i have the same problem. it helps me to focus on something else. after much practice i found paying attention to my breathing (in, out, in, out) helped take my mind off the negativity. this may be called "mindfulness" or "being mindful". sort of like putting my mind in neutral/back to start. i tried meditation a little but could not bring myself to turn off the tv. it probably would be quite beneficial, if you were more successful than me.