We read daily, be it for work purposes, academics or pleasure. We absorb information from all that we read, from newspapers to a classic Jane Austen novel. Every page, every passage, every sentence enhances our knowledge. We understand an author’s viewpoint on a certain concept from a book, a beautifully described panorama can transport you to another realm, learn the truth about a shady politician from journalist’s article, a thriller-horror novel gets our adrenaline pumping as we anticipate the next move from the antagonist, and from a romantic novel we feel joy after a happy ending. Reading opens doors to creative imagination. Reading provides mental stimulation, memory improvement and improves vocabulary all while keeping us engaged. No matter how much stress you have at work, in your relationships, or countless other issues faced in daily life, it all slips away when you lose yourself in the pages of a book. Reading can be a great distraction for idle minds. Reading about, and relating to the characters; at times feeling one with them, gives us a sense of belonging and understanding the thought processes of different characters makes us more empathetic to others, provides us with varying points of view, indirectly contributing in making us more tolerant and attentive to those in our life. Books often offer us insight into the working of the real world and show us the true nature of people, their mindsets and beliefs, their faith and religion, and the characteristics that make them unique. Overall, reading offers a sense of belonging, emotional awareness, and improved communication. Reading is what makes us understand the world around us and become more connected with other people. It is a popular notion that every moment of each day must be devoted to being productive and that if we’re not doing so, then we’re inherently missing out on opportunities. The obsession with productivity has only been exaggerated by the pandemic that shall not be named. Often escapism is viewed as a character flaw, pegged as a refusal to face reality and inability to deal with responsibilities. We more often than not lead stressful lives, have schedules that demand constant energy, intense concentration, and continuous dedication for hours on end. Spending time engaging in activities that we enjoy is a proven way to cope and deal with the stressors of daily life. Sometimes when we indulge too frequently and inadvertently put urgent issues and responsibilities on the back burner, it is aptly viewed as escapism. This is detrimental to your time management which will only add to more stress. An unhealthy obsession can often cause us to lose touch with reality. Yet, in moderation, reading can prove to be vital to the cultivation of our ideologies while nurturing the imagination and nourishing the soul. Throughout the history of humanity, literature and art has offered refuge from the stark realities of life by opening windows to infinite possibilities that exist unbeknownst to us. Escapism is the tendency to seek distraction and relief from unpleasant realities, especially by seeking entertainment or engaging in fantasy. However, many challenge the idea that escapism is fundamentally and exclusively negative. Escapism can be a coping skill when used positively; one must strike a healthy balance to reap the benefits of a great hobby like reading.