by An age-old form of self care’: Maggie Tweedie’s reading rituals
In a world filled with non-stop stimuli and constant demands on our time and attention, finding moments of peace and tranquility can feel like a rare luxury. However, for many people, one age-old form of self-care still remains a steadfast source of comfort and solace: reading. For Maggie Tweedie, an avid reader and self-care advocate, reading is more than just a hobby – it’s a cherished ritual that nourishes her mind, body, and soul.
Maggie’s love affair with books began at a young age, and she has carried her passion for reading into adulthood. However, it wasn’t until she faced a period of intense stress and anxiety in her early twenties that she truly began to appreciate the powerful impact that reading could have on her mental well-being.
“I was going through a difficult time in my life, and I found myself struggling to cope with the overwhelming emotions that had taken hold of me,” Maggie recalls. “I felt like I was constantly on edge, and I had a hard time finding moments of peace and quiet amidst the chaos. That’s when I turned to reading as a form of self-care, and it made a world of difference for me.”
For Maggie, reading isn’t just a passive activity – it’s a deliberate and intentional practice that she engages in as a way to nourish her mind, body, and spirit. She has developed a set of reading rituals that she follows religiously, and she believes that they have played a crucial role in helping her maintain her emotional well-being.
One of Maggie’s most cherished reading rituals is her “me time” reading sessions, which she carves out at the beginning and end of each day. “I start my day with at least 30 minutes of reading before I even get out of bed. It helps me ease into the day and sets a positive tone for what’s to come,” she explains. “Similarly, I end my day with another 30 minutes of reading before I go to sleep. It helps me unwind and relax, and it allows me to escape into a different world before drifting off to sleep.”
In addition to her daily reading sessions, Maggie also incorporates reading into her self-care routine in other ways. She often sets aside time on the weekends to visit her local bookstore or library, where she can indulge in the simple pleasure of browsing through the shelves and discovering new titles. “There’s something incredibly soothing about being surrounded by books,” she muses. “It’s a form of therapy for me – just being in that space, surrounded by stories and knowledge, brings me a sense of peace and contentment.”
Maggie also makes it a point to take her reading outdoors whenever possible. Whether it’s a quiet afternoon in the park or a lazy weekend at the beach, she embraces the opportunity to immerse herself in a good book while surrounded by the beauty of nature. “There’s something so restorative about reading outside,” she says. “It’s like a mini escape – I can transport myself into a different world while also being present in the natural environment around me.”
For Maggie, reading isn’t just a solitary pursuit – it’s a social and communal experience as well. She participates in a monthly book club with a group of like-minded friends, where they gather to discuss and dissect their latest read. “It’s so enriching to be able to share the joy of reading with others,” she says. “We have such meaningful conversations about the books we read, and it’s a wonderful way to connect with others and expand my horizons.”
In addition to her personal reading rituals, Maggie is also a strong advocate for incorporating reading into the self-care routines of others. She frequently encourages her friends and family members to pick up a book and give themselves the gift of uninterrupted reading time. “I truly believe that reading has the power to heal and uplift us in ways that few other activities can,” she asserts. “It’s a form of self-care that should be accessible to everyone, and I love to share my passion for reading with others in the hopes that they, too, can experience its transformative benefits.”
As an active voice in the self-care community, Maggie frequently speaks and writes about the benefits of reading as a form of self-care. She is an advocate for incorporating literature into wellness practices and believes that the simple act of reading can have a profound impact on one’s mental and emotional health.
“I think reading is a form of self-care that has stood the test of time,” she reflects. “It’s not a trendy or fleeting trend – it’s an age-old practice that has been cherished for centuries. And for good reason. There’s something truly magical about the act of immersing oneself in a book, and I hope to inspire others to embrace reading as a form of self-care in their own lives.”
In a fast-paced and chaotic world, finding moments of peace and tranquility can feel like a rare luxury. However, for Maggie Tweedie, reading is a steadfast source of comfort and solace – a cherished ritual that nourishes her mind, body, and soul. Through her deliberate and intentional reading practices, Maggie has discovered the transformative power of literature as a form of self-care, and she is passionate about sharing this knowledge with others. In a world where self-care is increasingly recognized as a necessity rather than a luxury, Maggie’s reading rituals serve as a powerful reminder of the enduring impact that simple, everyday practices can have on our well-being.
