Hi friends,

I hope you are all doing well. Today, we are talking about reading, or not reading to be precise. Things are stressful and uncertain right now and I’m sure that a lot of bibliophile are hoping to use this time to catch up on their reading lists. A perfectly commendable goal! If you’re like me, however, you may be wanting to read and realizing that you don’t have the focus or drive to read right now.

As a book nerd it can be incredibly disheartening to find that you just don’t feel like reading right now. The world is in a state that can be scary and unsettling. I know that for myself, and many others, reading is a calming hobby and the escapism can be delightful. I also know that sometimes when we are too stressed, overwhelmed, or anxious it can be hard to settle the brain to get to a point where you can sit and read for awhile.

I have been finding that I desperately want to read, but it is difficult to because I can’t keep my focus on whatever I’m reading. I have started a number of books, but haven’t been so entirely captivated by one to finish it. It can be frustrating especially when it feels like you “should” be using all this extra time to read, but like anything putting pressure on yourself doesn’t make the situation better.

Though I want to read and have many books that I am interested in reading, it’s important to remember that you don’t “have” to read. It’s okay to take a break. It’s perfectly fine to watch some Netflix shows, rewatch old favourite movies, or play video games. In times like this it’s important to take care of your mental health, as well as your physical health. Sometimes, taking care of your mental health just means giving yourself space to breathe and do whatever is making you feel good for right now.

You can always pick up a book later. You will never run out of books to read and choose from. Just remember that pressuring yourself to do so might make it harder to read even if you do want to read. Just be kind to yourself and others during these times.

How has your reading been lately? Better? Worse? Or the same?

Keep smiling,
Alex