Reading for Relaxation and Stress Relief

In life’s tornado of parenting, finding time for quiet and personal space is essential, but an often overlooked requirement for mental health and emotional well being. For moms, the pursuit of relaxation and self care can seem hard to come by. In this blog post, I’ll discuss using reading for relaxation, stress relief and daily self-care.

The world we live today goes at a fast pace and the pressure on moms to multitask and meet all of the needs of their family can be overwhelming. But, in that chaos we need to learn to carve out moments, even if small, for ourselves. Let this post be an invitation to you to find reading as a form of self care, and a way to reduce your stress.

Reading for Relaxation

Have you recently lost yourself in a good book? Reading is more than just stories. It’s a way to slow down and let go of your day to day worries. When you’re really into a book, it’s like everything else disappears and you’re pulled into a new world. For busy moms, these quiet moments can be like precious gold. Reading allows your mind to rest, recharging your energy and helping you better handle the stresses of daily life. The simple act of reading is a peaceful escape where you can just focus on your story and get to the next page or your daily reading goal.

Reading for Stress Relief

Reading isn’t just a pleasant distraction, it really does help us handle stress. It can calm your mind and lower stress levels. Picking up a good book when you’re feeling stressed might be as calming as meditating. And you know, seeing how characters handle their problems can give us a fresh look at our own. There’s comfort in shared experiences and learning a perspective that’s gained from a good story line. For moms it’s good to carve out your favorite reading spot and take a break from the hectic day.

Reading for Self Care

Listen to me here. Taking care of yourself isn’t selfish; it’s a necessity. Reading is a great way to take care of yourself. It helps you learn, grow and keep your wits. Reading helps you concentrate and sparks your imagination; all important stuff for a healthy self care routine. 

When stories resonate with us it can inspire us to reflect on our own lives and inspire us to make changes. They can help us make choices to be braver, kinder and more understanding. For busy moms, reading is a very valuable self care tool and it can be available anytime or anywhere.

Benefits for Moms and Book Lovers

For moms who love books, this should go hand in hand. Books aren’t just hobbies but they’re a support system. The emotional journey that a book can bring is important in reminding us of the beauty in everyday life outside of the bubble we can get caught up in. Bonus, moms who read set a great example for their children. Teaching the importance of personal time and learning. By making reading a priority, you can show your kids that this method of relaxation is valuable.

Incorporating Reading into Your Self-Care Routine

So for the action part. Busy moms know the demands that often take up all the moments of their day. However, carving out a reading habit into your self care routine can be easier than you think:

Plan Out a Dedicated Reading Time

Schedule regular reading breaks during the day, even if it’s just for 15 minutes. If you prefer audiobooks, you can listen to your book while you pack the kid’s lunches for the day and make it part of your morning routine. Personally, I set an amount of pages as my reading goal, in addition to any audiobooks l listen to during the day. I like to get my reading done as a way to wind down after the kids have gone to bed.

Create a Cozy Reading Nook

You don’t need a fancy book room or an extravagant space. All you really need is a comfortable space with a cozy chair and light. I often use a small reading light. so it’s not distracting for the kids, falling asleep. I’ve had this one for years, it works great.

Choose Books You’ll Love

Whether you prefer a gripping romantasy that takes your mind off daily life or a non-fiction that helps inspire you. Choose books that you want to read. Don’t feel like you have to finish it if you’re not loving it. Your time is too precious.

Consider Joining a Book Club

Some people are the type that require accountability in order to close the deal. If that’s you, consider joining a book club. Having clear deadlines on when you should finish a book might help. It may also help if choosing your next book can seem overwhelming to you.

Avoid Multitasking While Reading

Really try to make this your me-time. Try your best to make sure that you’re able to carve out a time of day where you can give reading your undivided attention, even if it ends up only being 5 minutes.

Conclusion

Reading is truly an act of self care that offers many benefits. For the busy mom, juggling with many responsibilities and demands of others, the simple joy of reading can really be a lifeline and source of comfort. Remember self-care is a necessity. Choose reading as your way to get a little bit of a recharge each day.