How to deal with negative news

World pain.

Right now the word that best expresses my feelings is “Weltschrei”. It can be overwhelming and difficult to cope with.

With everything going on right now, it's important not to forget to take care of your mental health. That's easier said than done when all the bad news is so much more present than the good. I'm not saying it's not right, it's crucial that enough space for reliable information is accessible to everyone. But there are a few things we can all do to ensure we stay healthy, and that's what this article is about.

"Peace is not something you wish for; it is something you make, something you do, something you are and something you give away." – John Lennon

What to do when the news reaches you:

Be careful and take care of your health. First of all, I don't want you to worry. Being anxious is a normal human reaction, your feelings are normal. But it's important to replace unhealthy coping mechanisms with healthy alternatives. Instead of staying in bed, try spending time in the sun, getting some sun, and getting some exercise when possible. Take time for yourself until you are yourself again.

Regulate consumption. Regulating your consumption of news can have a big impact. It's important to stay informed, but as with anything, give yourself a break (especially from social media). What is important to me personally: Check your sources! Where does a video or information come from? Is the source trustworthy, can you see when and where a photo or video was taken?

Talk to your friends and family. Studies show that having a strong social network can reduce stress, and expressing feelings and thoughts is essential for self-reflection (at least it definitely does for me). It's also always good to hear different opinions, but again, not everything may be true, so be aware of that, even if it's not always easy.

Focus on the positive. There is always a way to take action. Find out how you can help, donate and work for peace.

While I am still actively trying to understand the situation, I am grateful to be part of an open, diverse and committed team, but I will be publishing an entirely new blog post about how Team PURELEI is supporting people in Ukraine who need help.

If you would like to help yourself or donate, I have listed a few organizations below.

Love

Lauri