Deepa Sai

I have been trying to reduce my screen time lately and restart some hobbies: reading, sketching, and painting.

I finally chose the books I want to commit to.

This time, I approached it with more intention. I selected two books on psychology and psychotherapy, and one on climate, The Ministry for the Future. The idea is simple. If I can stay consistent with these, I can slowly rebuild my reading habit.

This decision also comes from a more personal place. Over the past few weeks, I have been noticing a steady rise in eco-anxiety, along with a broader sense of uncertainty about the future. As someone who naturally leans toward analysis and introspection, these thoughts tend to stay active rather than fading into the background.

So I went back to what has always helped me make sense of things. I prefer reading work by psychiatrists, psychologists, and psychotherapists who draw from years of clinical practice. Their case studies and observations offer a clearer understanding of how people think, cope, and respond to stress.

This preference is also shaped by my own academic background in psychology and psychiatric social work, where I spent years studying areas like biopsychology, neuropsychology, and psychopathology. Returning to this space feels familiar and grounding.

I have already read a couple of chapters from each of these books, and the shift is noticeable. My mind feels calmer, and stepping away from constant screen time has made a difference.

For now, the goal is to stay with this process and see where it leads.