How to set the mood for reading

8:52 AM


Some people manage to read on crowded buses and on the dentist's office. Even though a lot of times we are forced to adapt to our environment in order to do some reading, there’s no reason why we shouldn’t have a comfy environment for reading in our homes.

On weekends, when I have more time for reading, I like to set the mood to compensate for all that “bus reading” I’ve been doing during the week. If you want to make reading a bit more pleasurable, here’s a couple of tips:

1) Get comfortable


Whether it is a couch, your bed, or if you are lucky, a hammock, find a place where you are comfortable. Just don't get too comfortable and fall asleep.

2) Drink up


I like to have something to drink while I'm reading, usually tea. And cookies.

3) Lamp me


Bad lighting can cause drowsiness and even migraines. So always make sure your reading space has enough  light. When I travel, I like to take a little lamp for my “before bed reading”.

4) No interruptions


Try to minimize interruptions as much as you can. Nothing drastic though - I just turn off my computer and phone.

5) Pencil at hand


I never start reading unless I have a pencil with me. I need to circle unfamiliar words, underline important/interesting/funny passages and write small comments next to the text. Even if you're a book lover who simply can’t write on a book, I still strongly recommend taking notes – a small pad and pen will do.

There - we are ready for some serious reading. But before that, I’d love to hear your tips too!

Images via 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.

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10 comments

  1. I ALWAYS GET TOO COMFY AND FALL ASLEEP :DDD hehehe But those are the best naps ever ^^
    great tips!

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  2. Oh no! That's why it's good to drink some coffee or tea while reading, the caffeine keeps you up. I've seen this happenning a lot in libraries. It's so quiet people are almost nodding off... lol xx

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  3. A great blanket is a necessity, even in the summer, because you have to get cozy. Oh, and a cat. Cats are the perfect ornaments for reading time.

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    1. That's right, I forgot about pets! I never had a cat but it's so cute when your cat or dog sees you reading in the couch and comes to snuggle next to you (the only problem for me is when I want to move but can't because I don't want to disturb the dog...) xx

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  4. Let's see ... Comfy place: my bed or the "barbecue home" at your mom's home - OK / Something to drink? Nah, better something to eat: sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, that's a-OK / Good light - OK / The phone is on - OK, nobody calls me. But I have to have some incidental music. George Winston or some symphonies - OK / Pencil at hand - OK!!

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    Replies
    1. Hum... pumpkin and sunflower seeds are delicious! I also love pistachios and walnuts - or any type of nuts. They do make great reading snacks- plus they're healthy!
      Yes! Background music is great to create an ambiance, as long as it is not distracting. xx

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  5. Ok, that's OK to say that we're nuts for nuts?? Hehehehehehehehee.

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  6. I'd have to agree that my dog and guinea pig (but not together!) make great reading companions. I also switch off the tv, laptop and phone because I allow petty distractions to ruin quality reading time.

    Anna

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    1. Your pets are so cute! I wish I had a guinea pig too!

      I do think it's better to read with the Tv off. I concentrate much more on my reading that way. xx

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