feature image via Emily Henderson
The reading nook. It sounds so simple, right? But this vital part of a home is often overlooked. It makes sense though, with our society wearing busyness as a badge of honor. So, let’s take back our space. Today, I’m sharing why you need a reading nook in your home. Trust, it will be a much needed sanctuary you didn’t know you needed.
First, let’s get this out of the way: a reading nook is merely a description of a comfortable place that is simple in its design, full of texture and warmth, and is really, really inviting. It doesn’t have to be a place for reading. You can sit on your rump in this nook and play games on your phone, write blogs, what have you. A reading nook is just a quiet place for peace.
via In/Out
Find a special place in your home and claim it as your own. It should contain a really comfy chair, a fluffy pillow, a knitted throw blanket, a side table with a lamp and maybe some decorative accessories, a drawer full of books, snacks, journal with special pen, tablet, etc. Bonus points if you make yourself a cup of tea first and light a candle. This should feel like a romantic date. You’re with the most special person you know…YOU!
3 Reasons You Need a Reading Nook
1. To comfort yourself
via Country Living | via Country Living
There should be at least one place in your home where you are free from people (even if it’s just a little corner). We are so busy and rushed all the time, and if you are a parent, you’re on the clock 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It’s too much! When was the last time when you took 30 minutes out just for yourself to rest and find comfort? It’s probably been a while. Let’s change that.
2. To provide self care
via Country Living | via Country Living
It’s true! I know self care seems to be the buzzword these days, but it is absolutely necessary to find a way to recharge your batteries. On a plane, you are instructed to put your breathing mask on first before assisting others. The same goes for life on land; if you are depleted, what are other people going to get from you?
You cannot serve others from a place of lack, but from overflow.
3. To hold space for yourself
via Simon Said | via In/Out
There should be a place in your home where you don’t have to “be” anything but you. All your titles are gone: mom, boss, wife, friend, daughter, what have you. This is your sanctuary; a place for you to hold space for yourself to process and just be. Your reading nook time should ideally fit into your schedule for at least 20 minutes a day, preferably in the morning and evening if possible. It should be a source of strength for you to re-root yourself and do some grounding exercises.
When we lose sight of ourselves, everything is affected. Our confidence, purpose, organization, self care, even treatment of others: gone. It is absolutely vital to both mental and physical health that you take time to come back to yourself and realign and treat anything that comes up.
Practice observing your thoughts. This can be through meditation, journaling, prayer, counting backwards, taking stock of what you have to be grateful for (there’s always something). The world is currently a mad house dumpster fire, so as soon as you walk out the door to your home, you’re being inundated with societal expectations and messages. Give yourself the gift of a place where you can drop it all and come back to your true nature: peace.
via The Spruce | via Homes to Love
Sounds like a tall order right? Chances are, every square inch of your home is taken up. Look closer, friend. Do you have a favorite window? You could move a kitchen chair next to your window with a pillow and blanket. Get creative and make your own comfort, no matter the size of your space.
I live in a 1 bedroom apartment in NYC that is less than 600 square feet so it is possible. My “reading nook” is one side of our sectional sofa. I have blankets, pillows, a coffee table to put my feet up and store my journal and headphones (for Headspace meditation), a sofa table for my tea, and my art desk for my candle or essential oil diffuser. That side of the couch is in front of the brightest window on the “quiet” side of the living room. The living room below is the best representation of my spot in the couch groove.
via Curbed
In a tiny space in the middle of an urban jungle, I was able to create my paradise. I visit it in the morning and evening for about 20-30 minutes each. Sometimes I journal, sometimes I meditate, sometimes I plan my work week or meals, and sometimes I play games on my phone. But it’s the only time of day when I have zero distractions and can check in with myself. My favorite thing in the winter is to turn off all the lights and just be by candlelight. Bonus if it’s also snowing. Ah, it’s heaven.
via Emily Henderson | via Emily Henderson
So can we make a deal? Today, I want you to search your home for a nice spot just for you. Your reading nook could even be a seat at the kitchen table with the lights dimmed, it could be your front porch, it could be on the floor in your laundry room. Just scout out a place that is calm at some point in the day, even if the rest of the day it’s a frenzy.
Give yourself this gift of a reading nook. You will notice yourself staying calmer for longer, maybe undoing some bad habits and form healthy routines like reciting positive affirmations to yourself. What are some things in your life that aren’t working as you hoped? Take this space and let the answer come to you. It always does.
-Kristen
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