self-Compassion News Break

An image of a girl hugging herself. She’s wearing a pink sweater and looks content.

This exercise is an adapted form of Dr. Kristen Neff’s Self-Compassion Break, featured on https://self-compassion.org/exercise-2-self-compassion-break/ 

If you feel distress after listening to, reading, or watching the news, you are not alone. It’s okay to feel this way, and it’s also okay to look for healthy ways to cope. 

First, take a big, deep breath in through your nose, counting to four. Hold your breath for a second or two, and then breathe out slowly through your mouth, counting to four. 

Next, think about how the news has made you feel. Acknowledge this suffering by writing down how you feel. For example: This hurts, I feel angry, or I am so sad that this has happened.

Next, take a moment to remember that you are not alone. Remember that you do not have to carry the burdens of the world alone, and there are many people helping to make things better. There are many people struggling with the same difficult emotions, and you are not alone in feeling this way. Repeat to yourself: I am not alone. Write down some good wishes you have for other people who are struggling. This is compassion. 

Finally, extend this compassion to yourself. Ask yourself, What good things do I want for myself? Write down these good wishes, for example: May I have hope. May I find rest. May I find energy and opportunities to do good things that bring me joy. May I find the beauty in all things. 

Take four more deep breaths. If possible, take a break from the media after doing this meditation. Take a stretch break, eat a snack, read a book--Do something kind for yourself.

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This prompt was written by Grace Ferber, a Words Alive volunteer