A year ago, I hit absolute rock bottom. My days were a haze of endless doom-scrolling on TikTok and Instagram. I couldn’t focus on anything for more than a few minutes, my memory was full of holes, and my mood was a rollercoaster of irritability and sadness.
Talking to friends? Nonexistent.
Sleep? Forget about it.
I was completely drowning in what I now call "brainrot."
One night, after hours of mindless scrolling, I looked at my phone and realized I couldn’t remember a single thing I’d just seen.
That moment hit me like a truck.
I finally sought therapy. I didn’t want to admit I was struggling, but facing it changed everything.
Therapy gave me clarity, and here’s what I learned:
Doomscrolling hijacks your reward system, giving tiny dopamine hits that keep you hooked. But over time, it dulls your brain’s ability to feel pleasure from deeper, more meaningful activities.
Constant digital input conditions your brain to expect quick rewards, making it harder to focus on anything that requires sustained effort—like reading, deep thinking, or even conversations.
Anxiety isn’t random—it’s your brain predicting danger based on past experiences. Recognizing these patterns is the first step to breaking free.
Avoiding feelings doesn’t make them go away—it buries them until they explode. Instead, sit with discomfort. Emotions pass faster when fully felt.
The brain loves shortcuts, often distorting reality with cognitive biases. I have to ask myself: Is this true? Is there another perspective?
After talking to my therapist, I decided to delete all my social media apps.
The first week? Pure hell.
My hands kept reaching for my phone like I was detoxing from some hardcore addiction.
But then, something unexpected happened—I picked up a book to kill time. And then surprisingly another.
Slowly but surely, my brain started to feel alive again.
Reading didn’t just help me unf*ck my brainrot; it gave me back my focus, my creativity, and, honestly, my sense of self.
If you’re stuck in the same cycle, I’ve been there, and I get it.
When I started reading again, I didn’t realize I was giving my brain a workout. Turns out, reading isn’t just a chill hobby—it’s like hitting the gym for your mind. Studies show that reading strengthens neural connections, improves memory, and even reduces stress by up to 68%.
It’s wild, right? Every time you dive into a book, your brain lights up like a Christmas tree, processing words, imagining scenes, and connecting ideas.
I also learned that reading can increase empathy. When you step into a character’s shoes, your brain activates the same regions as if you were experiencing their emotions in real life. It’s like emotional CrossFit.
Plus, focusing on a book trains your attention span, which is a lifesaver when you’re trying to unf*ck your brainrot after years of scrolling through 15-second TikToks.
Let’s be real—the internet is a chaotic mess. It’s like a never-ending buffet of junk food for your brain.
Books, on the other hand, are a full-course meal. They offer depth, meaning, and a chance to unplug from the noise. When I read, I feel like I’m stepping into another world, one where I’m not bombarded by ads or doom-filled headlines.
Books also give you control. You decide the pace, the environment, and the experience. Unlike social media, where algorithms decide what you see, books let you choose what matters to you. For me, this was a game-changer. It reminded me that I could focus on something meaningful instead of mindlessly consuming content.
If you’re looking to unf*ck your brainrot, books are the perfect antidote. They don’t just distract you—they heal you.
I’ve put together a list of books that helped me reclaim my mind and improve my mental health. Let’s unf*ck our brainrot together. You’ve got this.
The Untethered Soul by Michael A. Singer is like a deep breath for your soul. He takes you on a journey to understand the voice in your head and how it controls your life. It’s a New York Times bestseller for a reason—it’s packed with insights about letting go of the mental chatter that fuels anxiety. Reading it felt like peeling off layers of stress I didn’t even know I was carrying. If you’ve ever felt trapped by your own thoughts, this book is a must-read.
Wendy Suzuki flips the script on anxiety, showing that it isn’t just something to manage—it can actually be a superpower. She breaks down the science of anxiety and how it can enhance focus, creativity, and resilience when harnessed correctly. This book helped me see my anxious thoughts in a new light, turning them from something I feared into something I could use to my advantage. If you’ve ever wished you could stop anxiety from controlling your life, this book offers a fresh and empowering perspective.
Dr. Julie Smith breaks down mental health in a way that’s accessible, practical, and, most importantly, effective. This book is packed with tools for managing anxiety, stress, and low moods. It feels like having a therapist in book form, giving you bite-sized advice you can apply instantly. I loved how actionable it was—every chapter had something I could use to feel more in control of my emotions.
This book blew my mind. Bessel van der Kolk combines neuroscience, clinical practice, and personal stories to explain how trauma impacts both the brain and body. He emphasizes the importance of engaging the body in healing through techniques like breathwork, movement, and rhythm. I learned that trauma isn’t just in your head—it’s stored in your body, too. The book also highlights the brain’s neuroplasticity, showing that healing is always possible. It’s a heavy read but worth every page.
This book feels like a warm hug. Oprah and Dr. Perry dive into how trauma shapes behavior and emotional responses. They emphasize the power of connectedness in healing, reminding us that healthy relationships can help us regulate emotions and build resilience. One quote that stuck with me: “Connectedness has the power to counterbalance adversity.” It’s a hopeful, compassionate read that makes you feel seen and understood.
This book was a revelation. Mark Wolynn explores the concept of inherited trauma—how the struggles of our ancestors can shape our mental health today. If you've ever felt stuck in patterns you can’t explain, this book might hold the answers. It combines science and storytelling to show how trauma passes through generations and how we can break the cycle. Mind-blowing and deeply healing.
Cal Newport’s Deep Work is the ultimate guide to reclaiming your focus in a world full of distractions. He argues that deep, uninterrupted work is the key to mastering complex tasks and achieving your goals. This book helped me understand the value of carving out distraction-free time for meaningful work. It’s not just about productivity—it’s about creating a life that aligns with your values.
This book is a masterclass in understanding how your brain works. The author Kahneman breaks down the two systems of thought: System 1, which is fast and intuitive, and System 2, which is slow and deliberate. This book taught me how to recognize cognitive biases and make better decisions. It’s dense but incredibly rewarding. If you want to level up your critical thinking, this is the book for you.
If you’ve ever struggled with focus, this book will change the way you see yourself. Driven to Distraction dives into ADHD, but its insights apply to anyone feeling overwhelmed by modern distractions. Hallowell and Ratey offer practical strategies to manage attention and harness creativity. I found it incredibly validating—turns out, my struggles with focus weren’t just a personal failing but a challenge I could navigate with the right tools.
This book is a blueprint for making small changes that lead to big results. James Clear breaks down habit formation with science-backed strategies that actually work. What I loved most is how doable it all feels—no drastic overhauls, just tiny shifts that stack up over time. Whether you want to be healthier, more productive, or just more consistent, this book will get you there.
This book is like meditation in written form. Eckhart Tolle reminds us that most of our suffering comes from obsessing over the past or worrying about the future. His solution? Learning to live fully in the present moment. It’s a simple concept but surprisingly hard to practice—until you read this book. It helped me quiet my overthinking mind and actually enjoy the now.
Brianna Wiest’s The Mountain Is You is all about self-sabotage—why we do it and how to stop. She has a way of breaking down complex emotional struggles into simple, actionable wisdom. This book made me rethink the ways I hold myself back and gave me the tools to move forward with more confidence and clarity. If you’ve ever felt like you’re standing in your own way, this book is for you.
Angela Duckworth’s Grit is a masterclass in perseverance. She dives into why talent alone isn’t enough and how passion and persistence are the real keys to success. Duckworth’s research-backed approach taught me that resilience isn’t something you’re born with—it’s something you build.
This book gave me a roadmap for sticking with my goals, even when things got tough. Duckworth’s stories of athletes, artists, and everyday people overcoming obstacles inspired me to push through my own challenges. It’s a powerful reminder that grit can transform your life.
This book was life-changing. Tara Brach teaches that true resilience comes from self-compassion, not just pushing through. Radical Acceptance is about fully embracing yourself—flaws, fears, and all. Reading it felt like letting go of years of self-judgment. If you’re tired of being your own worst critic, this book will show you a kinder, stronger way to move through life.
The nominations for the 97th annual Academy Awards were revealed on Thursday (January 23, 2025) morning, spotlighting films like Emilia Pérez, A Complete Unknown, and Conclave as top contenders in numerous categories. When it comes to cinematic excellence, nothing captivates audiences more than films based on real-life events. The 2025 Oscar nominations are brimming with contenders inspired by nonfiction books, showcasing how compelling storytelling transcends mediums. From motivational stories to historical sagas, these adaptations are proof that truth is often more thrilling than fiction. Let’s explore the nonfiction books behind this year’s nominees and reflect on some standout adaptations from past years.
From memoirs that inspire movements to historical accounts that reveal hidden truths, nonfiction books continue to shape the Oscars and beyond. Dive into these incredible stories with BeFreed and discover the wisdom that powers the silver screen.
Black Box is more than just a memoir—it’s a personal manifesto of Shiori Itō sparked cultural change. The book recounts her experiences with sexual assault and her fight to inspire change in Japan’s perception of gender-based violence. The publication of Black Box marked a turning point, leading to a societal reckoning and bringing the #MeToo movement to the forefront in Japan. The powerful documentary adaptation, Black Box Diaries, shines a light on Itō’s resilience and the urgent need for systemic change.
Nominated for: Documentary Feature Film (Shiori Ito, Eric Nyari, Hanna Aqvilin)
Tip: Use BeFreed to listen to a tailored summary of the book that captures Shiori Itō’s powerful and raw narrative tone. Experience her story and gain key insights that feel just as impactful, all in a fraction of the time.
In July 1965, Bob Dylan took the stage at the Newport Folk Festival with an electric band, debuting his rock anthem "Like a Rolling Stone." The performance shocked folk purists and marked a seismic shift in music history, blending rock and cultural rebellion. Elijah Wald’s book dives into the historical, cultural, and political backdrop of this transformative moment, capturing the essence of a decade defined by change.
Nominated for: Best Picture, Actor in a Leading Role (Timothée Chalamet), Actor in a Supporting Role (Edward Norton), Actress in a Supporting Role (Monica Barbaro), Adapted Screenplay (James Mangold, Jay Cocks), Costume Design (Arianne Phillips), Directing (James Mangold), Sound (Tod A. Maitland, Donald Sylvester, Ted Caplan, Paul Massey and David Giammarco)
This biographical epic unravels the life of J. Robert Oppenheimer, the "father of the atomic bomb." Christopher Nolan's adaptation, Oppenheimer, is a cinematic marvel and a strong contender for Best Picture. The book itself provides a meticulous account of Oppenheimer’s scientific genius and personal struggles.
Nominated for: Best Picture, Best Director (Christopher Nolan), Best Actor (Cillian Murphy), Best Supporting Actor (Robert Downey Jr.), Best Supporting Actress (Emily Blunt), Adapted Screenplay, Production Design, Costume Design, Cinematography, Editing, Makeup and Hairstyling, Sound
Note: Use BeFreed to navigate the dense history and science in American Prometheus. Save hours while still gaining a profound understanding of one of the most complex figures in modern history.
Though technically a fictionalized narrative, Poor Things intertwines with real societal themes, making it a standout "nonfiction-inspired" work. Its adaptation captured hearts with its imaginative storytelling and socio-political commentary, earning accolades at the 2024 Oscars.
Nominated for: Best Picture, Best Director (Yorgos Lanthimos), Best Actress (Emma Stone), Best Supporting Actor (Mark Ruffalo), Adapted Screenplay, Costume Design, Cinematography, Editing, Makeup and Hairstyling, Original Score, Production Design
Bonus: Use BeFreed to check out Gary's thought-provoking exploration of identity and ethics key insights. BeFreed’s book summaries make this layered story more accessible.
David Grann’s investigative masterpiece uncovers a chilling chapter in American history, detailing the systematic murders of Osage Nation members in 1920s Oklahoma.
Nominated for: Best Picture, Best Director (Martin Scorsese), Best Actress (Lily Gladstone), Best Supporting Actor (Robert De Niro), Costume Design, Cinematography, Editing, Original Score, Original Song, Production Design
Tip: Explore the dark history of the Osage murders with BeFreed. Its concise summary offers key takeaways, helping you understand the complexities of systemic injustice.
BeFreed—the best AI-powered book summary and smart learning app of 2025—is revolutionizing the way we consume nonfiction. With over 50,000 books curated by experts, it transforms complex narratives into bite-sized wisdom. Whether you're exploring motivational books or historical accounts, BeFreed helps you master any topic in just 10 minutes. Save time and gain deep insights into Oscar-worthy nonfiction works like those featured above.
Nonfiction books provide rich, authentic stories that resonate deeply with audiences. Their real-world context adds credibility and evokes more emotional impact, making them ideal for adaptation.
Apps like BeFreed offer quick and comprehensive summaries of nonfiction books, allowing you to grasp the essence of each story in minutes.
Start with a topic that interests you, then use powerful AI tools like BeFreed to explore curated book summaries and gain actionable insights.