Cozy Hobby Highlights: Reading
There’s something timeless about curling up with a good book. On a rainy afternoon, under a soft blanket, with a cup of tea beside you, reading becomes more than just hobby - it’s a comforting ritual. In my opinion, it deserves the title ‘‘Cozy Hobbies King’’. After all, you can usually find it in nearly all lists of soft and comforting hobbies - and for a good reason too.
Original photo - taken and owned by Autmly
Why Reading Feels So Cozy
Reading slows the pace of life. The soft rustle of turning pages, transporting you to a different place, a moment when you can step away and have this time just for you. But it’s not just a chance to unplug, breathe, and let your imagination travel somewhere new. The immersive nature of reading helps lower heart rate and ease muscle tension. This shift allows the body to move from a ‘'fight or flight’' mode to a more relaxed parasympathetic state.
What the Research Tells Us
A University of Liverpool study found that people who spend just 30 minutes per week reading for pleasure are significantly more satisfied with life. They were about 21% less likely to report symptoms of depression, and 10% more likely to have higher self-esteem compared to non-readers. Reading is also one of the most effective ways to reduce stress, up to 68% more that listening to music, having a cup of tea, or even going for a walk, according to a study by Mindlab. And that is just for 6 minutes of reading silently.
As for older adults, reading and other mentally stimulating activities are linked to reduced cognitive decline. So books seem to preserve mental sharpness while making us feel calm and relaxed.
And reading fiction is found to have measurable effects on empathy. In one set of experiments, participants who read literary fiction scored higher on tests measuring ‘‘Theory of Mind’’ - the ability to infer on other people’s mental states, that those who read non-fiction or popular genre fiction.
More Benefits of Reading
Replacing screen time with reading before bed (preferably a physical book) can reduce exposure to blue light, which supresses melatonin production - a key hormone for a good sleep. Several studies suggest that reading improves sleep quality and helps people fall asleep more easily. It can be a powerful signal to the brain that it’s time to shift to rest.
Furthermore, reading engages multiple brain areas - comprehension, memory, visualization and inference. Over time, this builds what is knows as cognitive reserve, helping the brain resist age-related decline or stressors.
Making Time for Books
Life gets busy, but even a few pages a day can bring calm and inspiration. Try setting aside just 10-15 minutes before bed or during your morning routine to read. Those little steps add up soon and become part of your daily rhythm. If you’re like me and ‘‘if you don’t see it, it doesn’t exist’’, try putting your books where it would be easy to grab and start reading.
You can try and make reading even better by setting up your own book nook. You don’t need anything fancy to make reading feel special. A comfy spot on the sofa, your favourite drink and a soft blanket can turn into your corner of personal retreat.
Original photo - taken and owned by Autmly
Final Thoughts
Reading isn’t just a pastime. It’s something that supports emotional well-being, connective empathy, mental sharpness, and a powerful tool for slowing down. It’s easy to start, you can do it anywhere and best of all - beautifully immersive. So if you haven’t given it a go recently, just try in. Reading could be your next cozy ritual.
Thank you for reading and I hope I see you next time. 🍂
Keep your heart cozy - no matter the season.