Ad Librum Aeternam

Introduction

Hello, folks!

Reading in itself is already fun, but what if we could make it an even more pleasant time for ourselves? There are ways I found which can accomplish that. How about I share them with you so we can all enjoy reading even more?

Here’s what I love to do.

I hope you pick a few to try them out and find more pleasure in reading.

If you're interested in learning strategies to read more, you can find them in my article How to Read More This Year

Reading Socks

I discovered these on Indigo about a year ago. They are pricey, but so gorgeous and they look super comfortable! Since I didn’t want to pay that price, I told myself I would go on a quest to find a cheaper, but as cute and comfy pair of reading socks.

Then, I stumbled upon a cute kitty pair at Ardène and fell in love right away. They were 12$, cushioned and adorable. What’s not to love? Obviously, I took them home and tried them on with a book in hand.

(Copyrighted Catherine Girard-Veilleux, 2020)

Let me tell you that it’s what I call bliss: a good book in hand (hopefully) and cozy reading socks! My feet were warm, and I felt all fuzzy, comfortable. I was genuinely happy and content all around.

Since then I forget that I’ve crossed the time limit I gave myself and just… read for hours. Due to my job as a translator and editor and serious health issues, I’ve got little time to read. But I swear the reading socks make me read longer! That’s how great they are.

Get a pair for your own sake!

Candles

This one is particular. I haven’t tried it yet, but I yearn for a good scented candle while I read. There are even thematic ones based on your tastes (like the scent of an old book), stories (Charles Dickens’s or Harry Potter’s), characters (Katniss Everdeen or Clary Fairchild), and so on. Seriously, I want one of those!

I’m a big fan of dinner at candlelight. Whenever we lose power, I’m so happy because I spend time under the candlelight; it imbues the air with mystery and a cozy sensation, which I crave. Hygge, here I am!

If you can, try this tip. You’ll smell a good scent and it’ll put you in good spirits to read. And bonus points if you turn off the lights and read at candlelight, all the cozier for you!

Bed/Cushions

I’ve got the habit of reading when I go to bed, either with a physical book in hand or on my Kobo. It’s the only time I found to read, so I take it!

I’ve noticed how fun and comfortable it is to read with an eReader in bed: you’re all wrapped up in your bed sheets, warm and tranquil. It brings peace of mind, or at least you’re just feeling calm and happy to read. If you read in the morning or during the day, try it a few times in bed, too. You might just enjoy it! If not, no worries, just go back to mornings and days, haha.

As for the cushions, this is a long story which I’ll make short. Whenever I read with a physical book in my bed (do you notice a reading pattern? Haha!), my back and arms hurt so damn much! So I keep changing positions until I’m so annoyed and tired I stop. It’s sad because more often than not, I stop reading not because I’m done reading, but because I’m aching all over. I found a cushion with arms I thought I could put against my bed wall and read with no aching.

(Copyrighted Catherine Girard-Veilleux, 2020)

Fortunately for me, I received it as a Christmas gift! (Thanks, mom!) I kept complaining about how I couldn’t read as much as I wanted in bed… So, I tried this cushion with arms and joy to the world, it works! My lower back still aches a bit, BUT it’s overall very comfortable and I don’t have to switch positions anymore!

Want to hear the best part? I can read for how long as I want with this cushion, no need to stop because I’m sick and tired of the pain!

If you’re having similar issues or just want more comfort, please try such a cushion. It will either save your reading time or upgrade it.

A Clean Space

This might sound obvious, but a clean reading space will bring you more joy. If you’re stuck tight between boxes, objects and so on, you will grow annoyed and angry and will stop reading-or at least it will be miserable.

I suggest cleaning three feet around you so you feel like your personal bubble isn’t invaded and have all the space you need to settle comfortably.

I know cleaning’s not so fun, but this is a genuine trick. A messy place can ruin your pleasant time by turning it into a lame experience as you keep thinking about the mess and how squeezed you feel.

Plushy Friends and Accessories

Now, this tip is not for everyone, but I know a lot of us love cute character plushies and Pop! figurines and other merchandise of our favourite stories and characters. I’ve got a few plushies (Wonder Woman, Harley Quinn, Hermione, etc.) and Funko Pop! toys like Jasmine, Mr. Burns, and Aladdin. I’ve also got a big Elsa cushion.

Okay, but what does it bring us to? Well, remember the clean space I mentioned above? Clean it, then choose which accessory and plushie you want near you while reading. It’ll make your space even more personal and you’ll appreciate it even more as you read, surrounded by what you love.

It might be silly sounding, but it genuinely works and you’ll feel good, safe even.

And who doesn’t want a safe reading haven?

In Conclusion

Whether you choose a candle, cushions, reading socks, or accessories in a clean space (or all of these!), I’m sure you’ll find your reading time optimized and more pleasant.

It’s all about treating yourself well and finding things you love which make you feel at ease. That way, reading will be a breeze and you’ll wonder where time went.

I wish you a good reading!

Please leave me a comment about what other tips you find useful for better reading times. I’d love to discuss those with you.

See you next post, lovelies!