Put that cheese burger down

Picture this: it’s a chilly evening, and you’re curled up on the couch with a steaming cup of tea. You crack open the first page of a novel, and suddenly, the world melts away. That pile of bills? Forgotten. The incessant buzzing of your phone? Muted. For a few precious hours, you’re whisked away to a different world. A pirate ship. A small-town bakery. A futuristic galaxy filled with robots who have questionable dance moves.

But here’s the thing: this isn’t just escapism. It’s therapy. And it’s backed by science.

Stories as Emotional Superglue

Humans are hardwired for stories. Thousands of years ago, our ancestors weren’t just sitting around the fire exchanging recipes for mammoth stew. They were telling stories—about gods, heroes, and how to survive that saber-toothed tiger lurking nearby. Stories were (and still are) our way of making sense of chaos. They’re like emotional superglue, connecting us to others and to ourselves.

Modern science has a fancy term for this: narrative transportation. When we’re engrossed in a story, our brains light up as though we’re experiencing it ourselves. The hero’s heartbreak? Ouch, our own heart twinges. Their triumph? Cue the victory dance (even if it’s just in our heads). This shared emotional journey doesn’t just make stories enjoyable—it makes them healing.

The Mental Health Boost of a Good Tale

Stories have a magical way of reminding us that we’re not alone. Ever read a book or watched a movie and thought, Wow, this character is basically me? That’s empathy at work, and it’s a mental health game-changer.

For people grappling with anxiety, depression, or even just the stress of daily life, stories can be a lifeline. They offer:

1. Perspective: A good story zooms you out of your own troubles and lets you walk in someone else’s shoes. It’s like a vacation for your overthinking brain.
2. Comfort: Sometimes, seeing a fictional character faceplant their way through life is exactly what you need to feel less alone. Bonus points if they manage to land on their feet—eventually.
3. Hope: Every story has an arc. There’s struggle, sure, but there’s also resolution. And that’s a powerful reminder that tough times don’t last forever.

The Stories We Tell Ourselves

It’s not just the stories we read or watch that matter—it’s the ones we tell ourselves. Our inner narrative shapes how we see the world and our place in it. Are you the plucky underdog who’s about to triumph? Or are you the tragic hero who can’t catch a break?

Here’s the good news: you can rewrite your story. It’s called narrative therapy, and it’s as empowering as it sounds. By identifying the negative scripts you’ve been playing on repeat (“I’ll never be good enough”), you can start crafting a kinder, more hopeful narrative (“I’m learning and growing every day”).

Five Fictional Books to Lift Your Spirits

Not sure where to start? Here are five emotionally uplifting books that remind us of the beauty and resilience of the human spirit:

1. “The Midnight Library” by Matt Haig A poignant story about regret, choices, and second chances. It’s a reminder that life’s possibilities are endless.
2. “Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine” by Gail Honeyman This quirky and heartfelt tale shows the power of human connection and self-acceptance.
3. “The House in the Cerulean Sea” by TJ Klune A whimsical and heartwarming story about found family and learning to embrace differences.
4. “Big Little Lies” by Liane Moriarty Equal parts humor and depth, this book offers a blend of drama and camaraderie that feels like a hug.
5. “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho A timeless fable about following your dreams and trusting the journey.

Your Call to Adventure

Joseph Campbell, the guy who gave us the Hero’s Journey, would say you’re the hero of your own story. So what’s your next chapter? Maybe it’s picking up that book you’ve been meaning to read. Or maybe it’s writing your own tale—even if it’s just journaling about your day.

Whatever it is, embrace the power of stories. They’re not just entertainment; they’re a lifeline, a mirror, and sometimes, a much-needed laugh.

And who doesn’t need a good laugh these days?

What’s Your Story?

What’s a story—whether from a book, a movie, or your own life—that has left a lasting impact on you? Share it, and let’s celebrate the power of storytelling together.