Stress Weighing You Down? Turn to Children’s Books!

Adulting is hard. The daily grind of work, endless meetings, looming deadlines and the chores at home, clubbed with the friction at multiple points can leave even the most resilient among us feeling like a balloon losing air. But instead of reaching for another cup of coffee or doom-scrolling through social media, here’s a novel (pun intended) idea: try children's books.

Now, before you roll your eyes and dismiss this as child’s play, think about it. Children’s books have this magical way of bringing joy, simplicity, and perspective—things most adults could use more of. Plus, who said children’s books are just for kids?

Let’s rewind – when we were children, we didn’t have to worry about client meetings or preparing lunch boxes. We had stories to lose ourselves in. Think of Malgudi Days by R.K. Narayan. The stories instantly transport you into a simpler world where every character—from Swami to the town’s eccentric vendors—brings with them a slice of life that we all crave for. You might just find yourself laughing at Swami’s antics and realizing your own worries are not that insurmountable. Ah, the joy of simplicity!

Treat yourself to instant nostalgia therapy when you want to combat adult stress. Picking up a Tinkle comic during a stressful day is like eating your favorite childhood snack— comforting the moment you lay your hands on it. You will find yourself laughing at Suppandi’s latest blunder or getting engrossed in Shikari Shambu’s bumbling adventures. It’s light, it’s funny, and it makes you forget about that admin task screaming for attention.

Adult life can be heavy, but children’s books remind us of resilience in the face of adversity. Take The Blue Umbrella by Ruskin Bond, for instance. This sweet story set in the hills of Garhwal follows a young girl, Binya, and her attachment to a beautiful blue umbrella. Through twists and turns, the book explores themes of kindness, jealousy, and forgiveness, leaving you with a sense of hope.

Creativity is essential for any job, whether you’re working in marketing, sales, or administration. But when work stress hits, your creative spark can get snuffed out. Roald Dahl’s Matilda, is a story about a young girl who uses her cleverness and ingenuity to overcome challenges – sure to inspire you to think differently and approach your problems from a fresh angle.

And here’s my favourite thing about children’s books: they’re short, easy to finish, and deeply satisfying. For adults who feel they don’t have the time to read, children’s books are perfect. No 500-page epics or complicated plots—just straightforward, delightful storytelling. Pick up any picture book, Where is Amma by Nandini Nayar or Gajapati Kulapati by Ashok Rajagopalan, for example. Within minutes, you’re immersed in the enchanting world of beautiful illustrations and endearing stories.

So, the next time life starts to feel overwhelming, consider stepping into the world of children’s books. They offer more than just entertainment—they provide a mental reset. You might just find yourself laughing, reflecting, and remembering that life isn’t always about the next deadline. Sometimes, it’s about the joy of a good story in a world that is still filled with wonder—just waiting for you to rediscover it.

Picture of Richa Chadda

Richa Chadda

Richa is an avid reader, a keen traveler, a dreamer and a firm believer in the power of books. She is passionate about working for and with children and is of the opinion that learning is a by-product of having fun. With a strong interest in literature and digital technology, Richa works with klib, making books and reading accessible and enjoyable for employees of organisations.

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