What is a retreat for books?
Picture this: a weekend with no notifications, no emails, and no noise. Just you, a warm cup of tea, and a book that makes you forget about everything else for a bit. That’s the beauty of a book retreat.
A book retreat is more than just reading; it’s a planned break. A chance to clear your head, spend less time in front of screens, and find joy in silence. Here’s how to make the best book retreat experience, whether you want a quiet solo getaway, a break from technology, or a soft-girl session in your living room.
Why You Might Need a Book Retreat
Burnout can sneak up on you in a world full of constant scrolling and digital noise. Here are several signals that you need to take a break and turn off your phone:
- Even after resting, you feel intellectually tired.
- You keep picking up your phone because you always do.
- Your attention span seems short and all over the place.
- You haven’t had any alone time that really feels relaxing.
- You miss feeling like you are connected to yourself or your creative side.
It’s time to retreat with a book in hand and your peace of mind, if any of these sound familiar.
Picking the Right Style for Your Retreat
Not all book retreats need to be at a cabin in the woods, but that sounds nice too. Here are three ways to make the retreat fit your way of life:
- 1. A retreat at home by yourself
Great for a relaxing weekend at home. Set aside time, get your place ready, and make a plan to turn off your phone and enjoy the quiet. - 2. Getaway for the weekend
Rent a quiet Airbnb, a cabin in the woods, or an inn in the country for a staycation. Choose a place with little Wi-Fi and lots of comfort. - 3. Reset on Silent Sunday
If you don’t have a lot of time, spend a whole day offline, reading, napping, and thinking. A few hours without a screen can do a lot of good.
Things You Need for a Book Retreat
To make your book retreat feel fancy and planned, get these things together:
- A stack of two or three books that are different kinds of fiction, self-help, and poetry.
- A soft robe, fuzzy socks, and a warm throw blanket are some comfort things.
- Herbal teas, fruit, dark chocolate, or charcuterie are some of the drinks and snacks you can have.
- Candles, fairy lights, or a reading lamp can all make the room feel soft.
A journal and pen are good for writing down your thoughts or thinking on them between chapters.
Turn on Do Not Disturb mode on your phone, or better yet, turn it off totally.
What to Read While You’re Away
Pick novels that make you feel good and draw you in. Stay away from things that are too hard or too scholarly unless they really help you relax.
- Categories of Books to Read:
- For getting away from it all, read “The Secret Life of Bees” by Sue Monk Kidd.
- “Untamed” by Glennon Doyle is good for healing.
- Matt Haig’s “The Comfort Book” is a good book to think about.
- “Beach Read” by Emily Henry is a good book for romance.
- “Big Magic” by Elizabeth Gilbert is a good book for soft growth.
You can mix and match dependent on how you feel, or you can bring a book you’ve been meaning to complete for months.
Setting the Mood and the Place
The place you are in establishes the mood for your retreat. Make the space feel gentle and slow, and let people know they can breathe and rest.
Ideas: Use lavender or sandalwood essential oils to make your home smell good.
- Use dim lights or sunlight from outside.
- Make a soft playlist with jazz, lo-fi, or rain sounds.
- Put flowers or plants close by.
- Get rid of the clutter in your retreat location; visual tranquillity is important too.
- Make it feel like a safe place, not just a place to sit and read.
What Not to Bring
This is equally as crucial as what you put in:
- No laptops
- No books for work
- No scrolling without thinking
- No responsibilities
This is your planned break. No guilt, no work, just a peaceful stillness. Give yourself permission to rest.
Final Thoughts: Make Rest Your Goal
A book retreat isn’t only about reading a lot of pages. It’s about letting your mind and soul roam free. This retreat might help you remember what you’ll find when the noise stops: calm, presence, and joy in the little things. You can plan a whole weekend or simply a peaceful Sunday afternoon.
So take your favourite book, light a candle, and enter your own small world, the one where you are the most important person.
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