Lessons in rest
I have never been good at resting. I’ve always put a lot of emphasis on productivity: a productive day equals a good day. But lately, I’ve been forced to rethink my attitude to rest and learn how to do it properly.
While recovering from my recent surgery I had no choice but to rest. For two weeks I was pretty much bed-bound and it’s taken much longer than that to get back to full strength. The experience has made me realise that I always used to think of rest as wasted time when in reality it is vital. Now that I’m back to my normal juggle of writing, coaching and looking after a three-year-old, I’m trying hard to factor rest into my daily routine.
Two books I found really helpful in changing my attitudes around rest are The Art of Rest by Claudia Hammond and Wintering by Katherine May. If you struggle with downtime too then these books might give you a new perspective.
Here’s how I’m incorporating rest into my daily life:
Taking short breaks between tasks. I am used to flitting from one task to another and feeling like I have a million tabs open in my brain. It’s draining. Taking two minutes to sit with a book and a cup of tea between tasks doesn’t even take much time but helps me switch off before moving to the next thing.
Reading. Well, obviously. But I’m trying to proactively make more space for reading in my life because I find it the best way to switch off and unwind. I read in the morning, while I eat lunch, in the evenings and sometimes in between too..!
Book journalling. I have kept a book journal for a while now and find spending time on my book journal incredibly restful. I have a post about how to start a book journal if you’re interested in giving it a go.
Yin yoga. My new favourite type of yoga which is basically amplified resting.
Tea breaks. When I’m in the writing zone I tend to work for long stretches of time without moving. Which I know is not good for me. I’m thinking of setting an alarm to remind me to take tea breaks, and to use those breaks to read a page or two of my book.
Do you struggle to prioritise rest? Are there any tips you’ve found that help you incorporate more rest into your day?
Some exciting news…
I’m very excited to share some book news with you that broke today in the Bookseller. My next book will be published with Viking in 2026. This Book Made Me Think of You is a sweeping, bookish love story being pitched as P.S. I Love you meets Eat, Pray, Love. It draws on my experiences of the healing power of books.
Here’s the synopsis…
When Matilda receives a call on her birthday telling her there’s a gift from her fiancé waiting for her at the local bookshop, it comes as quite a shock. Joe died five months ago, and she has ached for him every day since.
And so Matilda embarks on her year of books – one for each month carefully chosen by Joe – on a series of literary-inspired adventures which will take her from bustling sidewalks in New York and the tree-lined avenues of Paris to the tranquil Tuscan countryside and the white sands of Bali. With the help of bookshop owner, Alfie, Matilda starts to discover who she is now, after Joe. Can her year of books show her how to live, dream, and love, again?
This Book Made Me Think of You, Libby Page
Yes, I know that 2026 is a long way away! I’ve needed a bit more time for this one what with everything that’s been going on for me personally, but I really hope that it will be worth the wait. If you love books and bookshops then this one is wholeheartedly for you. Watch this space…!
What I’ve been reading
I’ve read some brilliant books so far this month! If you’re after some reading recommendations, look no further.
The Cinnamon Bun Book Store, Laurie Gilmore - A cosy, spicy smalltown romance that was a lovely escapist read. It’s the second in the Dream Harbour series and I’d recommend also reading the first, The Pumpkin Spice Café. And I am very excited about the Christmas version, publishing in October, The Christmas Tree Farm.
Somewhere Beyond the Sea, TJ Klune - The much anticipated sequel to The House in the Cerulean Sea, this LGBTQ+ cosy fantasy novel is so moving, covering important themes around tolerance and found family and with the most loveable of characters.
More Days at the Morisaki Bookshop, Satoshi Yagasawa - The sequel to the lovely Days at the Morisaki Bookshop and just as enjoyable. Really moving (it made me cry) and nice and short if you’re after a quick read.
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, Taylor Jenkins Reid - A book that I’d seen everywhere and had been on my radar for a long time but I’d just never picked up. I’m so glad I did!
P.S. Have you read my latest book The Lifeline yet? Don’t forget it’s out in paperback, ebook and audiobook now!
Thank you as ever for being a subscriber. I really appreciate you being here!
Oh Libby, This Book Made Me Think of You sounds WONDERFUL! I can already sense it's going to make me cry 🤣
Switching off can be so tough, but I recently heard someone say they do their self-care/relaxation to "fill the cup that I pour from". I found that so profound and it made me look at relaxation in a whole new light. I hope it does the same for you!
Great post and looking forward to your new book!