For The Positive Mind by Joan Healy. ©The Positive Mind.

There is something foreboding in the air globally. A sense of unease and uncertainty hangs over us. Our safety and our future feels uncertain. It seems each time we open the newspaper, switch on the radio or even read our social media feeds, we are hit with waves of negativity from incidents around the world. What is the solution to all this fear? How can we protect ourselves from the negativity around us? Never fear, here is some advice on how to stay strong and even keep a happy outlook during tough times.

1. Talk to the older generations.

Take a moment to listen to those who have lived through the Second World War. Hear the stories of using rations to buy food and the uncertainty of when the war would be over. If that generation could survive with a limited supply of food and a surplus of fear, then so can we. We can tell that what did not kill these survivors made them stronger and wiser.

2. Tune out:

From time to time, we can switch off the news feed. We can instead become more connected to our friends, family and neighbours. Spending quality time with loved ones is a wonderful way to take our minds off the occurrences in the news.

3. Have fun!

Sometimes it is a really good idea to do something we loved to do as a child. For example, we could visit a park, go to the movies to see a child’s film or have a day at an amusement park. Our inner child knows how to have a great time!

4. Have some Me time

A weekend away or some time to ourselves is important to re-fuel when the world gets us down. Remember the wise words of Harpo Marx: “When the world gets you down, stand on your head.” We need to put ourselves first so that we can recharge our batteries and live life to the full.

5. Leave a legacy

This is our time. We only have one shot of this life, and it is indeed short. So what message would you like to give to the future generations? What attitude would you like to emulate? How will you inspire others to be the best that they can be?