It can be easy to get sucked in and bogged down by the daily doom and gloom that comes with checking the news every morning but with our smartphones constantly pinging with the latest headlines, it can feel almost impossible to avoid.
This is especially important in today’s information age where it can sometimes feel like we are dodging bad news from dawn till dusk with unfettered access to the world around us not necessarily always a good thing.
In the following guide, we have compiled a list of ways to stop yourself being triggered by bad news so you can adopt healthy coping mechanisms and find a silver lining in every dark cloud.
1. Take a social media break
In an era where information can be found in a split second, a growing number of consumers are turning to social media to keep up to date with the latest news. This has resulted in greater accessibility and convenience, but it has also led to the line between entertainment and information becoming increasingly blurred.
If you were to check any of your social media feeds, you would more than likely stumble upon a stream of light-hearted videos interspliced with breaking news stories from around the world or negative status updates from within your close circle.
To shield yourself from bad news, a social media break can allow you to reconnect with the real world and avoid the kind of negative feelings that can develop as a result of non-stop scrolling or “doomscrolling”.
It can work wonders for your mental health and wellbeing and may even become a permanent fixture for you going forward.
2. Limit your apps
If you feel like you are checking your smartphone every couple of minutes, limiting your apps can help you establish healthy boundaries when it comes to the ways in which you consume content on a daily basis.
This can allow you to regulate the amount of time you spend glued to a screen and take a much-needed break during times when you are most likely to be triggered or during periods of poor mental health.
To do so, track screen time, set limits, and disable notifications for the platforms that tend to trigger the greatest emotional response from you such as news, e-commerce, banking, and finance apps.
3. Stick to a routine
The best way to stop yourself being triggered by bad news is to actively avoid seeking out news, good or bad.
This may sound easier said than done but by sticking to a routine, you can keep yourself busy with spare time only likely to result in mindless scrolling and bad news lurking around every corner whether you are looking for it or not.
If you have gotten into the habit of absent-mindlessly checking your online banking app multiple times throughout the day, for example, you may end up discovering that your financial situation is worse than you previously thought. This can lead to you developing an unhealthy fixation with your finances.
4. Focus on the positive
It is impossible to completely avoid bad news altogether but by focusing on the positive, you can pick and choose what to centre your attention on and reclaim control of your emotions before they control you.
Over time, you can learn to approach any obstacle standing in your way with an optimistic mindset and respond in a cool, calm, and collected manner.
If you have recently fallen into debt, for example, taking a sensible approach to your money worries may help you regain full financial health sooner rather than later.
5. Seek support
If you get triggered by bad news on a daily basis, you must seek support before it takes over your life.
It may not seem like a major problem but if you respond impulsively to bad news by participating in dangerous behaviours or turning to unhealthy coping mechanisms, a conversation with a friendly face can make a world of difference.
It can be tempting to just bury your head in the sand and ignore the severity of the situation but by seeking support, you can take the first step towards making a positive change in your life.
Carrington Dean is the largest independent provider of debt solutions in Scotland and can help you repair your financial future before it ends in bad news.
