In a world where we are constantly bombarded with negative news, spreading the good news can help to promote positivity and optimism. Unfortunately, bad news is often more prevalent in the media than good. While it is important to stay informed about the events happening in the world, exposure to constant negativity can have a detrimental impact on our mental and emotional wellbeing. This is where the power of spreading good news comes in. Sharing good news helps to build trust between people and communities. When we hear positive stories about others, it helps to break down barriers and build a sense of common humanity. This can be particularly important in times of political and social upheaval, where divisions can often be deep.
Good news stories can inspire people to take action and make positive changes in their own lives or communities. By sharing stories of people who are making a difference, we can encourage others to do the same.
There are many sources where you can find good news to share,
Some websites focus exclusively on sharing positive news stories. Some examples include Positive News, Good News Network, and The Optimist Daily.
Social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, while often thought of as divisive environments, can instead be great places to find good news stories. You can use social media intentionally to seek out and share good news, including by following accounts that specialize in sharing positive news stories or searching for relevant hashtags.
Local news outlets often feature stories about people in the community who are doing good things. These stories can be a great source of inspiration and can also help to build connections within your own community. (Here in Minnesota, check out Kare 11's Land of 10,000 stories.)
Seeking out and sharing good news can have a ripple effect, bringing positivity to a network of people around you, and this can have an exponential effect when those you reach subsequently reach others. But actively seeking out good news can have a positive impact on you, as well:
Hearing good news can trigger the release of neurotransmitters such as dopamine, which can improve your mood and reduce stress levels. Dopamine is known as the "feel-good" neurotransmitter because it is associated with pleasure and reward. The release of dopamine can help to reduce feelings of anxiety and depression and improve overall wellbeing.
Positive emotions associated with receiving good news can also stimulate the immune system. Studies have shown that people who experience positive emotions have stronger immune systems and are less susceptible to illness.
Studies have shown that generating positive emotions can improve heart rate variability, reduce blood pressure, and improve overall cardiovascular health.
Hearing good news can improve your mood and reduce feelings of anxiety and depression. Positive emotions are linked to improved mental health outcomes, including increased resilience and reduced risk of developing mental health problems.
By focusing on positive news and experiences, you can help to improve your overall wellbeing and build resilience against the negative effects of stress and anxiety.
So how can you begin to foster the positive effects that receiving and sharing good news can have? To start, over the next week, challenge yourself to be a catalyst for exponential, positive change. When you sit at the keyboard, stop before you hit "enter" and take a closer look at what you are about to post or share. Is it positive? Will it evoke joy in those who will read it? Is it a uniting message? Pay attention to the conversations you have with others. Spend this time intentionally ignoring, rejecting and stopping the spread of negative and divisive dialogue and content (both digitally and IRL.) Instead, become an intentional seeker, and source, of good news. Then take time at the end of the week to take inventory of the changes you might have experienced in your relationships and your emotions.
Next, while you foster positivity at home, intentionally spread good news in your workplace as well, especially if you are in a leadership role. One great way to do this is to seek out, recognize and share good news related to employees who are having a positive impact on your business. Doing so can increase motivation in others. Plus when employees feel positive and happy, it creates a more enjoyable and fulfilling work environment. Sharing good news at work can also help to build stronger relationships between employees. When people share positive experiences, it creates a sense of shared positivity and connection that can help to build trust, foster teamwork, and improve relationships.
Actively seeking out and sharing good news can have a positive impact on our personal and professional lives. By focusing on the positive aspects of our experiences and sharing them with others, we can create a more uplifting and positive reality not only for ourselves, but for the people around us.
P.S. Throughout history and in cultures around the world, bluebirds are seen as a symbol of good luck, and as purveyors of good news and happiness. The Bluebird Marketing Lab strives to help our clients incorporate positive themes in their branding and messaging. It sounds simple, but "happy companies" are more attractive to their target audiences, are more likely to recruit good talent, and are more likely to foster positive, productive, and successful client relationships and workplaces. Contact us today to learn more.
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