Welcome to Mood Reads, a new feature in which I choose books based on my (or your) mood. Today’s installment will discuss What to read when anxious…
Based on some stuff going on around me, I’ve been anxious and on edge, and I can see that this mood could last a couple weeks more . While I wait this stressful time out, I’ve also been doing some spring cleaning – my closets (which I discussed last week) and some painting and minor projects. (I find that cleaning and organizational projects are soothing. Also HGTV.)
But what should I be reading? I’ve been distracted and have had a hard time finding books lately. I’m going to make a list of what I usually read when anxious and then you can tell me about your mood reads in comments!
What To Read When Anxious
YA: Any Sarah Dessen Book – I find that (most of) her books have just the right amount of romance, plot, and humor. Her characters are often going through stuff too, so I don’t feel so alone.
Romances. I went through a particularly difficult period in the 90s where I read nothing but romance. I don’t always require happily ever afters, but in some moods, I do. Regency romances are a particular favorite when I’m anxious. Not sure why, but there you go.
Re-reading in general can be a really good thing for anxiety – a favorite book is like a tried and true friend and has no unpleasant surprises.
Talk to me in comments! Need a mood read of your own? Have suggestions for what to read when anxious? I’m all ears!
When I’m feeling anxious or overwhelmed my go to books are my older favorites, Sophie Kinsella’s shopaholic series, older Jennifer Crusie and Nora Roberts books. I always find comfort in reading old favorites.
Oh, I used to read Jennifer Crusie and Nora Roberts all the time. Those are fantastic suggestions – thanks!
When I have these moods humor and light contemporary do the trick for me.
If you have recommendations of funny books, send them my way 🙂
Rereading is my go-to when I’m feeling anxious or out of sorts. I finitely find comfort in returning to something familiar.
Ooh I like this! I agree about re- reading even though I don’t do it a lot anymore? But revisiting an old friend in book form is a good thing. 🙂 And the Regency stuff- you know I’m not a romance reader but I will say that stuff set in an earlier time like that can be relaxing, and I don’t even know why. But I like a good historical mystery, country house type thing, sometimes as a relaxing read?
And I can see where Sarah Dessen’s books would be comfort reads, they just look like they would be!
I love reading romances when I’m anxious, too. I re-read The Hating Game back in November of 2016 because I was so depressed that HRC lost the election. That book helped me cope.
lol I also went on a romance binge around November 2016 – January 2017. It did help!
Dessen really does write lovely books. They have weight without being heavy, and I know I will get an HFN/HEA, which is comforting for me.
Exactly. I hope she writes a new one soon. Though her older books are my favorites.
I’ve never thought about this before, and now that I am, I definitely do this unknowingly. In thinking about it, when I’m depressed, I tend to re-read favorite books of mine. You never know if a new book will raise or lower your spirits, so re-reading helps sooth my emotions because I already know it’ll be a great reading experience.
Yeah, that’s why I re-read (and re-watch) — its the best way to mood read because you know what you’re getting!
Agreed. Favorite rereads and silly/humorous/escapist reads are great when you’re anxious and distracted and not really up for more! I’ve found Ilona Andrews books are typically a good mix of the two for me. Or certain manga, like Beauty Pop, if I need something really quick and short.
I’ve never read an Ilona Andrews book!
I really like her Kate Daniels series and the Innkeeper Chronicles, and I liked book 1 of the Hidden Legacy trilogy. I think the only series she’s written that hasn’t worked for me so far is The Edge. But yeah, definitely recommend this author is you need a mix of action and humor.
Thanks – I will try the Kate Daniels books. Or Innkeeper!
When I am anxious I usually end up reading an old favourite one more time – more often than not that is the Twilight Saga! I also really like reading romances or HEA books when I am anxious. I don’t need the stress of a mystery or thriller or anything like that at those times.
Ha – I’d read book one of Twilight maybe….