Finding Refuge: Why Embracing Escapism Can Improve Your Mental Health in Turbulent Times

The last few weeks have been tough for many of us. With climate issues, political turmoil, and the dreary end of January, it can be overwhelming. However, I found a brief escape by watching the first two episodes of season two of Apple TV’s Severance. For those moments, I was fully engaged, letting the world slip away.

Severance isn’t your usual light-hearted escape. Its gloomy setting and intense themes can feel heavy. Yet, the fast pace and strong performances drew me in. It’s the kind of storytelling that makes you forget your phone, your stress, and just enjoy the ride. That’s what I crave these days: a distraction that lets me be fully present.

When people ask for book recommendations to help them escape reality, I suggest a mix of genres. There are vivid fantasy novels like The Bright Sword by Lev Grossman or captivating space operas like Ann Leckie’s Ancillary Justice. For a light read, rom-coms such as those by Jasmine Guillory always deliver a smile. Thrillers like Sara Sligar’s Vantage Point are also great for keeping you on the edge of your seat.

Beach reads, a catch-all term for light fiction, are perfect for when you want something uplifting. Books like Margot’s Got Money Problems by Rufi Thorpe or Four Squares by Bobby Finger fit this bill. They transport you, making even the heavier themes resolve with a hopeful tone.

However, I often find myself intrigued by books that tackle tougher subjects. Adelle Waldman’s Help Wanted captures the trials of retail workers in a relatable way, while Enter Ghost by Isabella Hammad grips you with its powerful portrayal of Arab actors in conflict areas.

I’ve also enjoyed stories that blend fact and fiction, offering a familiar yet altered perspective. Recent reads like Ed Park’s Same Bed, Different Dreams or Catherine Lacey’s Biography of X provide profound insights into our reality, making social media distractions seem trivial in comparison.

Escapism comes in many forms, and sometimes it’s in the darker, moodier stories that I find solace. We all have a role to play in the world, and taking a step back to appreciate art that captivates us can help soothe our minds. It’s important to find those moments where we can forget our worries, even just for a little while.

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