In a year where the news feels relentless, many of us are carrying more emotional weight than we realise. Constant updates, global crises and personal pressures can leave our minds overstimulated and overwhelmed. This article explores how negativity affects our wellbeing — and offers gentle, practical ways to protect your mental health from negativity without disconnecting from the world.

Burnout doesn’t always arrive with a bang—it creeps in quietly through skipped routines, comfort eating, and endless scrolling. Even as a counsellor, I’ve been there. Over time, I’ve learned to spot the signs early and respond with small, kind steps: listening to my body, leaning on loved ones, and getting outside. Burnout will happen again—life is hard—but it’s how we manage it, and how gently we treat ourselves, that really matters.