Gradually I have started to like reading books. In general I have enjoyed reading books since my childhood but no where close to a voracious reader or someone who just genuinely loves reading book and tries to find time to read everyday even when they are busy.
Anyway usually when I have some sort of anxiety, annoyance about something or even mild physical pain I watch movies/tv shows and they work as a good distraction for me.
Recently there was an instance where I had a bit of anxiety about something and then this other instance where I had a mild headache and both the times instead of watching something I decided to pick a nice book that I have been reading and enjoying for the past few days ufortunately they were not able to distract me.
I realised that in times of stress and anxiety watching something definitely helps me to distract myself but choosing a book to read, even the ones that I’m enjoying, doesn’t really work that well. It’s like even the book that I’m enjoying I can only enjoy when I’m in a very relaxed mood.
This makes me wonder what about those avid book readers. Would they be able distract themselves reading a book when they are going through a stressful time(mild headache or anxiety) and if so, is it something that I can develop as well as I build the habit of reading more and more?
Good question! I read novels when I need to distract myself from worrying. I read them all the time, but if I’m anxious I HAVE to get to the library.
Why library?
Audiobooks are better for headaches because staring at screens or print can lead to eyestrain. But for anxiety, nothing beats a book for me. I can just get immersed in someone else’s world and forget my problems for a while. I feel really fortunate to have this coping strategy.
That’s what books used to be for me. I’m not sure what changed. I think my friends all played games, and growing up caused distance, so online games became the best way to spend time together, so now I turn to games.
I miss books. I think I might try to pick one up at home if I remember.
I like audiobooks when I am anxious or upset. They are a good distraction that doesn’t require too much active focus
Unfortunately I stop reading when I’m anxious or depressed. 🥺
Yup. Same here.
There’s some kind of magical ratio of anxiety/pain/etc to book immersion that creates lightning in a bottle for me. I’m always chasing that next read where the world sort of disappears when I’m so engrossed in a story, but it’s rare! I can love a book, rate it 5 stars, but it rarely has that true captivating quality. It’s when that hits, that I can use it to escape some anxiety or illness.
Ahh yes. I guess I’m yet to find a book that can do that for maybe.
Maybe there was only one time I really liked reading a book that helped me during the time when I was sort of depressed for months.
What kinda book in the past have helped you to really escape anxiety or illness?
Random fantasy books worked when I was younger, but lately the closest I’ve gotten to that magical escape reading has been with the Feed series, If We Were Villains and Station Eleven. Maybe my older brain just struggles more with outside distractions, but these have come very close to quieting that extra noise.
I can’t read at all when I’m anxious. However, when I’m depressed, it’s a mixed bag. I don’t want to think or make a choice. if I’m really absorbed into a book while depressed, I’ll read it, but I’d say 75% of the time my go to is doom-scrolling. It’s not healthy but nobody’s keeping track.
I usually cannot. My coping mechanisms for anxiety aren’t good. I basically just pick up my phone and scroll (exactly what I’m doing now). I’ve tried to read books when I’m stressed, but I can’t concentrate / I don’t get the same enjoyment from it that I usually would.
I go through almost the same exact thing.
When I’m stressed the same book that I have been enjoying suddenly feels like a chore. No focus and lots of restlessness because of the stress. I wonder if I keep at it over time will I be able to inculcate the habit of enjoying reading and immersing myself in the book especially when I’m stressed
I’m wondering the same thing too. The other day I tried reading 4 pages, then I ended up reading nearly 20! It felt good as I forgot about the stress/anxiety. I think I need to train myself to switch off my anxiety when I pick up a book.
I read tons of books when I was recovering from knee and then shoulder surgery. The more complicated the book the better.
Oh wow. People are really different.
I remember someone commenting here they bought a lot of books to read after their surgery. But sadly for some reason they were just not able to enjoy reading book after the surgery.
I read less when I am depressed or anxious. My Goodreads count was only 18 for 2020 but 26 for the years before and after this
Yes, Books have been the biggest savior for my sanity over the past few years. I had a really traumatic event and realized I just needed to not think. So I started reading audiobooks and just filled all of the empty space with them and it helped immensely. I basically healed my grief and anxiety with books.
Well yes but, I read regardless of my state of mind. It always feels good to get lost in a book.
yeppuh. the only situation where i dont read is if i have a headache cos i can’t completely concentrate so i’ll sleep first. i love reading because it helps immerse me into the book’s world ❤️❤️
No( that doesn’t work for me, if I’m any of those things I will be thinking about them and reading super slowly
I reread favorites for self-comfort.