Wait: Mental Spring Clean?
Most of us know about spring cleaning. After months of cold dreary winter days, it’s good to open up your home and let some sunshine in. Clean up the dust, remove the clutter, and let the fresh air in to deal with the stale smells and mildew. Often our mental health needs the same treatment, although it doesn’t have to be in spring. You can do a mental health spring clean at any time of year. Some people find the change in seasons to be a good prompt; some people react better to the increase in natural sunlight during their days. And some people (like me) need a set date on the calendar to remind me to Do The Thing. There are many things you can do to take care of your mental health. Reading is a good place to start, especially with stories that are relatable, enjoyable, and leave you feeling good about yourself. The important part of spring cleaning is facing the areas that need cleaning up, and you may need some prep work to do this. Address those cobwebs in your mind and take action to sweep up the dust lying on your hopes and dreams. Take out the toxic trash and re-prioritise the clutter. Reading slice of life comics can help our minds think about what is important to us and the goals we need to reach. It doesn’t have to be perfect; often it is great that you just start.
What Are Slice of Life Comics?
Everyday life. It can still be exciting and a little dramatic, but generally the storyline centres on something easily relatable for the reader. The goal is to “bring joy to the reader”. While slice of life comics are very popular amongst manga titles, they are building in popularity with western comics as well. Why do we love slice of life? Because we know there is no big surprise or drama. Anytime it tugs on the heartstrings, it is in a sweet and gentle way with full consent. We know this is a safe space. And when our lives have been so cluttered for the last winter (scratch that…at least two winters), it is nice to simply clear our heads with a bit of reading that reassures our own lives.
13 of the Best Slice-of-Life Comics for Your Mental Spring Clean
A mental spring-clean is all about ditching the unnecessary thoughts that hold you back and finding a new path to live the life you want. It’s about recharging your mental energy and bringing back a little comfort and joy in your every day. Slice of life comics are great for grounding us in everyday experiences while still giving us a safe place to escape too. For more great slice of life manga, check out fellow Book Rioter Vernieda’s choice for the 9 Best Slice-of-Life Manga to Make Your Feel Refreshed.
