10 Quick Ways to Feel Better With a Book
Reading fiction is my first port of call when I’m feeling a bit stressed or low; it calms me down, grounds me when my mind is wandering, and helps me gain a wider perspective.
Whether you’re facing a stressful interview, experiencing trouble sleeping, or if you’re just in need of a mood-boosting book, here are ten ways to use bibliotherapy on a day-to-day basis. How do you use books to feel better?
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A dedication in a lovely edition of Jane Eyre, from the film Definitely, Maybe. |
1. Pop a book in your bag
2. Memorise one or two lines from poetry, a sentence from a favourite book, or a great quotation
If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you,
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
But make allowance for their doubting too;
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or being lied about, don’t deal in lies,
Or being hated, don’t give way to hating,
And yet don’t look too good, nor talk too wise…
3. Buy a reading journal and scribble down some thoughts on what you’re reading
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The wonderful Moleskine Passion Book Journal (I must share a photo of my own in a future post!) |
4. When in a difficult situation, ask yourself what a character or author would do
5. Buy a friend a book and leave a note or dedication in it
6. Spend an hour in a library or bookshop
7. Flick through a book of quotes
8. Re-read a favourite novel
9. Prescribe yourself a brilliant novel you’re yet to read (but sure to love)
10. Put down everything and read for ten minutes!
Retreat Into The Sanctuary & Find Your Way With Comforting, Gentle Wisdom
Love books, feeling a little lost right now, and looking for some comfort and guidance forwards? I made The Sanctuary exactly for this.