Good news.
“Bad news travels fast. Good news takes the scenic route.”
— Doug Larson.
THE LOWDOWN
Bad news: they’re everywhere, you don’t even need to make an effort to find them, they will pop up of their own accord to your phone screen. This of course, doesn’t happen by chance, journalism feeds on our negativity bias to keep us hooked on all the terrible stuff that happens in the world, which, no doubt, is a lot. But since our brains are wired to focus on negativity, being flooded by bad news 24/7 exacerbates our stress and anxiety levels. It also means that all the good stuff that happens in the world goes unnoticed.
Luckily there are trends like Positive News, Constructive Journalism and Solutions Journalism that are drifting away from the shock story, the sensationalism and all the fake news we are accustomed to. It’s not about ignoring bad news but rather giving the issues a more encouraging angle, contemplating possible solutions and silver-linings.
So for this week’s practice we urge you to find at least one piece of good, uplifting or constructive news and share it with the world, your friends, family, pet… In difficult times like this, an extra dose of glad tidings is important to keep us sane and hopeful.
WHY IS IT GOOD?
Studies on the impact of positive news on our well-being are growing fast. Here are some of the findings:
Good news will help you see the goodness in others.
It will help you believe that you can make a difference and will feel motivated to take action.
You’ll recover (some) hope in humankind.
You’ll gain a more complete understanding of the world.
You’ll feel more positive about your own life.
Your problem-solving skills will improve.
You’ll be more engaged with the world.
You’ll be in a better mood.
SOME IDEAS
Turn off news notifications on your phone (chances are all you get is bad news).
Actively seek for good news:
Try the Good News Network or some of the projects mentioned above.
Check out the New York Times Fixes column.
Get yourself a subscription on Positive News.
Become a Good News Ninja by sneaking jolly headlines into disgruntled chats at work.
As a general rule, avoid reading the papers before going to sleep and first thing in the morning.
EXTRA BROWNIE POINTS
Start a chain of good news sharing.
Happy tidings everyone!
Vero and Enrique
Choose your rhythm.
Kensho Life
Please help us spread happiness by sharing the boosters!
Web: https://kensho.life/weekly-happiness-booster
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