These are 11 books you should read to help your blood pressure go down

This election has been rough. It’s undeniable. But one thing that remains safe and warm and life-giving is a good book. Studies have shown that reading can help reduce stress, and we need all the stress reduction we can get this election season. We were so hopeful that election stress disorder would end with the end of the election, but, alas, here we are, friends. So we’re turning to these hilarious, beautiful, or otherwise blood pressure-lowering books to free ourselves from this exhausting time.

Whether you need a read that’ll make you laugh out loud, help you stop crying, or help you cry, you’ll find something new to fall in love with and take your mind off of this election season. At least for a little while.

1. Hyperbole and a Half by Allie Brosch

2. Prelude to Bruise by Saeed Jones

3. milk and honey by Rupi Kaur

4. Akata Witch by Nnedi Okorafor

5. Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami

6. Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout

7. Blue is the Warmest Color by Julie Maroh

8. Sister Mine by Nalo Hopkinson

9. Hark! A Vagrant by Kate Beaton

10. Howl’s Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones

11. Other People’s Comfort Keeps Me Up at Night by Morgan Parker

12. Hyperion by Lizi Gilad

Read, relax, and repeat, friends.