𝕸𝖞 𝕽𝖊𝖆𝖉𝖎𝖓𝖌 𝕰𝖘𝖘𝖊𝖓𝖙𝖎𝖆𝖑𝖘

In this post, I thought I would share the various things that I truly love to have around me while I am immersed in the world of reading, as they significantly enhance my experience and contribute to my overall enjoyment of the activity.

Reading, for me, is not just a pastime; it is a deeply relaxing ritual that serves as a form of "me time." It allows me to escape into different worlds, explore new ideas, and engage with a multitude of characters and narratives. To fully embrace this calming experience, I like to surround myself with items that bring comfort and relaxation, creating a cosy atmosphere that gives me warm vibes. For instance, I often start by selecting a soft, plush blanket that I can wrap around myself. The gentle weight of the fabric adds a layer of security, making it easier to lose myself in the pages of a book. Additionally, I prefer to have a comfortable chair or a designated reading nook that invites me to settle in for an extended period.

Furthermore, the ambient lighting plays a crucial role in my reading routine. I enjoy using warm, soft lighting that creates an inviting atmosphere, allowing me to read for hours without straining my eyes. A good reading lamp with adjustable brightness can make all the difference. In terms of sensory elements, I often light a scented candle or use essential oils to enhance the ambiance. Scents like lavender or vanilla can be incredibly soothing, helping to calm my mind and create a peaceful environment conducive to reading.

Another essential aspect of my reading setup is having a warm cup of tea or coffee nearby. The comforting warmth of the mug in my hands, adds to the overall experience and makes the time spent reading feel even more special.

If you have a certain routine that you perform before you sit down to read, or if you have any beloved reading essentials that you enjoy having around you too, please let me know in the comments below. I would love to hear about your personal comforts and the little things that make your reading time so enjoyable. Sharing these experiences can inspire others to create their own perfect reading atmosphere, enhancing the joy that comes from losing oneself in a good book.

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Firstly, I have to have a warm cup of either coffee or tea. I know some people might go for herbal tea, and other people might go for the traditional tea. I myself love a strong Yorkshire tea. Now and again, I will have a hot chocolate; however, I never tend to manage to finish them and end up wasting half of the cup, which I don't like to do, so I gravitate towards tea or coffee.

Secondly, I like to have my lavender pillow spray on hand as I love the smell of lavender, and it helps with relaxation. Sometimes, however, this helps relax me a little too much to the point that I can't actually finish my book because I start falling asleep 🫣

I tend to spray this either on me, on my pyjamas, or just directly on my pillow as instructed. I would say to try not to spray too much, though, as it can become very overpowering.

Thirdly, my Kobo is essential as it is my primary reading device. I recently acquired the Kobo Stylus 2, and I am thoroughly enjoying the combination. Although I am not an avid annotator, this tool significantly simplifies highlighting or noting, which is beneficial when I refer back to my reading journal. If you are interested in a post about my reading journal, please let me know in the comments.

Previously, I used the Kindle, specifically the Kindle Colour soft signature edition, which performed admirably. However, upon discovering the Kobo, I was captivated by its design, features, and overall reading format. I appreciate the integration with Libby/Overdrive, allowing direct access to library books. Additionally, the option to use a stylus enhances the annotation process, especially for those who annotate extensively. As a fan of white gadgets, owning a white Kobo is an added advantage.

In conclusion, I personally prefer my Kobo for its superior features and versatility compared to the Kindle.

Fourthly, I find it beneficial to keep my lavender roll-on readily available. Applying it to my pressure points allows the aroma to diffuse as I warm up, promoting relaxation. Additionally, I simply enjoy the scent of lavender.

In the background, you can see my iPad, which I utilize for maintaining my digital reading journal. I previously used a physical journal but discovered that a digital format is more convenient for travel, enabling me to edit and update while on the move.

The final thing I tend to have is my earphones. I am naturally a slow reader and sometimes find it challenging to absorb information while reading. This can also lead to forgetting content from earlier chapters. To address this, I use an assistive reader on my iPad, which enhances my comprehension and retention. Additionally, it enables me to read at a faster pace, as I typically set the assistive reader to 2.5x speed. This allows me to finish books more efficiently and retain a clear understanding of the content without confusion or forgetfulness.

Thank you for taking the time to read and i hope you take away some ideas of things you can add to your reading routine.

Again please feel free to comment below with your favourite items to have with you while you read, or any rituals you like to do before getting down and cosy with a book.

Happy Sunday!

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