Living With B

When people talk about self-care, the first things that come to mind are face masks, bubble baths, and journaling with lo-fi beats in the background. And while all of that is valid and cute, self-care isn’t always about pampering. Sometimes, it’s about doing something super simple—like reading.

But let’s be real: reading as self-care can feel impossible when your mental health is in the gutter. I’ve definitely opened a book with the best intentions, only to stare blankly at the same sentence 10 times. If you’ve been there too, you’re not alone.

So, let’s talk about how reading can be healing and why it can also feel hard as hell.

Why Reading Can Be Good for the Soul

Books have always been a comfort blanket for people—and for good reason. They offer a way out, a way through, and sometimes, a way to just feel something.

• Escapism: Whether it’s a cozy romance or an unhinged fantasy world, stories can pull you out of your head and help you breathe for a second.
• Perspective: Memoirs, essays, and even fiction can show us we’re not alone. Reading about other people’s messes sometimes makes ours feel a little less overwhelming.
• Mental Stimulation: Reading is lowkey a workout for your brain. It helps reduce stress, improves sleep (especially if you swap it for doomscrolling), and gives your mind something to chew on.
• Connection: The right book can make you feel understood in ways even your besties can’t. There’s magic in that.

But Sometimes It’s Just… Not That Easy

Even with all the benefits, reading isn’t always doable—especially if your brain is running on fumes.

• Mental Burnout: If your mind is already spinning, it can be hard to focus on words. Anxiety and depression make reading feel like a chore.
• Productivity Guilt: In a world that screams “Work harder!” taking time to read can feel… self-indulgent? Like you should be doing something more “useful.” Spoiler: taking care of yourself is useful.
• Decision Fatigue: Picking a book can feel like scrolling Netflix for an hour and then watching nothing. Decision fatigue is real.
• Emotional Sensitivity: Sometimes the idea of diving into someone else’s drama when you can’t even handle your own is just… not it.

Making Reading Actually Work for You

If you want to read more as a form of self-care, here’s how to make it chill instead of stressful:

• Start Small: Don’t force a 400-page epic. Try a short story, a poem, or one chapter at a time. Little bits still count.
• Read What Feels Good: Screw the “should-reads.” Go for the comfort reads, the cheesy romances, the witchy fantasies—whatever soothes your soul.
• Low-Stakes Goals: Set a timer for 10 minutes. Read one chapter a week. There’s no finish line, just vibes.
• Switch Formats: Audiobooks? E-books? Yes please. Listen while you walk or cook, read on your phone in bed—whatever works.
• Give Yourself Grace: If you’re not in the mood, don’t force it. Self-care isn’t homework.

Final Thoughts

Reading can be such a beautiful way to take care of yourself—but it’s okay if it doesn’t always come easy. Some days, books will be your best friend. Other days, they’ll feel like just another thing on your to-do list.

And that’s okay.

Self-care is personal. It’s messy. It shifts. If reading is your thing, ease into it without pressure. And if it’s not? That’s cool too. You’re still taking care of yourself in other ways, and that’s what matters.

So, how do you make reading part of your self-care routine?

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Fable