First Aid Books

When I moved to uni, I found it so hard to decide what books to take. What would I even have time to read, given that my degree was in English Literature. Over the years I eventually came to collect a set of books which now sit on their own special shelf in my room. I call them my First Aid Books. Whenever I am feeling stressed or tired or ill and I just want to curl up in bed with a hot water bottle and some biscuits, this shelf is there to make me feel better. To remind me that it's OK to take some time to myself and do something just for the joy of it. 

The Secret Garden Colouring Book

It may seem silly to some people, but putting on an audio book (favourites include anything read by Stephen Fry, the Princess Diaries series and currently, A Song of Ice and Fire books) and just colouring in some flowers can really help my brain to chill out and stop racing at a million miles a minute. Menial tasks are proven to help our brains relax but this is nicer to do than the hoovering.

The Disney Book

I think everyone should have this book shoved at them in times of "oh god what is life, I'm not getting anywhere/anyone/anything I just want to cry aaaargh". You know, those moments we all get all the time. Right? Anyway, my friend Imogen gave me this absolute GEM of a book, which includes pages of illustrations and quotes from Disney films reminding you to 'just keep swimming' and ''look for the beauty in others", "there would be no magic without your love - and its power". I honestly think this book is like taking a massive pill of emotional medicine. Not only does it always make me feel better, but usually makes me go and watch a Disney movie, another sure fire way to cheer myself up. 

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone - Illustrated

 This book is beautiful and have put the next two at the top of my Christmas list this year. Often I don't read it all the way through, as I know it by heard I skip to my favourite chapters and have Stephen Fry in my head as I trace my fingers over the gorgeous illustrations. The feeling of holding such a heavy book in my lap for some reason also really makes me chill out. 

Fairy Tales

I don't think it would take a genius to explain why, when I'm ill or sad I crawl back to childhood favourites. Just give me bloody happy ending for five minutes please. Lets go into a world where magic fixes problems and the world has a clear narrative. 

Unapologetically, Mills and Boon Modern Fairy Tale

If this was to be in my first aid kit, it would be like your mum giving you jelly and ice cream.

I bought this from the library for about a pound, and it was so worth it. It is absolutely what you would expect from Mills and Boon. Set in the 21st century, the story is that this prince of a small European island must marry whoever a legendary ring fits, as she is his true love. But the girl who it fits is totally unsuitable, american! (perish the thought) and they hate each other, or do they?

AWFUL AND AMAZING. And one of those stories which completely switches off my brain. The ultimate escape for me. 

Knowledge is Beautiful and Information is Beautiful

Just slightly more intelligent but just as enjoyable, this book is like what would happen if QI and Instagram had a baby. It has pages and pages of facts and statistics, ok I feel like I might be losing you here, but get this, they are super colourful and pretty. 

When my mind is going in circles and can't get any perspective, I read this, it reminds me of how small I am in the massive universe and makes me wonder at it. This distracts me from myself and my crazy, stupid brain and bonus, I learn new things. 

My Journals

These are two of my journals from a particular time in my life which was very difficult, I have post-it noted a few sections for various reasons. Some were very sad entries, some happier and some just make me laugh at myself.

It may seem a bit counterproductive to cheer myself up by reading sad entries I have written, but for me, I see it as making me appreciate how far I've come and what I have now. 

Ella Enchanted

You may have seen the film, but oh my little sweet summer child, the book is so much better. (and the film had Hugh Dancy in sooo you can see the standard). Ella goes on a proper quest and learns to speak troll and the book keeps the traditional story of Cinderella attending three balls rather than just one. My favourite chapter is the letters which Ella and Char write to each other, every time I just want to yell DAMMIT GUYS WE ALL KNOW YOU LIKE EACH OTHER WILL SOMEONE JUST SAY IT. 

So, remember, it's OK to look after yourself. 

This list came about because I forgot this, I got very ill and it was these books which were the best at comforting me. They all reminded me of things that I loved to do and what brought me joy. 

I love to read, I love to learn, I love fairy tales and Harry Potter, stories which teach us to be kind and where being kind wins out in the end. These books reminded me who I was and what was and is important to me. 

I would love if you could comment some of the books you use to help you in difficult times, to cheer you up or help you to process your feelings. 

And finally, I tried to find a literary quote to sum up my message, but I found this and honestly I think it's much better: