I don’t know whether it’s in response to the wider world situation or just a fortuitous circumstance, but one of my libraries recently upped its digital check out and hold request limits. Thank god. I posted this on Instastories, but next to prescription drugs and therapy, books are the best thing for my mental health and a great boon when my anxiety spikes – which it absolutely the **** has this week.

Books take you out of your head and away from your own inner monologue, putting you in the shoes of a character or making you a welcome witness to an expert or storyteller of some kind. It parks your ego. It offers an alternative world or timeline in which to wander for a bit. It disciplines your attention – difficult in the age of the soundbite and 240 character limit. It entertains or enlightens you.

So, even if it’s a single page or if your preferred delivery method is audio, read. It will help a bit. I promise.

Since we’re all a bit more physically distant at the moment, let’s trade some Goodreads accounts and swap some recommendations in the comments. I’m currently enjoying at least one Agatha Christie novel, some progressive and hopeful sociology, and some less cheerful investigative nonfiction on climate change. What are you reading right now?