Unwind, Escape… and Evaluate? What Your Summer Favorites Say About Your Brain

Image courtesy of Analilia Moreno

It’s almost July—AKA permission to hit pause. ☀️

School’s out, vacations are booked (or at least daydreamed), and your brain is finally getting a moment to breathe. Whether that means curling up with a fantasy novel, watching reruns of your favorite BBC drama, or catching up on true crime podcasts while hiding from the heat, this is your season to indulge in the things that bring you comfort and joy.

And maybe—just maybe—those preferences say more about your mental health and cognitive style than you think.

Recently, we asked our AIM Educate team to share their favorite books, shows, podcasts, and movies. Their answers made us laugh, nod, and wonder… what do our favorites say about how our brains work? And more importantly—what might yours be telling you?

Books, Binge-Watching, and Brain Patterns

Let’s start with the obvious: entertainment is personal. The things we love most—whether it’s Fourth Wing dragons or Couples Therapy breakthroughs—reveal what we value, how we process the world, and what our brains might be craving.

Research backs this up: A 2022 study in Frontiers in Psychology found that people with traits of neurodivergence (like ADHD or autism) often use media as a form of emotional regulation and cognitive support. That explains why some gravitate toward chaotic, fast-paced fantasy (hello, Dungeon Crawler Carl) while others feel soothed by slow, structured shows like Call the Midwife.

Think about it:

• Do you prefer audiobooks or podcasts over reading? That might point to stronger auditory processing—or perhaps the opposite, if you struggle to stay focused while listening.

• Do you rewatch the same shows over and over? Studies show that repetition in media consumption can be a self-soothing technique, especially for people with anxiety or executive function challenges【source: The Atlantic, “Why We Rewatch Shows”】.

• Are you hooked on true crime, political analysis, or mental health podcasts? You may be seeking clarity in a world that feels unpredictable—something commonly reported by those with high-functioning anxiety.

Entertainment as a Clue to Mental Health

Your favorites can highlight more than your tastes—they can hint at underlying patterns in how you learn, think, and cope.

Here’s how:

• ADHD: People with ADHD often prefer high-stimulation environments—fast-paced shows, intense video games, or stories with complex characters and shifting plotlines. If you're constantly switching between podcasts or can’t seem to focus on long, slow-paced narratives, it could be a sign your brain craves stimulation and novelty.

• Anxiety: Those managing anxiety often gravitate toward content that feels predictable or emotionally validating—rom-coms, procedural shows, or therapy-based podcasts. These genres provide structure and emotional safety in an otherwise uncertain world.

• Learning Differences: Your media preferences might reveal how you process information. Visual learners may thrive on YouTube explainers or visually rich series like Monarch: Legacy of Monsters, while verbal learners may gravitate toward deep-diving podcasts like Pantsuit Politics.

• Giftedness: People who are gifted or twice-exceptional (gifted + neurodivergent) often enjoy layered narratives, philosophical themes, and anything that stimulates intellectual curiosity. Think The God of the Woods or Weight of Ink.

None of this is diagnostic, of course—but it’s directional. The stories we choose can point us toward stories we’re living out in our own brains, often without realizing it.

Why a Psycho-educational Evaluation Is the Ultimate Self-Care

We all want to feel seen and understood—not just by others, but by ourselves. And while personality quizzes and media preferences can offer insight, sometimes we need real answers.

That’s where psychoeducational evaluations come in.

A psychoeducational evaluation is a comprehensive assessment that looks at how your brain functions in key areas like:

• Attention and focus

• Memory and learning

• Processing speed

• Executive functioning

• Emotional and behavioral regulation

It’s like a blueprint of your brain—designed to explain how and why you learn, react, and think the way you do.

These evaluations are especially valuable for:

• Children who are struggling in school, either academically or behaviorally

• Teens preparing for college or facing new stressors

• Adults who’ve always wondered if they might have ADHD, anxiety, or an undiagnosed learning difference

• Anyone who wants to better understand their unique strengths and support needs

They’re not just for diagnoses—they’re for empowerment. With the results, you walk away with practical recommendations, clarity, and (most importantly) validation.

Summer Is the Perfect Time to Take the Leap

Here’s the truth: between family vacations, flexible schedules, and fewer school demands, summer is the best time to explore these questions without the added pressure of daily routines.

And let’s be real—if you have time to rewatch Night Agent or finally finish Shield of Sparrows, you have time to do something meaningful for your future self.

So while you’re unwinding, ask yourself:

• Is there a pattern to the types of stories I consume?

• Have I always struggled with focus, but managed to mask it?

• Does my child seem smart but “just not thriving” in school?

• Do I constantly feel overwhelmed and unsure why?

If you’re nodding “yes” to any of these—an evaluation might be the reset you didn’t know you needed.

Let’s Figure It Out—Together

At AIM Educate, we specialize in private, comprehensive evaluations for children, teens, and adults. Our mission is simple: help you understand yourself (or your child) on a deeper level, so you can thrive—not just survive. Because your brain deserves more than just a summer break.
It deserves attention, curiosity, and support.