Escapism: Hitting the Pause Button

Graphics by Anika Dua

It can be easy to get caught up in the feeling of wanting to be elsewhere. Between classes, deadlines and the college social scene, it's no surprise our minds sometimes crave a getaway. The mind tends to wander when we’re feeling lost or alone or simply ready to experience something new. Then, these thoughts and feelings continue to grow, until your mind seeks a reprieve from reality, turning into a phenomenon called escapism. Psychologically, escapism is a mental vacation from daily life. It's a way to cope with stress and dissatisfaction, but the key here is finding healthy escapes that recharge you, not numb you. 

While escapism may be tied with many mind-numbing behaviors, like the classic “doom scroll” on social media or that “just one more episode” TV binge, it can also be more enriching in regulation. There’s nothing wrong with going out multiple nights a week and drinking your feelings away, but throwing in some healthier coping mechanisms won’t hurt. Other types of healthier escapism include reading, working, daydreaming, physical activity, and trying new things. These techniques may seem daunting to add to your already busy schedule, but once you start, it’s easier that it seems.

For example, simply walking to class or even deliberately taking a longer route (as the weather warms up) is an easy way to incorporate exercise into your routine, which can be made even more enjoyable by throwing on headphones and listening to your favorite playlist or podcast. Plus, while school and classwork may be the very thing that you’re longing to escape, sometimes, all you can do is attempt to push through while romanticizing the grind, by doing things like studying at a cozy coffee shop and treating yourself to a change of scenery and a little sweet treat. 

Escapism may also be influenced by feeling stuck in a continual, never-changing daily routine. Luckily, there is a simple fix for repetitiveness– pushing yourself to do something new and different. Gather a group of friends and plan a weekend trip, or even a quick jaunt to Green Lakes State Park or Skaneateles for a change of scenery. Getting off campus may feel like a chore or even impossible at times, but making the effort will make all the difference. Once you experience something that derives from your regular routine, this is not only a natural escape from feeling stuck, but also allows you to mix up your experiences and schedule. 

Think of escapism as hitting the pause button on your life, not skipping the whole track. While taking a mental break is crucial, it's important to address the root causes of your escape urges.  If you find yourself constantly running away from reality, take a step back and identify the source of your stress. If you identify a deeper issue, talking to a friend, counselor, or therapist can help you develop coping mechanisms and create a more fulfilling reality. 

Escapism may be a very enticing concept, but it’s important to stay grounded in reality. At the end of the day, escapism is a temporary reprieve, and not a long-term solution to any problems. Letting your mind wander is healthy, but it’s also necessary to form working solutions to move forward and improve where you currently are in life. The next time you feel the urge to escape, grab a book, explore a new place, or simply take a deep breath and remember to embrace all experiences that you may encounter.