The Role of Books, Music and TV in My Mental Wellbeing
Mental wellbeing isn’t something I tend to think about in big, dramatic terms. For me, it’s the small, everyday choices — the things that help me feel happy, calm, and more like myself. Books, music and TV play a much bigger role in that than I ever expected, especially as life has become busier and more emotionally demanding.
They’re not solutions or fixes, but they are quiet supports that help me regulate, reset and feel less overwhelmed.
Books as a form of escape and focus
Reading has always been a way for me to step out of my own head. When I’m reading, my focus shifts completely — the constant background noise of thoughts quietens, and my attention settles on something else. I don’t tend to ‘relax’ but books give me a chance to slow down.
Since becoming busier, the way I read has changed. I don’t always have long, uninterrupted stretches of time, but even short bursts of reading can help me reset. A chapter before bed, a few pages during Scarlett’s nap — it all counts.
Music as an emotional anchor
Music affects my mood more than I often realise. Certain songs can instantly calm me, lift my energy, or help me process emotions I haven’t quite put into words yet.
Sometimes music is on in the background — something playing quietly while I’m getting on with the day. Other times, it’s intentional. I’ll choose a playlist to match how I’m feeling or how I want to feel.
Music helps me shift my mood and create moments of comfort, especially blasting those playlists from my teenage years! It’s one of the quickest ways I can change the tone of a day, even if nothing else changes.
TV as low-effort comfort
TV plays a different role in my wellbeing. It’s not about deep engagement or productivity — it’s about rest.
On days when my brain feels full, TV gives me permission to stop thinking. Comfort shows, familiar series, and easy-watch programmes help me unwind without effort.
Rewatching shows I’ve seen before is especially soothing, especially things like Friends and The Big Bang Theory. There’s no pressure to keep up or concentrate fully — I can just let it play and enjoy the familiarity.
Why these things matter more than we admit
It’s easy to dismiss books, music and TV as ‘just entertainment’. But for me, they’re part of how I look after my mental wellbeing on a daily basis.
They provide comfort during stressful or overwhelming times, and give me something to calm myself.
In busy seasons of life, small, accessible supports matter more than ever.
Letting go of guilt around downtime
I’ve had to unlearn the idea that rest needs to look productive. And even now I’m still learning. Reading for pleasure, listening to music, or watching a familiar show aren’t wasted time — they’re restorative.
Mental wellbeing isn’t built through big gestures alone. It’s supported through small habits that make life feel more manageable.
Finding what works for you
What supports mental wellbeing looks different for everyone. For me, books, music and TV are simple, reliable tools that fit easily into everyday life.
They don’t fix everything — but they help. And sometimes, that’s more than enough.
7 responses to “The Role of Books, Music and TV in My Mental Wellbeing”
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Rhian Westbury
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I totally agree with this, although I have not been able to concentrate enough to read a book since losing my husband. I seem to just sit and stare at the page. TV is my happy place where I can watch it or have it on in the background. I tend to only listen to music when I am in the car
Very well said. I feel the exact same way about all the different forms of content I consume and I do need all of them. My TV downtime or my engagement and focus when I read a book and how I de-stress when listening to music…
I really love your point about TV. I have heard the phrase “TV will rot your brain” so many times, but not really. It’s a nice way to decompress.
I listen to tons of music for the same reasons as you. I usually play video games while the TV is on. All that sensory input calms my brain.
I don’t read as much as I used to, but I do like to use podcasts as a form of escape. I agree with you that music can lift my mood and also energize me, especially while exercising or walking.
The role of books, music and tv is essential for most people to maintain a solid mindset in my opinion. What we choose to read, listen and watch is also important. Thanks for sharing your experience.
I really always love having something playing in the background. That noise is something that makes it feel like I am not alone. This is a great look at how media helps wellbeing.