Anxiety is an intense emotion and a mental health issue that is highly prevalent in today’s world, especially with the constant rise of social media. From propaganda to fear mongering to how people only show the “perfect” parts of their life to the feelings of FOMO (fear of missing out), anxiety is flowing easily, and very common among a large group of the population, especially with how AI is growing, who knows what is trustworthy anymore? In fact, social media increases anxiety and depression in the younger audiences due to cyberbullying and the addictive nature of how it uses our dopamine receptors to keep us hooked.
There is a correlation between the use of social media and the decline of reading, as reading was once our primary source of learning and entertainment. Reading, on the other hand, is excellent for both our brains and our mental health. During the pandemic, reading actually became a more common hobby again. It was here before social media, and it will never disappear. Now you may be asking, “What does this have to do with cozy fantasy?” but fear not. Let’s dive into the reasons why reading cozy fantasy is a great comfort in this anxious world.
The impact of reading on anxiety.
Reading is a highly effective coping mechanism for mental health and an excellent source of entertainment. Not only is it a pleasurable and great hobby, but it can also reduce stress. Reading just 6 minutes a day can reduce an average individual’s stress by 60%. There are hundreds of genres and subgenres to suit every interest, and unless you truly dislike reading, which is perfectly fine too, there is something out there for you to enjoy. Not only that, but reading improves our creativity and imagination; it helps us develop strong emotions, such as empathy, as we, as readers, tend to feel for the characters.
The reason that reading improves anxiety is that there are no heavy expectations. There is no need to be stuck thinking about responsibilities, toxic environments, and an anxious world when you have a good book with lovable characters and amazing plots right in front of you. Everything else disappears, which takes us to why fantasy is such a great genre for this!
What is cozy fantasy?
Cozy fantasy is a relatively new term; although the genre has existed for longer, the subgenre’s name was coined around 2020, during the pandemic. During that time, reading became more popular as people were confined to their homes, and social media wasn’t helping the rising anxiety about what life was like and what the future would hold. Fantasy as a genre also skyrocketed during the pandemic, making it a primary genre for publishers to market and promote.
But what exactly is cozy fantasy? Well, unlike standard fantasy, cozy fantasy doesn’t have as high stakes as regular fantasy. It follows a warmer, more comfortable narrative, often aligning with coming-of-age, romance, or slice-of-life themes, but with a twist: the inclusion of magic and mystical beings. They tend to be slightly shorter than your average fantasy book, and a bit of a quicker read because there isn’t as much intense systems and worldbuilding like high-stakes fantasy. It’s soft, sweet, and comfy pace is perfect for coping with anxiety.
How is cozy fantasy comforting?
Now, why is cozy fantasy so comforting? When you are reading high-stakes fantasy books, it can induce a healthy dose of fear, which sometimes isn’t reassuring but more exciting. However, that type of adrenaline rush while reading isn’t for everyone, but sometimes you still want the magic, fae, kingdoms, witches, dragons, and more. With cozy fantasy, you get all of that but with the comfort of a happy romance or coming-of-age story. It includes all the happy, fluffy pieces of fantasy and can include stakes that don’t force your fight or flight to kick in.
Cozy fantasy is also perfect for anxiety because fantasy doesn’t use the world we live in now. Oftentimes, anxiety can be based in our own world, what is happening, the disasters that occur, and the mistakes humans make. Cozy fantasy doesn’t have real-life references, although it may share similar problems; they aren’t the same. You won’t see social media references, nor will you see real-life historical references. It is a world purely new, with aspects that we will never have (like magic… someone give me magic) and creatures that have only come from our imagination. It provides us with an escape from our world into a cozy one.
It is important to note that escapism can be healthy if done right. There are times when it can become dangerous, as some people can become so deeply immersed in escapism that they struggle to live in reality. It might sound ridiculous, but how can we confuse fantasy with reality? However, it is shocking how easily one can fall into that hole. If you need help, please remember that there are people who are there for you.
Cozy Fantasy Recommendations!
These are some of my favorite cozy fantasy books to read when I need some time to relax!
The Spell Shop by Sarah Beth Durst
This fantasy rom-com is the perfect cozy fantasy for anyone who wants a bit of small-town love. After a rebellion, Kiela, who worked in a library full of spellbooks, flees the fights, with the books, back to her hometown. With a new life, in a familiar place, Kiela puts her magic and time into baking for the village, with a very handsome neighbor who just always seems to be around.
The House in the Cerulean Sea by T.J. Klune
This found-family fantasy follows Linus, a 40-year-old man who lives with his cat and works with a group of magical youth. However, that all changes when he gets requested by upper management to travel to six dangerous magical children. However, the children and the island hold secrets, and ones that will change everything Linus knows.
Legends and Lattes by Travis Baldree
Legends and Lattes is a slow-burning coffee shop fantasy that follows a warrior orc who decides she has had enough with the fighting and decides to open the first-ever coffee shop… whatever coffee is. However, that isn’t the hard part: working with a gorgeous succubus who is constantly pushing her buttons is. Stories from travelers fill their little shop, as they work through their issues and form a bond more profound than the orc could ever imagine.
Cozy fantasy is the perfect comfort when we are dealing with heavy anxiety and need a break from everything happening in our lives and in our world. There is nothing better than a good book.
Check out some great cozy fantasy authors here!
Check out fantasy recommendations from the team here.
