I Read the News Today, Oh Boy by Marc LeVine

I read the news today, oh boy. About a lucky man who made the grade. And though the news was rather sad. Well, I just had to laugh. I saw the photograph... - John Lennon, The Beatles

The national mood is somewhat depressed these days. We’re moving closer to a somber presidential election year in a largely divided nation. On top of that the media and millions of social media enthusiasts ceaselessly report on, distort and magnify many seemingly dire issues such as government and corporate corruption, violent street crimes, domestic terrorism, devastating natural catastrophes, the endless War in Ukraine and raging inflation among other worldly troubles. All of this negativism coming at us at once tends to put many in crappy moods to start each day.? We often breed it and must contend with it everywhere we go.

More likely than not, we approach each workday with a proverbial “ball and chain” wrapped around our psyches. This is what causes road rage on our freeways and snappiness in the office. We’re too often already stressed before the actual workday begins to get hold of ourselves.

If we come to work feeling miserable and lethargic, we contaminate the entire workplace and even the Zoom “airways” with the same belly poisons that afflict all of us. None of this is good for those around us or ourselves. So, we must find ways to neutralize these feelings of despair and disappointment and focus on uplifting the spirits of those around us.? This is the job of every one of us – to cleanse our professional and personal lives of the heavy baggage that is weighed upon us by politicians, the media and social media trolls.

Take the following reality check to the bank and cash it! It is old but still applies.? When we smile, the whole world smiles along with us. The opposite is not always true. ?Most people avoid sad and negative people like a plague. ?

In a professional career like engineering, this is not a desirable position to be in.? Negativism is a cancer that destroys careers and lives. It pollutes the workplace and saps the energy from those trying to forge ahead in their work to achieve positive outcomes. Optimism sees the glass as half full and positive people seek to fill it up to the rim. Employers don’t want to see anything different in their environment. They like happy warriors and seek to eliminate all others.

So, what can we do to help inoculate ourselves and others from the negativism and doomsday outlooks we may have picked up from the world around us?

Here are some helpful tips that might help:

Limit your exposure to the news. You don’t have to watch or read every detail of every news story. Choose a reliable source and check it once or twice a day, preferably not before bed. Avoid scrolling through social media or watching rolling news, as they can increase your distress and anxiety.

Focus on the positive aspects of the news. Even in the darkest situations, there are always some signs of hope, progress, or resilience. Look for stories that show how people are helping each other, overcoming challenges, or finding solutions. You can also subscribe to a feel-good, positivity-oriented newsletter, which highlights the good things that are happening in the world every week.

Take positive action. Instead of feeling powerless or overwhelmed by the bad news, think of what you can do to make a difference. It can be something small, like donating to a charity, signing a petition, or volunteering for a cause. Or it can be something bigger, like joining a movement, starting a campaign, or creating a project. Doing something positive can help you feel more empowered and hopeful.

Practice self-care. Bad news can take a toll on your physical and mental well-being, so it’s important to take care of yourself. Make sure you get enough sleep, eat well, exercise regularly, and stay hydrated. You can also try some relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, mindful meditation, or yoga. These can help you calm your mind and body and reduce stress and anxiety.

Seek support. You don’t have to cope with the bad news alone. Reach out to your friends, family, or other people who share your concerns. Talk to them about how you feel, listen to their perspectives, and offer them support as well. You can also join online communities or groups that are focused on positive or constructive topics. Sharing your feelings and experiences with others can help you feel less isolated and more connected.

Find joy in other aspects of your life. Bad news doesn’t have to define your whole life. There are still many things that can bring you joy and happiness, such as your hobbies, interests, passions, or goals. Spend some time doing what you love, learning something new, or pursuing your dreams. You can also find joy in simple things, such as nature, music, art, or humor. These can help you balance your emotions and perspective and remind you of the beauty and goodness in life.

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We all understand that the news can be very negative and depressing sometimes. It can make us feel hopeless, angry, or anxious about the world and ourselves. But there are ways to cope with the bad news and release ourselves from the negativism. We can’t let bad influences of any kind ruin our relationships and our careers.

I hope these tips will help you cope with the bad news and release yourself from negativism. Remember that you are not alone, and that there is always hope for a better future. ??

The Author

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Marc LeVine is a graduate of Syracuse (NY) University with a degree in Industrial Psychology, Marc is currently Talent Acquisitions Manager at Thermo Systems. He is the recipient of the Excellence in Talent Acquisitions Award from HR Awards in 2021.

Marc's prior employment includes senior Human Resources and Staffing Industry management roles with Edgewood Properties in Piscataway, NJ, Brickforce Staffing in Edison, NJ, InfoPro Inc. in Woodbridge NJ and Plainsboro, NJ and Harvard Industries in Farmingdale, NJ, a former Fortune 500 company. He also served as Director of Human Resources for New Jersey Press, the parent company of the Asbury Park Press, Home News and Tribune and WKXW-NJ101.5. Earlier in his career, Marc served as Director of Career Services and Placement at Union Technical Institute in Eatontown and Neptune, NJ. In addition, Marc owned and operated Integrity Consulting Associates, a New Jersey based Human Resources and Social Media Marketing firm for 11 years. Marc also served as Council President in his hometown of Freehold Borough, NJ