If you got the chance to read my blog on this topic, then you must also know that I ripped the idea of escapism to shreds. I am not a saint who has attained nirvana and is free from leading an escapist life. I am more of a realist who likes having a reality check now and then.

Reality check that every coin has two sides. One good, one bad; one we love, one we hate; one we hide from the world, one we show with the best Instagram filters. Therefore, today I am talking about the positive effects of escapism. Yes, it is good and has a host of benefits that makes it oh-so addictive. Here we go!

• It relieves you of stress.

Just because people do not know your problems does not mean you do not have any. We all are fighting battles continuously in one way or the other. Reading a book, watching a movie, or anything similar takes your mind off the topic that might be bothering you. It gives the brain much-needed relief from constant stress and energizes itself. So the brain can sort thoughts and come up with a solution or a way out.

• It leaves a beautiful afterglow.

A slice of life fiction book or a coming-of-age movie or a film inspired by some motivational figure; these types of escapist activities leave a positive after-effect. A hope that not all is lost; hope that every night is followed by a sunny day; hope that in the end, everything will be alright. Feeling motivated and happy from the inside is now more crucial than ever when the world is still under the grip of a pandemic.

• You never fail.

Okay, I am not in complete support of this benefit, but that does not mean it doesn’t exist. The best part about escapism is that in your fantasy world, you are the winner, ALWAYS. You can be anything you want: a pilot? Sure; world’s richest person? Hell, yeah! You do not need to experience the fear of failure or the pain if things do not go as planned. And that is the beauty of escapism.

• It is therapeutic and free.

For countless around the world, traveling is a therapy. It is their source of energy and passion for life. But traveling is always not possible: sometimes you cannot afford a vacation, or there isn’t enough time or a reason beyond your control like the pandemic. Enter escapism; pick up a travel book or a travel documentary or close your eyes and imagine yourself at your favorite destination. Your system will instantly release endorphin and dopamine, making you feel happy and relaxed.

It is wise to keep escapism in check.

Too much of anything good reap unpleasant outcomes. Excess of escapism not only hampers your professional growth but also strains your interpersonal relationships with family, friends, and society at large. The next time you lose yourself to the fascinating world of escapism, better to keep a check on time.