Four Things People Love to Do While Reading

Last Updated: 23 September 2023
Written by Chris Beach

For a lot of book fanatics, it's about more than the words. Reading is a whole activity - a hobby, or even a way of life. Avid readers value setting aside real chunks of time, finding great places to read (check out our look at 'Ten of the Most Beautiful Libraries in the World' for the best of the best options!), and - crucially - enjoying a treat or indulgence while turning those pages.

To that last point, we thought it would be fun to cover some of the little things people tend to enjoy on the side while reading.

Drinking Tea

Imagine a rainy afternoon. You've finished your work for the day. The air has a nip to it, and you're already wearing fuzzy socks and your favorite oversized sweater. You're absorbed in a book that's set during the middle of winter and the characters are walking in the blistering cold. Do you know what you need? A hot cup of tea. Spicy chai, calming chamomile, or a nice green tea is calling your name.

Indeed, many people turn to tea while reading in order to have something warm while enjoying (or fighting against) cold weather. Plus, it's a healthy option! Today states that drinking tea can boost your immunity, soothe the digestive system, and even help to stave off cancer. That said, any pleasant drink will do so long as it's an added pleasure while you read.

Sunbathing

Packing a beach bag means making sure you don't forget the sunblock, a big towel, and of course, a book. For many, reading a book is a great way to spend time in the sun, whether on a literal beach or in the nearest park. The sounds of nature add to the ambiance as you lazily flip through pages, sip a cold drink, and enjoy that warmth on your skin.

Just make if you're making a hobby of it to sure to use the right amount of sunblock. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommend at least 30 SPF and both thorough and regular coverage. This kind of protection, plus some (polarized) sunglasses and maybe an umbrella just in case, will help you enjoy this reading side hobby safely and happily.

Listening To Music

This is a highly personal choice, but many readers enjoy having a little bit of background noise as they read. It can be in the form of favorite pop songs, classic oldies, or even just ambient sounds such as rain or birdsong. Be careful, though! Listening to music while trying to focus on a book could be counterproductive. As neuroscientist Daniel Levitin has explained, the music simply takes up some of your "attentional capacity." Nevertheless, for a bit of casual pleasure reading, that's a risk you can take.

In the end, however, you can choose to enjoy reading the way you'd like. Find your most comfortable position and make your space your own. The most important thing is that you enjoy your book!

If you love reading, take a look at our article on how often you should read.

Portrait of the article author, Chris Beach

Author
Chris Beach

Hi, I'm Chris. My love of books started when I was a child visiting libraries with my Dad. The smell and feel of old pages still sparks something within me that can I can only express as an emotional attachment to books. Two decades later this evolved into a passion for collecting rare books, particularly 17th century early-English literature, and rare children's books. I believe every book has its own story and each one reveals something new about the world we live in.
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