If your nighttime routine looks anything like mine, it includes dreaming up elaborate fictional scenarios to lull yourself to sleep. When I was younger, I assumed this was an entirely original experience of mine, but I’ve since learned that daydreaming is a common form of escapism.
Escapism, defined by the APA, is “the tendency to escape from the real world to the delight or security of a fantasy world.” Whether this looks like daydreaming, losing yourself within the pages of a fantasy novel, or binge-watching your favorite TV show, escapism is about immersing yourself into alternate realities that provide solace when life gets overwhelming.
My earliest experience with escapism was in middle school when I discovered my love for reading through the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series. These books consumed me for months at the time, and I found myself fully engaged in the magical world each time I picked them up. This beloved time with books became my safe space.
As I’ve grown older, not much has changed! I still love fantasy novels as a form of escapism and enjoy music, movies, and TV shows. When I engage in these activities with a conscious effort to balance them with all other aspects of life, I relish how important the creation of art and media is to me.
I’ve always been a fangirl at heart, or otherwise known as someone incapable of enjoying things a normal amount. I become passionate about the things that I enjoy and emotionally connect to. For me, escapism is more than just a distraction or break from reality; it is a moment for me to tap into my passions and my imaginative side. By placing my mind into alternate realities, I get to view the world in a different light.
As with any coping mechanism, I’ve learned that it’s crucial to establish a balance between escapism and other activities. Sometimes, I feel so overwhelmed that all I wish to do is sit and indulge in my current read, but I recognize the need to check a couple of items off my to-do list before spending too much time with my head someplace else.
I’ve discovered that escapism is not to be confused with avoidance, and avoidance only prolongs facing the inevitable. Rather than taking it as a literal escape, I see escapism as a tool for self-care. Sometimes, I find that having a meaningful conversation with a friend or reflecting through journaling is more beneficial for my well-being than indulging in escapism.
The beauty of escapism is that it gets to be a personal experience in which you can carve out moments to hit pause and dive into a world that brings you joy. Engaging in some form of escapism has become one of the most cherished parts of my day (aside from spending time with the people I love). I look forward to cozying up in bed with my fantasy novel or getting the chance to drive around and let my mind make up stories to the lyrics of a song.
The next time life feels like a whirlwind of responsibilities, don’t be afraid to indulge! Daydream all you want, start a new book, watch an exciting movie, or download a new video game. In my experience, a little bit of escapism might be all you need to check yourself back into reality.
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