How to Build Your Own Reading Retreat (And Why You Might Need a Phone Detox)

So here’s the truth: I planned this glorious reading retreat for myself… and totally failed at it. I wanted a cozy Sunday with no responsibilities, no outings, and zero spending — just me, some craft books about mysteries (because your girl is thinking about writing one!), a stack of ARCs, and maybe an audiobook or two.

What actually happened? I binged Love Island UK, uploaded months of podcast episodes to YouTube, fell into some Turkish TV fandom rabbit holes, and before I knew it, the day was done.

Relatable? I thought so.

Why I Think We All Might Need a Phone Detox

Lately, I’ve been struggling to get back into my reading groove. I keep doomscrolling, and it’s honestly like a dopamine hit. It feels good to be stressed — which is a weird thing to say, but if you grew up with trauma, you know that feeling. It’s familiar.

But I’ve also been thinking about when I last truly enjoyed reading. Like really just lost myself in it. And funny enough, it took a hurricane. Back in September 2024, a storm rolled through Tampa and knocked out power for three days. No WiFi, no TV, no endless phone scrolling (because hello, I had to save my battery).

So what did I do? I read. I loaded up my Kindle, knocked out multiple books in a single day, and felt that deep, immersive joy of being completely absorbed in a story. And I want that back. Without waiting for a hurricane.

How to Build Your Own Reading Retreat

So this week, I’m challenging myself to do a little phone detox — not a cold turkey break-up (because who am I kidding?), but something gentler. A mindful reading retreat. And I thought I’d share how I’m setting it up in case you want to join me.

🛋️ Set Up Your Cozy Space

Think reading nook, cozy blankets, candles, maybe a hot beverage. I like to have meditation or classical playlists going, but you could try rain sounds, ocean waves, or even a café jazz vibe. Set the mood so it feels inviting.

📚 Plan Your Day

I’m prepping meals and snacks ahead of time, maybe starting the day with a “hot girl walk” and an audiobook, then settling in with a physical book or my Kindle. The point is to keep it low-key and deliciously indulgent.

📖 Try a Chapter Sampler

Sometimes the pressure to finish a book kills the fun. So I’m picking 5 books and giving each the first 10% (or 50 pages if it’s a physical copy). If it doesn’t click? Soft DNF. Maybe it’s a “not right now” book, and that’s perfectly okay.

🚫 Break Up (a Little) With Your Phone

This is the hard part. I’m planning to:

• Put my phone on Do Not Disturb
  
• Leave it in another room
  
• Maybe even delete Instagram and Threads for the day
  

Because honestly? If we don’t change the habit, we’ll just keep picking it up without thinking.

🌞 Mix It Up

• Read by the pool (if you have one) or in the park
  
• Color while listening to an audiobook
  
• Switch between Kindle and physical books
  
• Try themed reading: only mysteries, only novellas, or even a spicy romance day
  

💌 A Little Accountability Helps

Tell a friend you’re doing it, or post on social. Sometimes just sharing it makes it more likely to happen.

It’s About Enjoying It (Not Speed-Reading)

At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter how many books you finish or if everything is a five-star read. Sometimes you just need a palate cleanser, a fluffy novella, or a cozy mystery that feels like a warm hug. And if you don’t finish anything at all? That’s okay too.

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Related Posts

• This Podcast Episode Changed My Reading Life FOREVER
• Struggling to Read More? Here are 25 Easy Tips
• Your Guide to Silent Book Clubs

PS: I’d love to hear if you try a reading retreat (or if you’re craving one as badly as I am). Drop a comment below or shoot me a message.

And if you want more bookish goodness, sign up for my newsletter at whattoreadnextblog.com — we’ve got daily book lists, cozy mysteries, spicy romances, and everything in between.

Happy reading, friend. 📚💖