How many times do you focus on what�s wrong with the world instead of what�s right? It may come as a surprise to you but it�s not your job to take on the worries of the planet, you�ll only make yourself sick with the stress.
Believe it or not you can actually keep up with what�s going on around the world without immersing yourself daily in the sensationalist and stressful information product that is the news.
Alarm bells people: the news is not impartial. We are only ever presented with a skewed perspective that suits that news service and their advertisers, and most of the time these stories are negative. Don�t give them your mental airspace!
Here are just some of the stories you are unlikely to hear on the news:
Couple has long and happy marriage and lives in a quiet and peaceful way
Office worker sets up longstanding automatic payment to her favourite charity
Woman helps out elderly neighbour with her shopping every week
Group of friends finally set off for overseas trip they have been saving for and planning for two years
You will just not hear those stories because they do not sell. Sadly only the bad stuff sells newspapers, increases page views and creates riches for the news companies. So why should we play into their hands? Opt out, delete the news! Don�t worry about missing out - you will hear the headlines from others anyway, guaranteed.
Enrich your life and focus on what�s beautiful in the world instead. Start with your own world and work your way out from there. Be a shining beacon of light and hope. Be that person others love to spend time with because you are always cheery and upbeat.
And what can you do with that extra half hour or one hour a day that you now have?
Read something enjoyable instead � it might be uplifting, inspiring or laugh out loud funny. All these things have a much better effect on your health � both mental and physical.
Go to a movie � mingle with others outside your home and see something new. I prefer happy or funny movies myself. I�m not paying money to be stressed or made to feel bad.
Decide to learn something new or take up a craft.
Make a home-cooked dinner.
Call, write to or email a friend.
Choose how you might help another � set up a small Automatic Payment donation, knit premature baby tops or puppy coats.
Start your book � keep the negative thoughts at bay and just do it � you are good enough to finish that book, just keep writing. You only lose if you quit.
What about you, are you a news person? Do you have a secret as to how to keep up with what�s going on without spending too much time or draining your energy by reading the news?