How to Stay Positive When the World’s a Mess
Opening a newspaper and or app alike can feel like a dumpster fire nowadays. (Photo: Jeremy Bishop/Pexels)
Today’s world feels overwhelming to many of us. Between political instability, social media outrage, and economic uncertainty, negativity seems unavoidable. The political landscape in the United States has been particularly turbulent, with rising polarization, legal battles involving key political figures, and ongoing debates about democracy itself. Since the 2024 presidential election (and far before that, if we’re being honest) we saw intense disputes over voting rights, Supreme Court decisions affecting civil liberties, and increasing tensions over foreign policy. At the same time, climate concerns, economic uncertainty, and growing social divides have left many feeling powerless.
As The Guardian’s Rebecca Shaw pointed out, many of those in power are leading the world into crises, and they’re doing so in an embarrassingly desperate attempt to appear relevant. The influence of tech billionaires on policy decisions and their alignment with controversial political figures have only fueled public frustration. This sense of powerlessness can lead to anxiety, stress, and even feelings of hopelessness. However, finding ways to stay optimistic is crucial. Studies show that chronic stress weakens the immune system, affects mental clarity, and can lead to long-term health issues such as anxiety disorders and depression. While individuals may not be able to change global events overnight, maintaining a sense of hope and stability helps prevent emotional burnout and encourages proactive engagement rather than passive despair.
Staying positive doesn’t mean ignoring problems. It means maintaining a clear perspective, protecting mental well-being, and focusing on what is within your control. Here are practical ways to manage your outlook.
Shift Your Perspective to Regain Control
Life often feels chaotic, but how you frame your experiences influences your emotions. If traffic is frustrating, consider it extra time to listen to an audiobook or your favorite music. If news headlines are overwhelming, focus on actionable steps rather than dwelling on problems. Perspective isn’t about ignoring issues, it’s about choosing a productive response.
For example, while tech billionaires align themselves with political figures in self-serving ways, this spectacle does not need to dominate your daily emotions. Understanding their actions is useful, but letting their public embarrassments drain your energy isn’t. Shifting your attention to meaningful activities is more beneficial than constant engagement with online discourse.
Use Gratitude as a Practical Tool
Gratitude improves mental resilience. Rather than making vague lists, identify specific things that make a difference in your day. If you appreciate a quiet morning, a reliable internet connection, or a well-timed joke, acknowledging these things reinforces positive awareness.
A structured approach helps. Some people find it useful to write down three specific things they appreciate each day. Others take a moment to reflect on what went well before going to sleep. Research suggests that a consistent gratitude practice can help shift focus away from stressors, making it easier to navigate uncertainty.
Surround Yourself with People Who Influence You Positively
Social interactions shape your mindset. If you spend time with people who frequently complain or focus on worst-case scenarios, it will affect your outlook. Seeking out those who engage in constructive discussions, share useful insights, and maintain a sense of humor can make a significant difference.
Rebecca Shaw pointed out that many influential figures attempt to gain approval by reinforcing outdated ideas. The need for validation drives them to seek the approval of controversial figures. While their influence is concerning, focusing on building meaningful personal relationships is a more effective way to maintain optimism than reacting to their latest moves.
Limit News and Social Media Consumption
Staying informed is important, but excessive news consumption increases stress. Many reports emphasize problems without providing solutions, creating a sense of helplessness. Set boundaries on how much time you spend consuming news, especially when it starts feeling repetitive.
Social media can worsen this issue. Platforms are designed to amplify outrage, making it easy to get caught in a cycle of negativity. Consider scheduling specific times to check updates rather than constantly refreshing your feed. Diversifying sources to include constructive and solution-based reporting also helps create a more balanced perspective.
Convert Frustration into Action
Feeling powerless contributes to negativity. One way to counteract this is by taking direct action, even in small ways. Supporting organizations that align with your values, volunteering, or contributing to meaningful discussions helps shift focus from problems to solutions.
For instance, if environmental policies are concerning, engaging with local sustainability initiatives can create a tangible impact. If social issues feel overwhelming, donating to relevant causes or spreading factual information is more productive than prolonged frustration.
Acknowledge Absurdity Without Letting It Distract You
The behavior of public figures often blends incompetence with self-importance. As Shaw noted, tech billionaires attempting to appear influential often come across as desperate rather than admirable. Recognizing the absurdity of their actions can be useful, but dwelling on it adds unnecessary frustration.
Instead, prioritizing productive activities ensure external chaos does not dominate daily life. While acknowledging problems is necessary, focusing on areas where you have control prevents unnecessary stress.
Maintaining a positive mindset does not mean ignoring reality. It means recognizing challenges while actively choosing how to engage with them. By managing perspective, practicing gratitude, curating social interactions, setting media boundaries, taking action, and focusing on what truly matters, it becomes possible to stay optimistic, even when the world feels like a dumpster fire.