The phrase “comfort read” has become increasingly common in cultural vernacular. Whether on social media (e.g., Booktok) or in-person, “comfort reads” and their ilk — comfort watches, comfort plays and so on — have become a hot topic among younger generations.

But what exactly is a comfort [blank]? Are they helpful for first-year students transitioning to the University of Wisconsin, and if so, how can they be?

The exact definition of a “comfort read” and similar forms of media is difficult to pin down, but generally speaking, it refers to media that is calming, relaxing and produces contentment. Comfort reads are especially assuaging when under a state of anxiety or stress.

Transitioning to college can be both anxiety-inducing and stressful. I reached out to some first-years to see what media was most comforting to them.

Surprisingly — or perhaps unsurprisingly, depending on your perspective — a majority of students I spoke to reported having no such comfort media. In fact, most reported lacking the opportunity to experience any in the first place.

“I’d love to have a [comfort read], but there’s just no time,” one first-year student said.

This was initially surprising and disappointing, but it does make sense. As a third-year student, the start of the semester can feel laid-back as classes slowly introduce their concepts.

But when I first arrived in Madison? I was not only navigating my first college courses, but also trying to make friends and find student organizations that best suited my interests. I too found myself lacking time to myself and the privacy to indulge in a comforting story.

But that doesn’t mean it’s worth giving up on.

It is important to find a healthy social life while attending university. But a healthy social life involves a balance of social activity and self-care. 

By opening a book, starting an episode of a TV series or starting up a video game, we offer ourselves the chance to indulge in one of art’s greatest strengths — self-reflection and meditation. Ignoring all the other benefits of art, comfort media specifically can help you relax and reframe your mind.

Even if you’re hyper-productive and find spending time with media unhelpful, having a degree of relaxation each day can improve the quality of the rest of your work. It can give you time to reflect and prioritize what to do next. 

Hopefully, this will inspire first-year students to set aside fragments of time — even as small as ten minutes — to their wellness through comfort media. Still, some might want to find a relaxing book, show or video game but are at a loss as to how.

Comfort and wellness are different to every person, of course, and as a result, there is no one clear means of finding comfort media outside of simply experimenting and finding what works best for you. At the very least, I can discuss some comfort media of my own.

Books

I grew up on the “Percy Jackson” series by Rick Riordan, and it has aged surprisingly well for a book aimed at young adults. Riordan as a whole has the wonderful ability to entwine comedy, heartfelt narratives and genuinely educational details on ancient mythos.

Reading his works certainly makes me nostalgic, but their easy-to-digest nature and plethora of jokes also puts me at ease. I won’t deny that there isn’t a slight bit of wish fulfillment there, either.

This may seem odd, but I also find reading biographies relaxing. Something is fascinating and calming about poring through the pages of an individual’s life and connecting their experiences to my own.

There is so much we can learn from the lives of other human beings, and biographies can be just as inspiring as they are comforting. 

Television 

Sitcoms are often referred to as the archetypal comfort TV, presenting comedic and (usually) stakes-free snippets into the lives of well-loved characters. I find myself hard-pressed to disagree.

My favorite sitcom is likely the collective first eight seasons of “The Simpsons,” both for its witty comedy and the depiction of a family that, while dysfunctional in many ways, ultimately maintains an atmosphere of love. Its art style also contributes to the stress-free feelings it begets. 

Another great option is “The West Wing” by Aaron Sorkin. Though I don’t agree with all of its politics and would prefer a more serialized nature, the classic political drama manages to depict compelling and complex stories without losing an optimistic outlook on the U.S. and its politics.

Indeed, “The West Wing” is marked by its whimsical tone and comedic deliveries just as much as its commitment to decency. Characters across the political aisle are treated with respect, and the series as a whole is reminiscent of a calmer — and more relaxing — political climate.

Video games

Who can mention “video games” and “comfort” in the same sentence without mentioning “Animal Crossing?” The social simulator has become internationally famous for a reason, allowing players to live out their idyllic life in a town (or island) of their choice. The game is also easy to pick up, play for a few minutes and put down — perfect for a quick relaxation session.

On that note, most other life and social simulation games fit in this category. “Harvest Moon,” “Stardew Valley” and more are commonly cited as some of the best ways to unwind through gaming. 

Though open-world games may have become too saturated in recent years, they still provide a great opportunity for pick-up-and-play adventuring. My favorite is (and may always be) “Red Dead Redemption 2” for its aesthetic appeal and narrative design, but the idea persists across the genre.

With an open-world game, the sheer amount of opportunities can be overwhelming yet somehow relieving — having the capacity to explore almost anywhere you want can help you set small goals that will boost your mental health when accomplished. Even going to your favorite location and admiring a beautiful sight can do wonders for your wellness.

Conclusion

First-year students must find time for relaxation and self-care, both with new friends and by themselves. Eyes may be mirrors to another’s soul, but art can often be the means of observing — and recovering — your own.