Gradually I have started to like reading books. In general I have enjoyed reading books since my childhood but no where close to a voracious reader or someone who just genuinely loves reading book and tries to find time to read everyday even when they are busy.
Anyway usually when I have some sort of anxiety, annoyance about something or even mild physical pain I watch movies/tv shows and they work as a good distraction for me.
Recently there was an instance where I had a bit of anxiety about something and then this other instance where I had a mild headache and both the times instead of watching something I decided to pick a nice book that I have been reading and enjoying for the past few days ufortunately they were not able to distract me.
I realised that in times of stress and anxiety watching something definitely helps me to distract myself but choosing a book to read, even the ones that I’m enjoying, doesn’t really work that well. It’s like even the book that I’m enjoying I can only enjoy when I’m in a very relaxed mood.
This makes me wonder what about those avid book readers. Would they be able distract themselves reading a book when they are going through a stressful time(mild headache or anxiety) and if so, is it something that I can develop as well as I build the habit of reading more and more?
Im the opposite. I’ve struggled awhile with depression and anxiety that makes it hard for me to finish anything… housework, books, shows. Started seeing a therapist awhile back and it’s helped a lot with regaining my interests. My to-read and to-watch list has gotten so long now. I will finish at least 14 books this year. The last couple years, I was lucky if I finished 5!