Antidotes to a Gloomy Season
Positive news feels hard to come by these days. I find myself feeling rather glum in the face of the relentless tide of bad news—job losses, and the harm done to people and the planet in the name of economic gain and the pursuit of territory and resources.
Am I being oversensitive? Or is this a normal human reaction to a world saturated with distressing headlines? I keep asking myself: Should I stop reading the news? Tune out of government policy updates and global geopolitics? Should I just ‘go bush’ for a while?
Psychological research tells us that never before in human history have individuals been exposed to such an overwhelming volume of information. Our brains are bombarded with far more than is necessary for our survival; stories of trauma, loss, and crisis. Our attention being hijacked by calculated distractions.
It’s all too easy, especially when it’s cold and wet outside, to slip into passive consumption: watching, listening, scrolling. Hopefully, there’s a dinner with friends or family in the mix, but I’ll admit, the mood lately has felt a little glum.
However I came across an article that helped shift my perspective. It reminded me that being constantly drawn into the gravity of bad news is unhealthy, and that one way to counter it is by cultivating awe.
The article, which cites Professor Martin Wiener, explains that awe not only helps “slow down” our perception of time but is also linked to a range of positive health benefits: improved mood, reduced stress, and even a heightened sense of kindness.
Here are five ways it suggested we can invite more awe into our lives:
1. Embrace nature – Go for a walk. Lean into the vastness and quiet miracles of the natural world.
2. Notice the small things – Slow down. Precious details start to reveal themselves.
3. Step outside your comfort zone – Seek new experiences, stay curious, and let yourself be surprised.
4. Go analogue – Put down your phone. Be present to the world around you.
5. Savour the moment – Linger in those meaningful moments. Let them touch your heart.
So, in this winter of discontent, I’m choosing to welcome awe, intentionally and often. Maybe you will too.
Kaye Avery
Phone 006421474765