Overwhelming thoughts and difficult emotions are the reason so many, if not most, people end up in therapy.
But your therapist can’t travel alongside you for all of life’s toughest moments- which is why it’s important to develop an arsenal of healthy coping skills to handle the curveballs life throws at you.
I like to build up coping strategies that engage the mind while offering relief from emotional intensity. One of my favorites? Reading.
When the world feels heavy, reading can create a safe space.
Immersing yourself in a story—whether it’s fiction or nonfiction—allows your mind to focus on something beyond your immediate stressors.
It’s not about running away from problems but giving yourself a momentary rest to reset and recharge.
Beyond the escape, books offer perspective. A well-written story can help us see our struggles in a new light.
Reading about characters who overcome adversity, even in a fictional context, can spark hope and resilience.
Similarly, nonfiction books—memoirs, self-help, or explorations of psychological concepts—can validate our experiences and provide practical tools for navigating them.
If reading isn’t currently part of your life, you might wonder how to begin.
Honestly- start small. Explore genres or topics that genuinely interest you, whether it’s a murder mystery, an empowering memoir, or even a comic book.
Consider audiobooks if sitting with a physical book feels daunting.
And don’t pressure yourself to finish every book you start; some just aren't the right fit.
Similarly, no pressure to read every day for hours on end. Sometimes a single chapter can be enough to find your peace.
You might even find that joining a book club or connecting with others who share a love of reading can transform it into a social experience!
But like any coping strategy, reading has its limits.
Sometimes, the escape it offers can veer into avoidance.
Some may use books to insulate themselves from reality, neglecting relationships or responsibilities in favor of fictional worlds.
While it’s important to give ourselves grace during challenging times, it’s equally vital to ensure we’re not using reading—or any activity—to bypass the work of healing.
But by approaching it thoughtfully, you can harness the benefits of reading while ensuring it remains a healthy part of your coping repertoire.
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