Amid the uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, Britons are seeking solace from literature and buying up stories about fictional pandemics. With people’s fears and anxieties getting greater every day, they’re turning to fiction for answers – but it could add to the hysteria.

Between the build-up of ‘digital clutter’ and constant distraction of apps, smartphones, and tablets, tech advancements have enveloped us in a binary fog at almost all times. How can minimalism and more mindful usage help preserve mental wellbeing and boost productivity?

A Texas bookstore that had to close during lockdown has generated buzz after it pivoted from selling books to selling travel – but all was not what it seemed. The playful ruse offered a lesson in how to give people a sense of escapism and surprise as they seek relief from COVID-19 news.

With people spending more time at home, they’re turning to entertainment to break the monotony of the everyday and channel their anxiety into something more hands-on. But can escapism really help people feel more empowered? And how do they want brands to speak to them during a pandemic?