Six Essentials for a Cozy Reading Day

This might be the most important post you ever read

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I’m relaxing and enjoying time with family for the rest of 2023, so I’m recycling some posts from my former blog, Andrea Is Reading. My website is still up, so if you like the content I make here, you’ll probably enjoy the reviews and book lists I shared over there.

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I like to think I'm skilled at performing various tasks, but I truly shine when I'm relaxing. I am so good at sprawling on a cushioned surface and not moving from that location until I absolutely must. Because of my skills in this particular area, I am qualified to present the following post entitled "Six Essentials for a Cozy Reading Day." 

Some people are excellent accountants, while others have dedicated their entire lives to being a champion athlete. Good for them. I have mastered the art of cozy reading days, and I'm here to help you achieve the success I have. I believe in you, and I know you can learn these steps. You'll probably want to take some notes, so gather your journaling supplies, and let's begin. 

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ESSENTIAL #1: Comfortable Clothes

Some people stay in their regular clothes until bedtime. I do not understand these people, and I do not trust them. Who can genuinely lounge around the house in jeans? Who can be entirely comfortable in a skirt or button-down shirt? The first essential item for any cozy reading day is comfortable clothes. Put on those sweats and be proud. Throw on some leggings and relax. So what if your favorite college t-shirt has a few holes? Whatever you wear, make it soft and comfortable. An oversized sweater and fuzzy socks are ideal, but anything loose will do. Pants with a zipper have no place on a cozy reading day.

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ESSENTIAL #2: A Comfortable Reading Location

Now that you're wearing your most stylish comfortable clothes, you need even more comfort in the form of a good reading location. My favorite reading spot is the navy blue wingback chair and brightly printed ottoman in my study. Couches work just fine, too. Stay in bed if you're genuinely embracing the lazy part of a lazy day. No matter which location you choose, you'll need a nearby surface on which to place a beverage and candle.

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ESSENTIAL #3: A Blankie

I am a productive adult, and I have a blankie. In fact, I have several blankies. And yes, I call them blankies because I'm young at heart, and I can. You, too, need a blankie. (Unless you live in Miami or somewhere comparably toasty.) My blankie is essential because no matter how comfortable my clothes and location are, they become enhanced by the blankie. Not only does the blankie offer extra warmth, but it also provides another layer of softness. Who doesn't want that? (Probably the people who wear jeans all day.)

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ESSENTIAL #4: A Beverage

The entire planet could be glazed over in a layer of ice, and I'd still reach for an iced coffee. I saw a meme the other day that referred to iced coffee as the most important meal of the day, and it spoke truth to my spirit. You don't have to drink an iced coffee, but you do need a beverage. One of the goals of a cozy reading day is to avoid movement as much as possible, so being sure you've got your drink prepared before you assume your position underneath your blankie is vital. Hydration is essential, and so are taste buds. Water might be the most responsible choice, but it's not as fun as a peppermint tea or an Americano, is it?

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ESSENTIAL #5: Silence

Silence is a must when I want the coziest of cozy reading days. I don't want TV on in the background, and there can be no music. If I hear anyone making a commotion outside, I find myself wondering why they don't care about me and my needs. Is this high maintenance of me? Yes. But the heart wants what it wants, and mine wants silence. 

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ESSENTIAL #6: The Right Book

The most vital aspect of a cozy reading day is the reading part. For that, you need the right book. The right book is not the book you're forcing yourself to read for book club. It's not the book you got for Christmas five years ago, and you feel guilty about not having read it yet. It's not Ulysses or a book about how to be more productive. The right book for a cozy reading day is one you're excited about and can't put down. For me, that's usually a mystery or realistic fiction. If you need some suggestions, here are some books I finished in one day: 

• None of This Is True by Lisa Jewell

• Games and Rituals by Katherine Heiny

• Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid

• Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty

• Magpie by Elizabeth Day

• Unmissing by Minka Kent

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I hope the wisdom I've shared in this post has given you the necessary tools to create your own cozy reading day. I've studied this subject for many years and feel confident in my advice. What are your cozy reading day essentials? Share your thoughts in the comments. Thanks for reading!