Have you noticed just how much we’re surrounded by negativity? A whopping 90% of the news is pessimistic and being constantly pushed through our TV, phone, and computer screens, making us feel overwhelmed, stressed, and fatigued. Being actively bombarded by negative events can make us forget how much good there is in the world.
To break through the negativity and remind us that positive things are happening all around us, Bored Panda compiled a list from all over the Internet full of wholesome gestures that people did for others. Scroll down to find them, and make sure to share them with your loved ones who might need a little pick-me-up.
While you’re at it, don’t forget to check out a conversation with media expert and author of Eternity in the Ether: A Mormon Media History, Gavin Feller, PhD, speaker, media and community psychologist Dr. Alexis Moreno, and clinical director, speaker, therapist, and executive coach Alex Honigman from Wit & Reason, who kindly agreed to tell us more about the negativity of media and how to seek out positivity more.
#1 Look At Its Paws
Image credits: sweatingalready
#2 Every Year, Mama Follows The Same Path
Facility Services associates – one of whom said “She has us trained” – have old signage to gently guide her and her babies in case they look like they’re about to get sidetracked. They head to the light from an open door at the end of the corridor.
Image credits: Thompson Health
#3 Im So Happy For You
Image credits: GaryOKeeffe
“Constant exposure to distressing headlines can heighten feelings of anxiety, stress, and even helplessness,” Dr. Alexis Moreno and Alex Honigman, LCSW, from Wit & Reason explain.
“Over time, this focus illuminates more of what’s wrong, making it harder to recognize the positive aspects of life. Think of things like confirmation bias… It’s not that it’s untrue, just that the focus shifts. We can become so attuned to problems that our capacity to see what’s good around us diminishes, creating a dynamic that affects our overall well-being.”
#4 My Mom Crochets And Donated 48 Blankets To Sick Children This Year
Image credits: seacogen
#5 Small Acts Of Kindness Like This Can Change Lives
Image credits: rrohanhere
#6 I’ve Been Taking These Pictures Since March Btw. These Are Not All Recent
Image credits: skudiklier
Media expert and author of Eternity in the Ether: A Mormon Media History, Gavin Feller, PhD, says that constant exposure to negative news can push people to develop the “Mean World Syndrome.”
“This is a phenomenon George Gerbner discovered in the 1970s. When we’re repeatedly exposed to negative news, we begin to see the world as a more violent and dangerous place than it really is. We begin to overestimate the amount of crime in the world, for instance. We develop anxiety, fear, and more pessimistic views. This can also then lead to self-fulfilling prophecies and confirmation bias—where we see what we’re looking for,” he further explains.
#7 Brother Makes A Dinosaur Watermelon Cake For His Nephew With Food Allergies
Image credits: nordacious
#8 I Visited Moo Deng Today
Image credits: KimWiko
#9 This Picture Will Make You Smile And Tear Up
Image credits: alyssaherrera33
On the other hand, experts say that positive news can boost happiness. “Positive stories can refresh our mindset, promoting feelings of hope, joy, and connection. In fact, taking intentional breaks to consume uplifting stories can build emotional resilience, reminding us that there’s a balance in the world and helping us see possibility beyond the immediate stress,” Dr. Moreno and Honigman say.
#10 I’m So Proud Of How Far I’ve Come With Needlefelting. These Are The Last 4 Dogs I Made
Image credits: growup_andblowaway
#11 My Grandpa Saved His Change In This Glass Jug For 70 Years, And Is Finally Letting Me Count It!
Image credits: Crimsonkitsune333
#12 The World Needs More Positivity And My Positivity Comes From Moments Like This
Image credits: MrLuke_Thomas
Feller adds that seeing positive things happening in the world can encourage optimism, gratitude, and a balanced worldview, counteracting our natural focus on negativity. “It also inspires what researchers call pro-social behavior—that is, actions like helping, volunteering, and showing empathy that benefit individuals and society. Positive news can also help strengthen community bonds and build mental resilience.”
#13 This Is Probably The First Time Ive Seen Someone Bake A Cookie That Turned Out How They Wanted
Image credits: ang3l_sk1n
#14 Heartwarming Random Act Of Artistry
Image credits: rufuscesspool
#15 Word To Live By
Image credits: jwr63fcp
When we are stuck in a vicious cycle of negativity, seeking out positivity might be challenging or might not even cross our minds. Feller says that we can find more positive news by being more aware of its source and how we engage with social media.
“More and more people are getting their news from social media platforms. Search and recommendation algorithms show us what we engage with. Even the amount of time you spend watching videos will influence what you get shown next. So, to make more of it positive, be sure to like, share, and follow positive stories and do the opposite with negative stories. Then platforms will show you more positive content.”
#16 [oc] Did My Nails To Match My Tortoise Kevin’s
Image credits: addinoella
#17 My Sweet Dog Has Been Fawning From A Distance Over Our Newborn Daughter For The Last Couple Of Days
We brought our first daughter home a couple days ago and our dogs have been in love ever since. They just sit and watch her from a distance and come herd family into the room when she starts crying. This is the closest we've let her get physically, but we've been sending home clothes and blankets since she was born so they can be familiar with her smell. They were also very loving towards my partner the whole pregnancy and would constantly watch over them.
Ps. Please ignore the bum clothing and unkempt appearance, it's been a long few days with a newborn.
Image credits: mrmeekseekz
#18 I Drew An Elderly Couple Snoozing On A Plane ❤️ (Oc)
Image credits: ninadrawsalot
We can also avoid being overwhelmed by negativity by spending time in nature and meeting up with people in person. Forcing ourselves to get out of the house is definitely worth it. After all, the saying “Go touch some grass” didn’t appear out of thin air.
#19 Congratulations To Him
Image credits: Slowburn_22
#20 Well Done
Image credits: charlie_ge97215
#21 This Is Amazing
Image credits: casjerome
In addition, Dr. Moreno and Honigman recommend reading news in short spurts and scheduling intentional breaks. “When we do encounter negative news, pause to reflect and manage your reactions—this intentionality can prevent us from feeling overwhelmed. Be selective, not avoidant, about the news you consume,” they say.
“Remember that engaging with news consciously can create a more balanced view, helping us stay informed without letting fear or negativity dominate our perspective. It’s also useful to engage in news that is in a medium you enjoy! No judgment if you’re pulling news from comedians or other places that have fun.”
#22 I Wanted To Share My Super Talented 11 Year Old Brothers Art! Super Proud Of Him And Love His Taste
Image credits: mhill3996
#23 Me In My First Year Of Working At My Current Job. I Love How Proud I Was When I Made These Bad Boys
Image credits: OriginalTangerine921
#24 Cool And Very Innovative
Image credits: thepartypope
“For centuries, people have worried about the state of the world. Each generation can feel panic and fear that we’ve gone too far, that we’re too divided, that the only way is down. But I believe the world is not any worse now than it has been in the past,” comforts Feller.
“There’s a lot to celebrate. When we focus on the things within our sphere of control and let go of things we have no influence over, we’ll be much happier and more fulfilled,” he concludes.
#25 This Dude In Front Of Me At The Supermarket Made My Morning
Don't worry, I told him I took his photo. He was very cool.
Image credits: ProperChopperGAF
#26 176 Animals Are Sleeping In A Home Tonight. Cleared The Shelter Was Successful
Image credits: Stonerzombie420
#27 There’s No Way I Can Stay Up Til 1am Anymore
Image credits: hkist
#28 Kindness Is All About Healing, Isn’t It?
Image credits: StevijoPayne
#29 Dream Came True
Image credits: ph6ma
#30 Kid’s Amazing Santa Logic
Image credits: missmulrooney
#31 When Someone Truly Knows You, Even In The Little Things, It’s A Special Kind Of Love
Image credits: mariokartdwi
#32 Sibling Moment
Image credits: clhubes
#33 He Will Be A Great Uncle
Image credits: iriskessler
#34 That Sleep Is Gonna Be So Good Tonight
Image credits: Jwitdafro
#35 That Is Precious
Image credits: Garrett_Watts
#36 This Is Beautiful
Image credits: okkHyfa
#37 I’m 36 Years Old, I Started This Year Homeless, Fresh Out Of Jail Without A Dollar To My Name. I’m 6 Months Sober, I Got An Amazing GF And For The First Time In My Life, I Have A Mailbox With My Name On It
Image credits: chet-
#38 That Is So Cute
Image credits: audipenny
#39 Last Night I Was Taking Sunset Pictures On The Beach When A Guy Walked Up And Asked Me If I’d Take A Picture Of Him And His Girlfriend. Then He Whispered “Take A Video.” Next Thing I Know I’m Videoing A Proposal. I Took This Candid Shot On My Own Phone Afterwards
Image credits: 251Cane
#40 The Little Ways Kids Are So Curious And Influenced By What They See On Screen
Image credits: iconawrites
#41 Kindness Is Always A Beautiful Act
Image credits: shannonhar95
#42 Some Random Dude Gave Me New Headlights For My Truck, I Have A Broken One. Pretty Cool
Image credits: superchargedNA
#43 Local Sushi Place Is Trying To Deter Graffiti In The Bathroom
Image credits: CreauxTeeRhobat
#44 It Makes The Day Better
Image credits: _casscore
#45 Wholesome Study Date
Image credits: cloudWhOrEe
#46 This Level Of Commitment To The Movies
Image credits: YesitsAlistair
#47 That’s The Secret To Young Boys. Make Everything A Race
Image credits: tayyystubbs
#48 Mom Shares Picture Of Her Son’s First Day Of Starting School
Image credits: MichelleOwen7
#49 [oc] Today, I Bought Myself A Cake To Celebrate Finally Having 0 Debts. 🙂
Image credits: ciwiaf
#50 Congratulations
Image credits: momofrvj
#51 What A Beautiful Family
Image credits: Terrell_Jarius_
#52 After 14 Years Of Toil, It Feels Insane To Finally Hold My Novel Where My Characters Once Walked
Image credits: J3P7
#53 Customer Left Me An Envelope With Money
Customer messaged me in the app saying there’s an envelope for me. I picked it up and saw this note with a $5 bill inside. Thought it was super sweet and wanted to share.
Image credits: RobbinK2
#54 We Were In Barcelona
Image credits: TheRealDrDukes
#55 This Kid Is A Walking Wholesome Content Generator
Image credits: TheBrandonMorse
#56 First Time Dad Things
Image credits: Ok-Breakfast7186
#57 5 Year Old’s First Time Seeing Dolly Parton
Image credits: tobadious
#58 [oc] 6 Yo Son Has Made Friends With Lawn Maintenance Folks . He’s Missed Them Since School Started. He Had Been Waiting Every Week To Say Hi And “Talk To Them,” And Today He Was Over The Moon Getting To Use The Leaf Blower
Image credits: eccentricJill
#59 I Would Have Cried! So Precious
Image credits: itssnourbby
#60 This Is What Love Looks Like
Image credits: garlic__butter
#61 Got Called In To Work A Night Shift On My Birthday. My Wife Surprised Me By Filling Up My Lunch Box With Presents While I Slept. I Love This Woman With My Whole Heart
Image credits: SnortingSawDust
#62 Amazing Interaction At This Restaurant In Chinatown
Image credits: schizesq
#63 What A Loving Mom
Image credits: pyropian
#64 Charleston, South Carolina. Kindness For The Win
Image credits: thisisAndrew09
#65 This, Because It’s So Cute:
Image credits: _chase_____
#66 This Joke, And Also Just The Joy Of Reading Calvin And Hobbes
Image credits: TodAshby
#67 Teenager’s Very Cool Evening Plans
Image credits: MrsRuvi
#68 This Is The New Standard Guys
Image credits: rozerin__s
#69 It’s Just So Pretty
Image credits: AMISHM0M
#70 They Are Magnificent
Image credits: itsbluesatch
#71 They Will *always* Find The Best Spot
Image credits: evil_female
#72 This Is The Cutest Thing Ever
Image credits: juleitzyy
#73 People Who Actually Care. They Are Everything
Image credits: bonthehedgehog
#74 The Woman I’m Dating Gave Me Onions And Tomatoes From Her Garden
Image credits: artie_pdx
#75 Before She Passed My Mom Would Always Text Me At Exactly 1:11a, The Time I Was Born, To Wish Me Happy Birthday
Image credits: NESpahtenJosh
#76 My 30-Year Old Autistic Son Voted For The First Time
He was nervous and told the poll worker it was his first time voting. As we walked out, she announced to the room that he was a first time voter and everyone cheered for him. He was proud AF.
Image credits: RxDocMaria
#77 That Is So Amazing
Image credits: hanabaig_
#78 What A Cutie
Image credits: rebecca_keatley
#79 As A 32 Year Old I Have Finally Achieved My 7 Year Old Dream
Image credits: shanel39
#80 She’s Amazing! Congratulations
Image credits: eshugerman
#81 While Working In The Garage, My Daughter Comes In With A White Tee And Slime Beard, “See? I Told You We Look Alike!”
Image credits: bigbenkennedy
#82 This Guy Having A Coffee With His Dog
Saw this guy having a coffee with his dog at a local cafe this morning and thought I’d share a wholesome moment. The doggie caught me being a sneaky pupperatzi. This was the only moment he wasn’t staring adoringly at his owner.
Image credits: theblackbeltsurfer
#83 Having Fun With Your Halloween Decorations
Image credits: gregthesorcerer
#84 This Cool Zookeeper Moment
Image credits: HerreidJohn
#85 This Interaction That Is So Wholesome It Legitimately Brightened My Day
Image credits: DiabolicalSpuds
#86 Wholesome Grandpa-Grandson Interaction
Image credits: kiwehhhhh
#87 Getting Positive Feedback From My Boss Validates Years Of Hard Work… Kindness & Appreciation Allow One To Achieve Even More? #gratitude
Image credits: maaalicelaaamb
#88 Here’s To Kindness
Image credits: naturalenergybyproxy
#89 Mister Rogers Was One Of A Kind
Image credits: x.com
#90 W Parents
Image credits: BRAVO_SIX17
#91 Rewarding Curiosity
Image credits: dinglyd
#92 He Doesn’t Want To Hear It, He Wants To Live It
Image credits: adancerdances
#93 Little Kid’s Crafty Wording
Image credits: elainesim28
#94 In France It’s Probably Illegal. As Should Be Everywhere
Image credits: laura_nelson
#95 This Moment That Shows Kids Will Always Goof Off
Image credits: CardiganStef
#96 That Is Adorable
Image credits: kellykrajewski
#97 Made It To 20 Years Sober! (Oc)
Image credits: hammerkat605
#98 This One Is Perfect
Image credits: mothmush
#99 Bless This Tall Person And Everyone Who Reaches Things From High Places For Shorter People
Image credits: AriYarwood
#100 After Years Of Depression, Today I Started My Day With A Beach Walk
Image credits: ChilliHat
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