Philippa talks about the power of reading
Reading comforts us and resonates with us, developing a greater sense of self-awareness, generating a cathartic release and supports better sleep health. I love nothing more than curling up in a cosy spot, with a cup of tea, and getting transported into another world for a while. However, I don’t always make enough, guilt-free, time for it.
If you don’t like reading this applies to any form of self-care…
It’s essential, to my process, to prepare the space before I settle in. Tidying the area and making it cosy, whether you need extra cushions, a blanket, music, or mood lighting to set the scene.
The next part of the process is that I need to give myself permission to read, not ignoring the mountain of other jobs to do, but putting them to the side, as they still have a place, whilst I make space for something I enjoy. It is so vital for our mental health that we make guilt-free space for the things we love to do. This will then enhance the time, and brain space, we have for other things, or other people. If we constantly say to ourselves “I don’t have time for it” we clog ourselves up with the “should” instead of “what will fill my life with a little bit of joy”, even momentarily. The benefits become palpable, as your days will (hopefully) feel a little lighter and a little brighter as you settle into the routine of being present in the joy of the moment, rather than constantly just doing.
Allow yourself to feel into the space you create for something nice, if you hear yourself saying “I should be doing…” just notice it and let it pass (make a list of the to do’s beforehand so your brain knows they’re not being forgotten). Then sink into the joy of it, you won’t truly benefit from the time, if you don’t truly allow yourself to be in it. Notice the warmth, the quiet (or the noises around you), take a deep breath into it and relax your shoulders, so your nervous system can unwind a little further.
If you feel you need to, set a timer, or if you’re like me, just while away the morning, afternoon, evening or day. Don’t forget to tell those around you not to disturb you for however long you choose, and maybe also do the same with your phone, so you’re not tempted to doom scroll.
After a while your body and mind will adjust the state of mind you’re aiming for. Don’t tell yourself off if you can’t settle, just notice and gently shift back each time. The world today gives us so many distractions, that we feel bad if we’re not constantly engrossing ourselves in it all, but we don’t have to. The world won’t miss us for a while and I can almost guarantee, you won’t miss it either! Then, over time a new, healthy, self-care habit is formed.
“By immersing ourselves in different stories and perspectives, we gain a better understanding of human emotions and experiences. This, in turn, allows us to relate to others on a deeper level and fosters empathy. Furthermore, reading has been proven to reduce stress levels [Why Reading is Good for Mental Health. (n.d.) Retrieved July 16, 2023, from namica.org/blog/why-reading-is-good-for-mental-health/ ].
When we engage in a book, we are transported to a different world, providing us with a healthy escape from the pressures of daily life. This escape not only brings relaxation but also helps us develop better coping mechanisms, ultimately leading to improved emotional well-being [Ways Reading Improves Emotional Intelligence. (n.d.) Retrieved July 16, 2023, from clifonline.org].” Article – The Power of Reading from https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/power-reading-exploring-benefits-importance-liblime-vlmmc.
If you find you’re still struggling to find, or allow, time, another option is to join a book (insert relevant hobby here) club – You can often find a local one, either online or in person.
Here are a few book recommendations from some fantastic female authors:
The Night Circus or The Starless Sea – Erin Morgenstern
Americanah – Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Mouthful of Birds – Samantha Schweblin
Such a Fun Age – Kiley Reid
My Brilliant Friend Series – Elena Ferrante
The Little Paris Bookshop – Nina George
The Power – Naomi Alderman
The Choice: Embrace the Possible – Edith Eger
Circe – Madeline Miller
Untamed – Glennon Doyle
