**Collaborative post**
There’s nothing better than curling up with a good book, and whether you’re deep into a fantasy epic or you’re flying through a romcom, your reading setup shouldn’t have to be the thrillers that you like to sink into.
Uncomfy chairs, cold feet, poor lighting – all of this can take the shine off of your reading time. If you’re looking to make your next reading session a comfortable one, feeling like a warm hug you can sink into, here are 5 simple hacks to read more comfortably.
- Create a cosy reading zone. The very first step is to build your reading nook. You don’t need to have a perfect corner that Pinterest would be envious of. You just need a space that feels inviting and uncluttered. The spot should have natural light during the day and a reading lamp for evening so you don’t strain your eyes. Add a soft blanket, a cushion or two for back support, and a small side table or tray for tea and snacks. Ideally, keep your phone off or away from you so that you can continue to read in peace.
- Keep your feet warm. There’s nothing that distracts you faster from a gripping novel than freezing feet. A good pair of thermal socks can be a game changer when it comes to reading in comfort, especially in colder months when you’re reading for a while. And if you’re the sort of person to really sink into a book, you’ll be immobile for a little bit while you read. Look for socks that are made from wool or fleece lined materials that will keep the warmth in without making your feet feel sweaty. This way, no matter where you’re reading, you’ll have warm feet.
- Invest in a cushion for your book. If you’ve ever held a chunky hardback for more than 20 minutes, you know how quickly your hands start to cramp. A bookstand is a handy tool that props your book up at the perfect angle. If you’re reading a Kindle, you can even anchor this to your bed and use a clicker to turn the pages while you curl up under the blanket.
- Get the lighting right. Comfortable reading means no eye strain, and squinting in dim light is not the one. Making sure that your reading light is soft but strong enough to illuminate the pages clearly is a must. Warm toned LED lamps work wonders for this, so just look for one with an adjustable brightness setting so you can fine tune it depending on the time of day.
- Make sure that you take breaks. If you are the sort of person who gets into a book and finds themselves still sitting in the same place five hours later, you need to put some alarms on your phone so that you can have some reading breaks. You need to stretch your legs, rest your eyes, refill your drink, and go to the bathroom. A 5 minute pause every half an hour or so helps you to stay physically comfortable and mentally refreshed so you can get back to your book and actually enjoy it.
