I understand that it is not always feasible for one to just sit and read all day. Life is busy, things need to get done, errands don't run themselves, kids have needs, and homes don't clean themselves.
But occasionally, it's nice to take time for yourself. Whatever that means to you. Whether you go to the salon, wander around a bookstore, meet friends at a coffee shop, or simply hang out at home. Everyone needs a day to themselves every now and then.
My preferred method of unwinding and self-care? Curling up with a good book and getting lost in another world for the day.
So, here is what I think makes for the perfect reading day!
How I Prep
Like I said, it can be difficult to find the time to simply sit and read all day. And when you feel like you have an endless list of things to do, it can be even harder to sit down and actually focus.
So, while this may seem counter-productive to the goal of reading all day, I like to clean up before I start.
This does two things:
First, it gets something done (obviously! Lol) and removes something from your to-do list. Second, it leaves me feeling accomplished and makes it easier for my brain to settle down.
I find that after I get home from school drop-off and my morning errands, if I can get the kitchen cleaned, some of the laundry folded, or just tidy things around the house, it's easier for me to sit and focus on my book.
Knowing that there are dishes sitting in the sink or kids' clothes waiting in a basket upstairs, then that is all I'll be able to think about.
Getting just one item off my to-do list eases my mind and makes it a little easier to give myself permission to sit and read.
The Necessities
Now comes the fun part: gathering everything you might want or need to get cozy and lost in the pages of your book.
First and foremost, you need a good well-lit place to read.
I often find myself in our recliner or snuggled up on the couch, but there are endless options for a great reading spot. If it's a nice day, grab a blanket and head outside! Need to relax a little more? Your bed is a perfectly acceptable place to curl up with the perfect book.
Wherever you decide, make sure it's somewhere you can actually get comfortable for a while.
Now that your perfect reading spot is decided, you need the things that will make it really cozy.
My recommendations are pretty simple: your book (of course), a blanket, a comfy pillow, and your favorite drink.
On warm days, my cooling blanket is a must. When it's cold, I have any number of fleece blankets to choose from. I also love using a throw pillow to prop myself up or to rest on my lap so I can settle my arms on it while I read.
My drink of choice is almost always coffee, occasionally tea, or if I'm feeling really spontaneous I'll grab a Diet Coke.
And then of course a good romance novel.
Now, I completely understand that romance isn't for everyone! Whether you're reading a thriller, historical fiction, memoir, fantasy, or something entirely different, the important part is choosing something you're genuinely excited to read.
Let's Read!
You've marked something off your to-do list, your favorite reading spot is selected, and you've gathered everything you need to settle in and get cozy.
All that's left to do is open your book.
And if you don't feel like you can just sit and read all day, that is totally okay.
Set a timer. Read for however long feels good, then take a break. Stretch your legs, refill your drink, grab a snack, or maybe knock another item off that infamous to-do list before coming back for another chapter.
Or, if you're like me, you'll have no issue sitting there and reading the day away.
It is so easy for me to get lost in a good book, and there is something immensely satisfying about looking up and realizing just how much progress I've made through the pages.
More than anything, I always feel so much more relaxed after spending some time reading.
A full reading day isn't something I can do every day, and honestly, I think that's part of what makes it special. It's something I can plan and look forward to. A little reward I get to give myself every now and then.
So grab your book, find somewhere cozy, pour your favorite drink, and let everything else wait for a little while.
Happy reading, everyone!
— Fern & Owl
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