The Best Self-Care Ideas for Book Lovers this Summer
In a world where we’re constantly glued to devices, summer offers the perfect excuse to slow down and return to quiet, grounded pleasures. Whether it’s reading barefoot under a tree or doing something creative with your hands, bookish self-care doesn’t have to mean sitting still — it just means being present.
This post is part of my Summer Reading Lifestyle series, a soft celebration of stories, rituals, and the ways we romanticise everyday life.
☀️ Just joining the series? Start here: How to Romanticise Your Summer Reading Routine
? Up next: 10 Escapist Audiobooks to Listen to While Walking This Summer
? 1. Read Outside, Barefoot
There’s something deeply grounding about reading with your feet in the grass. Head to a shady spot under a tree, bring a soft blanket or a roll-up mat, and settle in with a cosy book.
? Amy’s Tip: My favourite place to read is in a quiet patch of shade with bare feet in the grass and a book in my lap — no phone in sight.
? Try This: This portable garden mat here makes spontaneous outdoor reading so much easier.
? 2. Do Something Creative With Your Hands
Audiobooks are wonderful company for hands-on creativity. Crochet, embroidery, or even pressing wildflowers lets you sink into storytime while still feeling productive and peaceful.
? Amy’s Tip: I love to bring my crochet projects outside in the summer while I listen to something immersive.
? Try This: These colourful ergonomic crochet hooks here are great for long, slow crafting sessions.
? 3. Curate a Picnic Just For You
Not every picnic needs to be Instagram-worthy. Pack a simple snack, your book, a flask of something cool, and create a moment just for yourself.
? Ideas: Fruit, flaky pastry, cheese cubes, iced tea, a cosy fantasy book. All packed into your favourite tote.
? Try This: This classic insulated picnic bag here is both pretty and practical.
✨ 4. Journal for Joy, Not Productivity
Journalling doesn’t have to be deep or perfect — it can be playful, random, or simply a way to remember what you read. Make lists, collect quotes, or track your outdoor reads.
? Amy’s Tip: I use stickers and washi tape in mine. It’s like scrapbooking my reading life.
? Try This: This reading journal here has room for notes, quotes, and mini reviews.
? 5. Take a Screen-Free Story Walk
Leave your phone on airplane mode and bring your favourite audiobook instead. Walk slowly, breathe deeply, and let the narration set the tone.
? Amy’s Tip: I love taking gentle walks with romance or fantasy audiobooks — it feels like walking in a story.
? Try This: These lightweight wireless earbuds here are perfect for gentle summer walks.
✨ Amy’s Note:
Self-care doesn’t need to look productive — it can look like lying on the grass, crocheting for hours, rereading your favourite romance novel, or sipping tea while annotating a quote.
Your summer self-care can be as whimsical or practical as you need it to be. Just make it yours.
? Try This:
✨ Loved this post? There’s more cosy summer inspiration waiting for you on the blog — including the full Summer Reading Lifestyle series. Come and explore what else to pack, sip, and read next.
? Let’s Chat:
What’s your favourite way to care for yourself through books? Do you bring stories into your outdoor rituals or creative hobbies?
Amy x
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