“Take me away, a secret place, a sweet escape”
Between assignments, exams, and a busy social life, it is no surprise that many of us look for a way out, even if it is only for a short while. Whether we are binging a series on Netflix or getting lost in the pages of a book, these moments of retreat often give us a much-needed moment to breathe. But is escapism always a harmless break or can it become a dangerous distraction?
Have you ever felt like you could not escape your thoughts, your problems, or even your life? Have you ever felt completely consumed by everything around you that you feel like a stone in the ocean? The world we live in is already so much to take in and the possibility of becoming overwhelmed just increases with time. The feeling of being in a downward spiral with nothing to hold on to is scary. In the midst of so much turmoil and the world spinning at 2x its normal rate, you find your mind wandering off to a new place, a calm place, and time stops. Now, it is just you in a space where everything makes sense. The air is clear, your favourite song is playing, and you are in your dream world. This is where you have always wanted to be. Escapism: the quiet refuge when life becomes overwhelming.
GraceCounselling describes escapism as a coping mechanism used to avoid the unpleasantries of life by engaging in fantasies that provide emotional relief. It is your happy place. Imagine if there was a way you could just run away from everyone and everything and be in a place where no pain is endured. Dr Holly Ordway from WordOnFire tells us that it is important to recognise what you are escaping from and what you are escaping into. This implies that there is something negative to escape from and something positive to look forward to. This is an opportunity to look beyond the norms of the world you already live in. Be your most ambitious, most creative self, and fall into a version of yourself you love.
However, can escapism become a dangerous distraction? Even though escapism on its own is not always harmful, it can become an issue when balance turns into avoidance. Instead of dealing with stress, grief, or responsibilities, you could constantly want a distraction. Over time, this prevents healing and growth from our traumas.
Although the most common method of escapism is known to be daydreaming and disassociating, there are many different worlds you can fall into. Reading your favourite novel and becoming a character yourself, watching a movie and being the love interest, or even journaling about your deepest desires and dreams can all be the escape to your happy place.
But be warned – you can also become addicted to various forms of escapism. Our brains often start to crave the dopamine rush that video games, television, or maladaptive daydreaming provides. This can lead to a negligence of responsibilities and isolation from the outside world. Our reality can easily become distorted when we are constantly fixated on fictional worlds.
Escapism can provide temporary happiness and help you shape the person you really want to become. Life comes with its complexities and worries, but it is important to remember that you live this life and you can control what you make of it. Escapism can be a wonderful thing, but it should be treated with caution. Balancing our responsibilities with doses of relaxing escapes from our busy lives is crucial. Circumstances can change, people can change, and time is always running, but what remains is the fact that you are the one who will constantly hold your hand through all the changes. It is okay to look for the quick fix, but remember that it is temporary. The best thing you can do for yourself is use the shortcut that inspires you in the long run. So, take time during the day to escape, but make sure you journey back safely!
Promise Erero