We all know what it’s like to wake up to the sound of a news alert, only to be greeted by stories that can dampen our spirits. Starting your day with a dose of negativity can set a gloomy tone for the hours ahead. Instead, consider the power of positive news!
Embracing uplifting stories in the morning can transform your mood and boost your productivity. Let’s explore how good news can help kick-start your day on the right note.
Swiss thinker Rolf Dobelli gave up reading the news years ago, and has never looked back. He asks you – out of all the thousands of news items you have read in the last year – which have done you any good – or helped others? Likely none of them.
Far better instead to educate yourself by reading good books, then donating to small charities that help, of your own choosing.
News stories are overwhelmingly about things you cannot influence. It grinds us down and I would not be surprised if news consumption at least partially, contributes to the widespread cause of depression.
I don’t know a single truly creative mind who is a news junkie.
I know a bunch of viciously uncreative minds who consume news like drugs. If you want to come up with old solutions, read news. If you are looking for new solutions, don’t. Rolf Dobelli
Understanding the Impact of News on Moods
Studies show that consuming positive news can lower stress levels, enhance feelings of optimism, and even improve emotional resilience. When we read or watch inspiring stories, our brains release feel-good chemicals like dopamine.
This simple act can help reduce anxiety and promote a sense of well-being. Why wouldn’t you want that to start your day?
Have you ever noticed how negative news leaves you feeling drained? It turns out you’re not alone. Research suggests that people often experience heightened anxiety and a sense of helplessness after consuming negative news.
In contrast, positive news tends to trigger feelings of happiness and motivation. This stark contrast underscores the importance of choosing what we expose ourselves to, especially first thing in the morning.
The Happy Newspaper
The Happy Newspaper is ideal, if you like to hear about the good being done. It’s packed with good news stories from across the world, and there is also a free version for schools.
Launched with a Kickstarter campaign around 10 years ago, today this 32-page publication is uber-popular.
With a special edition for schools and stories dedicated to Everyday Heroes and news from around the world. Each issue is based around a theme and includes features, poems, showbiz and colourful illustrations.
Good Newspaper
Good newspaper (US) was inspired by a quote from Fred Rogers, who said ‘ Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping’.
It has a super post on how to stop the spread of misinformation on Ukraine (and donation options to help animals caught up in war).
Positive.News magazine
Positive News is published quarterly, and includes stories of social and environmental progress, quality independent reporting focused on solutions, and tips to boost wellbeing.
You can find this sometimes in local veggie cafes and independent shops. Sample articles include:
- The menu at the world’s first zero-waste restaurant
- For the love of libraries
- Life after sexual assault
- Life after leaving a cult
- How to shrink your digital footprint
The Good News Post
The Good News Post is an online digital newspaper, packed with good stories. It’s a lovely story, powered by an ‘expanding army’ of young journalists age 7 to 18.
All trained by professionals, inspired by the memory of BBC TV reporter Jill Dando, in her manner of kindness, empathy and positivity (her brother who is also a journalist helps out).
Already some have interviewed MPs and the site has its own mental health and disabilities correspondents.
The Happy Broadcast
The Happy Broadcast is a fun site run by an Italian cartoonist who lives in the US. He found that after reading the news, it upset his day, so instead decided to create daily cartoons to highlight the good things that are happening in the world. Latest good news includes:
The Friend (Quaker newspaper)
The Friend magazine is not ‘positive news’ as such, but it is peaceful and designed to find solutions, rather than cause upset.
This weekly newspaper from the Quakers is from a religion that broke away from away from the Church of England to campaign for peace, environment, animal welfare and prison reform.
The latest article covers calls for a ceasefire in Ukraine, the upcoming general election, gender-based violence, modern slavery and fundraising for a peace garden.
The Optimist Daily
The Optimist Daily prides itself on focusing on solutions and positive developments. Each article aims to provide readers with actionable insights and strategies.
Whether it’s a breakthrough in renewable energy or a triumph in public health, The Optimist Daily keeps you informed and uplifted.
You’ll find yourself feeling motivated and ready to tackle the day ahead. Today’s main headline is of 62 old cold war military sites in Germany, being turned into sanctuaries for wildlife.
Creating a Good News Morning Ritual
Consider establishing a morning ritual that includes a few minutes of reading good news. Set aside time while sipping your morning coffee or herbal tea.
This moment of positivity can become an anchor for your day. Even just five minutes of uplifting news can shift your mindset from groggy to geared up.
Embracing positive news isn’t just a solo journey. Sharing uplifting stories can create a ripple effect, spreading joy to your friends, family, and community.
As you incorporate uplifting stories into your morning routine, remember to share the joy with others. By cultivating a habit of consuming and sharing positive news, you contribute to a brighter outlook for yourself and those around you.
Still Want to ‘Real News?’
If you’re a bit of an Eeyore and still want to feel miserable about the real happenings of the world, you can still get proper news, without having a breakdown by the time you’ve finished your coffee break:
Byline Times is a wonderful alternative that you can read online (or subscribe for paper copies), and it also has a TV news show.
Strongly endorsed by Hugh Grant (who you may remember was livid when he found out he had been tapped by newspapers). It also runs an investigative journalism channel and a magazine-style Substack account (over 30,000 subscribers and growing).
Canary is run by workers as a co-operative that is independent of any advertisers, funders, companies, or political organisations or parties.
In 2019, it became one of the first UK media outlets to gain a green trust mark for credibility and transparency through Newsguard and is regulated by independent IMPRESS (rather than itself).
Double Down News is a similar online (mostly video) newspaper that writes how conventional media is failing us. Its contributors have included George Monbiot and Chris Packham, and it has a reputation for truthful and hard-hitting articles.
The London Economic is an independent source of good online news. It doesn’t charge or put articles behind paywalls, so relies on donations. Run mostly by volunteer journalists, this is interesting stuff.
A quick look at today’s news is about how Fox News are starting to not give Trump the support he hopes, and how GB News broke Ofcom rules by allowing Tory MP Jacob Ree-Mogg to present 5 episodes on their channel (due to impartiality rules).
We think all the above are better options than BBC News. It’s frightful these days, focused more on bias political reporting (often not on things going on in our own locality), and obsessed with celebrity deaths (personal tragedies, not world news).
Keep Up To Date With ‘Real News’ Abroad
The Real News Network is an online TV channel, which again is funded by subscribers, so has no ads or bias. With focus on environmental and political news. Often the presenters are local and experts in their field.
So for instance if something is happening in say Brazil, you won’t have a BBC journalist flown to Brazil to report there (paid for by your tax money). It will be fronted by a Brazilian resident and expert journalist. You can watch free on YouTube.
No matter whether you were in or out, EuroNews is better kind of news. It’s not sensational, and reports in-depth (it’s pro-Europe but don’t let that stop you if you were not for the EU). We like their NoComment feature at the top of each hour. Just 3 minutes of video news with no commentary.
We live in a world with fake news being put out there. You don’t really know who to trust, and it’s a real danger to society. Austin Aries
If people in the media cannot decide whether they are in the business of reporting news or manufacturing propaganda, it is all the more important that the public understand the difference, and choose their news sources accordingly. Thomas Sowell
It’s amazing that the amount of news that happens in the world every day, always exactly just fits the newspaper. Jerry Seinfeld
