After Donald Trump’s second election, one journalist realised the insidious hold his phone had over his life. He turned to comic books, a childhood passion, to better occupy his attention and improve his mental health.
His evenings had been consumed by doomscrolling news headlines, hateful social media comments, and work messages. This led to restless, anxiety-ridden sleep filled with fears of apocalypses and online vitriol. Determined to break free, he sought an alternative to his phone.
He rediscovered comic books, which he had devoured as a youth—from the Beano and Dandy to 2000 AD, Preacher, and Watchmen. Reading them as an adult restored a sense of childlike wonder, improved his sleep quality, and reduced negativity. His dreams became more fanciful, and he woke feeling revitalised.
The change also boosted his creativity and attention span. Instead of switching between apps, he focused on lengthy comic series, gaining a sense of accomplishment. Comic books provided a safe escape from real-world fears, allowing him to tackle anxieties in a controlled environment.
He now feels less urge to check work channels after hours, having replaced that time with comic book reading. The habit has boosted his mood, creativity, and general outlook. “I let my inner child back out and haven’t looked back since,” he says.
