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Bookish Self-Care: How to Use Reading as a Form of Relaxation and Escapism
- Theresa Wilson
- Jun 20
- 7 min read
In today’s fast-paced world, self-care has become an essential practice for maintaining mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Amid the demands of daily life, it can be challenging to find moments to unwind, especially when we're juggling multiple responsibilities. For book lovers, one of the most accessible and rewarding forms of self-care is through reading. Books offer a unique opportunity to escape from reality, unwind, and experience new worlds—all while providing comfort and a much-needed mental break.
Reading allows us to disconnect from the noise around us and become fully immersed in something that brings us peace. Whether you're seeking the comfort of a familiar book or the thrill of a new story, reading has the power to soothe the mind and nurture the soul. In this post, we’ll explore how reading can serve as a form of self-care, offering relaxation, escapism, and a deeper connection to ourselves.
The Power of Reading for Relaxation
We live in a world that’s always on the go. Between work, family, and social commitments, our minds are constantly buzzing with thoughts. This can lead to stress, anxiety, and an overall sense of mental exhaustion. Fortunately, reading offers an antidote. When we immerse ourselves in a good book, we can momentarily escape the weight of our daily lives and enter a world that is calm, engaging, and often inspiring.
Research has shown that reading can reduce stress by up to 68%. This is due to the ability of reading to shift our focus from external worries to the internal world of a story. It’s much like meditation in that it allows us to clear our minds and focus solely on the narrative. And because reading doesn't demand the same mental exertion as other tasks, it can be incredibly restorative.
To create a truly relaxing reading experience, choose books that have a gentle pace and an uplifting tone. Cozy mysteries, feel-good romance novels, and literary fiction are great choices for this. But relaxation isn't just about the content of the book—it’s also about the environment in which you're reading.
Consider creating a reading ritual that adds to the relaxation. Dim the lights, add some soft music or ambient sounds (such as nature sounds), and curl up in a cozy corner of your home.
A favorite blanket and a hot beverage can enhance the comfort factor. Some people even enjoy reading with a scented candle or a calming essential oil diffuser in the background to further set the mood. The key is to remove distractions and create an environment that supports relaxation, making your reading time feel like a treat for your mind and body.
Escapism Through Books: A Mental Getaway
Sometimes, the best form of self-care isn’t about focusing on the present but about allowing ourselves to escape into another world. Books can provide an escape that helps us temporarily step away from the stresses of life and immerse ourselves in something entirely different. Escapism doesn’t mean ignoring our problems—it’s a chance to take a break, recharge, and come back to reality with a fresh perspective.
Reading has the ability to transport us to different time periods, places, and even entirely new worlds. Whether you're reading a historical fiction novel that takes you to a war-torn country or a fantasy epic set in a mythical land, books provide a mental getaway unlike any other form of entertainment.
Escapism through books is also about emotional exploration. Through characters and their journeys, we can experience emotions, adventures, and challenges that we might not otherwise encounter in our daily lives. It can give us a sense of excitement, joy, and wonder—emotions that are essential to a balanced life.
For those who feel a deep connection to travel, reading can serve as an affordable and immersive way to explore new cultures and destinations. For example, if you can’t take a trip to Paris right now, reading a novel set in the romantic streets of the city can allow you to experience its beauty and charm from the comfort of your home. If you enjoy reading about different countries and cultures, consider books that dive into the heart of specific locations, offering insights into local customs, history, and traditions. The world becomes smaller and more accessible through the pages of a book.
A fun way to deepen your escapism is to pair the books you’re reading with elements of the setting. For example, if you're reading about Italy, why not prepare a meal inspired by the book? This added layer of immersion can make the escape feel even more real and rewarding.
Creating a Cozy Reading Ritual
Creating a cozy reading ritual is one of the best ways to fully embrace the benefits of reading as self-care. The ritual doesn’t need to be complicated or time-consuming, but it should feel like a special, intentional practice that’s just for you. The act of setting aside time for reading and preparing your space for it can elevate the experience and make it feel like a personal retreat.
Start by creating a designated reading space in your home. This could be a nook in the living room, a corner in your bedroom, or even a cozy spot by a window where you can watch the world outside. It doesn’t have to be large, but it should be inviting and comfortable. Add soft lighting—fairy lights, a table lamp, or even a floor lamp with a dimmer to create a warm atmosphere. Add a few throw pillows, a cozy blanket, and your favorite pair of slippers to make the space feel like a personal sanctuary.
Next, complement your space with a comforting drink. A cup of tea, coffee, or hot chocolate can make your reading time feel extra cozy. Some people also enjoy having a snack, whether it’s a small pastry, cookies, or even fruit, to nibble on while reading. The idea is to incorporate elements that help you relax and signal to your body that it’s time to unwind.
Finally, unplug from distractions. This is perhaps the most important aspect of creating a truly cozy reading ritual. Turn off your phone, leave your digital devices in another room, and avoid multitasking. Give yourself permission to fully immerse in the world of your book without any interruptions. This is your time to relax, and it’s important to protect that time.
Incorporating Reading into Your Self-Care Routine
Reading doesn’t have to be something that only happens when you have hours of free time. With a little creativity, you can incorporate reading into your daily self-care routine, even if you're busy.
For example, start your morning with a few pages of a book that inspires you or helps set a positive tone for the day. Whether it’s reading a short poem, an uplifting quote, or a few chapters of a novel, this can help you begin your day with a sense of calm and focus.
Another great way to include reading in your self-care routine is to listen to audiobooks. Audiobooks are an excellent option for people with busy schedules because they allow you to enjoy books while doing other activities, such as commuting, exercising, or doing household chores. Listening to an audiobook while taking a walk or doing yoga can be a peaceful and mindful way to enjoy your favorite books.
If you’re feeling stuck in a reading slump, don’t stress. Slumps are a natural part of the reading journey. To reignite your love for reading, try revisiting an old favorite book or choosing a genre that you haven’t explored in a while. Short stories, poetry collections, or novellas are also great options for when you need a quick literary escape without committing to a long read.
Recommendations for Bookish Self Care
Here are some books that are perfect for relaxing, escaping, and immersing yourself in self-care:
The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune – A heartwarming and whimsical read that offers comfort and hope.
The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion – A charming, feel-good romance that’s light on stress but full of joy.
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern – An atmospheric, magical tale that feels like a mental getaway.
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah – A historical fiction novel that transports you to France during World War II, filled with emotional depth.
Circe by Madeline Miller – A beautifully written novel based on Greek mythology that offers a rich, immersive escape.
The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett – A timeless story of renewal and self-discovery that’s perfect for quiet reading time.
Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman – A thoughtful, introspective novel that tackles loneliness and self-acceptance in a heartwarming way.
Bonus: Watch My "How I Care for My Reading Life" Video
If you’re curious about what bookish self-care looks like in everyday life, check out my recent video: How I Care for My Reading Life. In it, I share the simple routines, mindset shifts, and personal practices that help me stay connected to reading—even when life gets busy. It’s a relaxed, behind-the-scenes look at how I protect my reading time, avoid burnout, and keep my love for books feeling fresh and joyful.
Whether you’re in a slump or just looking to be more intentional with your reading life, this video pairs perfectly with the tips in this post.
Reading is not just a pastime—it’s a powerful form of self-care that can offer relaxation, escape, and emotional healing. Whether you're immersing yourself in a favorite genre, exploring new worlds, or simply enjoying a quiet moment with a good book, reading has the ability to refresh and renew you. It’s more than just an activity—it’s a mindful, intentional practice that can enrich your life.
If you haven’t already, consider creating a reading ritual for yourself. Set aside time each day to immerse in a good book, create a cozy environment, and enjoy the benefits of relaxation and escape. Your mind and body will thank you.
How do you incorporate reading into your self-care routine? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Let’s talk about how books help you relax and unwind, and feel free to share your favorite books for self-care!
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