Reading has helped me learn to slow down, find balance, and manage burnout by giving my mind a break from the busyness of life. It reminded me that we all have the time, I just used to tell myself I was too busy, but now I give myself permission to pause and enjoy a story.
In the whirlwind of 2023, I found myself suffering from severe burnout. The relentless pace of life and running a business during hard economic times had taken its toll, leaving me exhausted and disconnected from the world around me. After selling my business trying to learn how to slow down, I discovered an unexpected refuge, reading. Despite never considering myself much of a reader, picking up a book became my lifeline, guiding me towards a path of learning to slow down, recovery and inner peace.
The Healing Power of Reading
Finding Peace in Stories
When burnout had me feeling trapped (with my own thoughts, I didn’t want to see people or leave the house), books offered a much-needed escape. Whether it was fantasy or romance, each story provided a temporary refuge from my demanding reality. Immersing myself in a book allowed my mind to wander freely, unburdened by stress or worry. Escaping into books became my secret weapon against burnout, offering moments of peace that were otherwise hard to find.
I’ve created a new page, The Organised Housewife’s Book Collection, on my website where I share all the books I’ve read. You’ll find details like genres, tropes, my ratings, spice ratings, and more. It’s perfect for anyone looking for their next read!
The Therapeutic Rhythm of Reading
There’s a certain rhythm to reading that mimics meditation (and I’ve never been one to enjoy meditating). The steady flow of words across the pages or screen helps stop my mind from wandering, it’s a calming process that soothes my thoughts. Unlike the typical busy pace of life, reading invites us to slow down and savour each moment. Often, I’d intend to read just one chapter on my Kindle but find myself so engrossed in the story that I couldn’t help but read another. This therapeutic rhythm helped me escape the burnout cycle, giving me a chance to reconnect with myself and slow down my mind.
I found that, unlike scrolling through social media or watching TV, reading allowed me to be fully present. There was no pressure to rush to the next thing, I could take my time and savour every word. Reading to manage burnout helped me find this calm, offering a break from the constant noise of life. It was a gentle reminder to live at my own pace rather than always feeling pressured to stay busy.
Discovering Joy in Unexpected Genres
Before burnout, my reading habits were sporadic at best. But as I delved deeper into the world of books, I found myself enjoying a variety of genres that I never expected to like. Romance novels quickly became my guilty pleasure, whisking me away to stories brimming with passion and intrigue and yes, I love smutty books, and I’m not ashamed of it! I even ventured into romantasy and fantasy. This newfound love for different genres just fueled my desire to read more. You should see my TBR list, it’s bursting with books I can’t wait to dive into!
The Kindle My Portable Escape
I also love reading stories on my Kindle because it makes reading so accessible and easy to fit into my day. Whether I’m relaxing on the couch or waiting at an appointment, my Kindle is always with me, ready to whisk me away into another world. It’s light, convenient, and has truly transformed how often and where I read.
The Bigger Picture: Finding Balance Through Small Rituals
Reading has been one of the most powerful tools in my journey to slow down, find balance, and use reading to manage burnout, but it’s part of a bigger picture. By prioritising these small rituals, whether it’s reading, enjoying a cup of coffee, or taking a quiet walk, I’ve learned to nurture myself and protect my peace. We all have the time, I just used to use ‘I’m too busy’ as an excuse, but now I give myself the time. I want to remind you that slowing down doesn’t have to be complicated or time consuming. It’s about finding moments in your day that bring you comfort and allow you to breathe.
If you’re feeling the weight of burnout, I encourage you to pick up a book, it doesn’t matter what kind. Let it be your escape, your companion, and your way back to yourself. Take a step back, enjoy a story, and allow yourself to unwind, even if it’s just for a few minutes.
I hope sharing my journey can inspire you to embrace reading, or any other activity that allows you to slow down and find those moments of peace. And if you’ve been considering getting a Kindle, I wholeheartedly recommend it. It’s made my reading journey so much more enjoyable and accessible, I wouldn’t have been able to find as much comfort without it.
Let’s find those moments of peace together, one page at a time.
