What to read, watch, or do when you’re feeling fragile

A few years ago, I wrote about comforting entertainment for dark times. By this year’s standards, 2017 feels positively sunny. Recently I’ve been revisiting that post, because I’ve found that things that used to bring me comfort don’t necessarily do that now.

A few weeks ago, I was feeling anxious, so much so that I found myself skipping to the ends of chapters in a book I was reading, trying to see how far I’d have to read to get to a chapter that ends on an up note. I never do that. And while I had been thinking that I might want to start watching The Great British Baking Show again, it suddenly seemed too anxiety-provoking.

What do you do when your usual escapes are failing you? Of course, what works for me might not work for you, but here are some ideas that I came up with to carry me through my anxious period.

Keep it short

If a novel is too much right now, consider something shorter. I loved Ted Chiang’s Stories of Your Life and Others; since he published another book in 2019, that could be the perfect read. Poetry works, too.

Likewise, you may not want to start a television series with a long narrative arc. When cliffhangers are too much, stick with movies or shows that tell a complete story in one sitting.

Just remember that “short” does not equal “comforting.” Now may not be the time for Edgar Allan Poe.

Keep it familiar

I’ve always been an advocate for rereading books. Anxious times are perfect for revisiting old favorites. I will never tire of Pride and Prejudice or The Hobbit, even though I know exactly how things will turn out. The same, of course, is true for what I choose to watch. Revisit The Empire Strikes Back for the umpteenth time? Why not?

Keep it light

If it’s difficult to read serious science fiction right now, maybe you can still read The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. If you were partway through Daredevil and had to stop, maybe you can get your fill of superheroes without the anxiety by watching one of the many iterations of The Tick.

Comedy is one source of light entertainment, but it’s hardly the only one. Comic books (such as Bandette), cartoons and anime (like My Neighbor Totoro), and seasonal fare (formulaic holiday movies have a huge following) can all offer a trouble-free escape. Just keep in mind that, like most of things I’m suggesting here, you can’t consider any particular category of entertainment as completely safe. Just because Heathers is considered comedy doesn’t mean it’s light-hearted. Check the reviews first.

Find a new comfort activity

If you’re not feeling up to reading or watching things these days, maybe it’s time to embrace new entertainment. During my anxious period, I put a lot of thought into making playlists for my child. I also discovered the joy of WindowSwap, which allows you to view the world through others people’s windows. You can submit a video of the view from your window, but that’s not required. You might enjoy baking, games, painting, or any other number of things that don’t require you to go along on an emotional rollercoaster ride with the hero. Don’t think of it as being weak or permanently giving up the things you used to love. You’re just taking a break to take care of yourself. Those books and shows will be waiting for you when you’re ready to go back to them.