1. Books
When it comes to essentials for staying in, naturally, for a bibliophile, books will top the list. I’m no exception. I actually get most of my reading done during commutes and while waiting. If I’m in the subway, in a queue, waiting for a bus, am early for a meeting with friends, you can bet I’m reading. Although, my favourite place to read is my bedroom.
2. Reading Nook
For years, I’ve read in bed, which is really comfortable — so comfortable, that I’ve found myself falling asleep in the afternoons till the sun set. Hah. To avoid that, I’ve finally acquired an armchair that I love. It’s standing in the corner of my bedroom, beside the window. That’s where the most light falls on the pages of my book. I don’t have a desk in my room, so that I can mentally separate work from leisure more easily.
3. Tea
If you follow me on Instagram, you’ll notice that I often include a cup of tea in my posts. That’s because tea is hands down, my favourite beverage. Of course, I count it to my essentials for staying in. The great thing about staying in is that it’s an occasion with more time on my hands. That’s when I can experiment with blending flavours from the Monogram Tea Tasting Assortment by Gryphon Tea Company.
I love that it comes with so many options, spanning herbal tea, black tea, green tea and oolong selections. There’re so may variations to excite the senses and they all smell amazing. With 12 different types of tea in the assortment, it will take a long time before you run out of ideas.
4. Sweet Treats
Sustenance is a given. Beyond the usual meals, I’m all the happier when I have cookies, cake or other treats on hand. Ideally, it’ll be something I baked ahead of the day spent in. That way I can focus on reading the entire day.
5. Limited Distractions
A day in means no distractions. It’s all about rejuvenating, putting aside stress for some time and clearing the mind. I think this is an essential that shouldn’t be overlooked and is super important to making the most out of everything. I make sure to tuck away my laptop, folders, notebooks and anything else that’s related to work.
Sometimes I take things a step further and place my phone out of reach. I have a tendency to space out and check into social media, which isn’t always healthy. If anyone calls and asks if I have plans, I tell them my day’s booked. Alone time is vital, especially when we’re overwhelmed with responsibilities every single day.
Notes: This post was inspired by Leesa Sleep, who have a giving back programme for which they donate one mattress for every ten they sell. Gryphon Tea Company launched Monogram last November and kindly invited me to their launch party. I did not receive any compensation for this post.
If you live in the city, I strongly recommend a walk in the park in the afternoon or an early riser walk to downtown on a Sunday when everybody is asleep – magical atmosphere!
Sweet treats, books, and comfty reading spots for sure. Tea? Blegh. I’d prefer a hot chocolate instead. ;)
Apart from that? I definitely need a blanket. I rather turn a fan on and put a wrap up in a blanket than just sit in comfortable room temperature with nothing. And these days I definitely need some pens and a sketchbook. I find my doodles to be the best way to relax.
Lovely post Joséphine (and I love seeing that beautiful chair once again)!
Ah this is so perfect! For me, my “reading nook” is often just my couch… or more honestly, my bed! Tea and books are always a must, but sometimes the “distractions” are alright because I often don’t have time for them throughout the busy week.
Great list! Book is definitely important for us bookworms. I also like to put my phone and laptop away (even taking it one step further by switching off the internet) when I’m reading :)
Great essentials for a day – especially books, tea and limited distractions. I often find that last one the hardest, but as you say, it is so important.