Get Cozy: Five Ways To Transform Your Reading Experience

Reading has always been a hobby of mine. We know reading is educational. We know reading is fundamental! But reading can also be an escape and a comfort. And there’s nothing I love more than a nice cozy, comforting read. The question is: Do you know how to create a cozy reading experience for yourself?

Creating a cozy environment that is conducive to inspiring warm, comforting happy feelings is second nature to me. Probably to most bookish types. But I’ve realized that not everyone knows how to get cozy with a good book. So, I’m sharing six of my favorite ways to have a cozy reading experience.

Do You Have A Cozy Mindset?

The key word is “experience”. Be mindful about your reading time. If you love reading and writing and books as much as I do, reading time is important… and a priority.

It’s me time. Time to escape. Time to learn and experience new things. Be thoughtful about how, when and where you read by creating an experience when you read.

These six tips are easy to follow and implement. You probably have all you need around the house. But if you don’t, it can be fun – a cozy shopping experience – looking for just the right accoutrement for a few cozy moments.

I will help you create a perfectly cozy environment in which you can relax, feel happy and enjoy a good story.

And all you need is a nice cozy read. Cozy mystery. Small town romance. Women’s fiction. Feel good southern fiction. Or whatever type of book makes you feel good after you’ve read it.

Let’s get started by making sure you feel good. A cozy experience starts with you feeling…

Comfortable In Your Skin

The first thing you want to do is feel good. Take a hot shower or a long bath with your favorite Epsom salts, essential oils or both! Scrub a dub dub and wipe away the dirt and negative energy you may have accumulated during the day.

Cozy Tip: Read in your bath. A tub full of hot water, calming lavender essential oils and soothing Epsom salts is actually my favorite way to read.

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Warm & Fuzzy

Slip into something that makes you feel good. That will be different for everyone, but a few ideas could include: sweat pants and your favorite t-shirt, fuzzy pants and soft slippers or flannel underwear. Just put on something that makes you feel warm and comfy.

Book Nook

Find that perfect place in your home to curl up – a soft couch, a well-worn chair or even in front of your fireplace. Go wherever you’d typically go to relax. And don’t forget a soft fuzzy blank to throw across your lap.

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Get Your Drink On

You must have a beverage! What’s your poison? Hot tea, coffee, wine or something else, whatever it is prepare it bonus points for using a favorite mug or glass). Place your drink beside you and enjoy as you read.

Cozy Tip: Create a drink inspired by your book.

Get Lit

Do you love candles? I do, and I especially love scented candles that remind me of the book I’m reading. If you’re reading a book set in a coffee shop, burn a coffee-scented candle. Reading a romance set in a bakery? Light a vanilla candle. Scented candles smell nice, and create a nice immersive experience for you. And if you don’t love scented candles (my sister hates them!) try an unscented candle and enjoy the warmth of the flame, and the sound of the crackling wick.

Whatcha Reading?

A few cozy mysteries from my personal library.

Don’t forget the book. Your choice of reading material is key! Cozy experiences warrant cozy reads. So set your intention with a thoughtful choice about what you’re going to read.

Not all books are cozy – you want a story that is fast-paced, heartwarming and uplifting. So, no true crime, horor, domestic suspense or erotica. These genre of books are great but they don’t provide the content you need for a truly cozy experience. Most cozy reads will have a feel-good, cozy cover.

Try a small-town or Amish romance. Read a cozy mystery if you want the edge of a murder investigation but still want those cozy elements like tea-sipping, family vibes and probably a yarn shop in town.

Happy reading!