Why Reading Helps Avoid My Anxiety
“You can never get a cup of tea large enough or a book long enough to suit me.” — C.S. Lewis
Growing up I was a big reader.
I would churn through fantasy novels with relish, always keeping my eye out for the next series of books to read.
I recently went home to the house I grew up in and re-discovered some of my favourite childhood series:
- The Edge Chronicles by Paul Stewart and Chris Riddell
- His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman
- Otherland by Tad Williams
- Discworld novels by Terry Pratchett
I would love to get lost in these fantasy worlds!
The best part of getting to the end of one of the books, was knowing that there was another, and maybe another still in the series still to read.
I grew up in a very remote area, so there wasn’t too much to do.
I kept myself entertained in the great outdoors getting my knees muddy or when it rained, I curled up with a good book.
It was a great childhood!
Reading in Adult Life
When you’re an adult, reading takes on a different direction.
Sometimes we are required to read for work, rather than just for pleasure:
- textbooks for a course
- lengthy documents at work
- manuals and guides
- news articles and current event essays
I still read a lot of novels, but not as many as I used to.
Anxiety in Modern Life
I wouldn’t say I particularly suffer from anxiety, but I know I am prone to it’s symptoms occasionally.
Probably more often than I admit.
I think one of the big causes of anxiety in today’s world is the need for immediacy. We are constantly seeking a quick response or fast results, and of course these don’t always happen, which causes us to become restless; our need for immediate results drives our anxiety.
The way I read now doesn’t always help either.
I read quick articles online, in a constant search to read more, faster.
What happened to the good old days of getting lost for hours in a whole new world?
Reading as a Coping Method
Since I left my job and started working for myself, I notice that I am a lot less anxious, which is wonderful.
I believe part of the reason for this is that I have more time to relax and read.
While I still read for work, I also take a lot more time to read for pleasure, getting lost again in the pages of a world that someone has created.
When reading a paper novel, you’re not distracted by any other notifications or pop-ups.
You can sit in a quiet room and take your time — no one is judging.
For me reading is a way to relax, so I find an hour’s worth of reading time is like a mini-meditation.
You’re not thinking about the outside world for a little while. Only the pages you’re reading. You’re calm and relaxed, breathing smoothly and softly.
The beauty is that you can take a book anywhere — the train, a plane, your in-laws.
“Books are a uniquely portable magic.” ― Stephen King
Why We Should Read More Novels
People read for many reasons.
For me I still need to read for work and I still seek quick ‘fast-knowledge’ type articles online, either for self-development or for information, news and opinions.
There’s nothing wrong with that at all.
Yet don’t forget the humble little novel as well!
“It is what you read when you don’t have to that determines what you will be when you can’t help it.” ― Oscar Wilde
You may just surprise yourself of the anxiety-soothing benefits.
