We live in an incredibly distracting world. Focusing and attention spans seem to be things of the past. It is more difficult than ever to read something such as a book, with it requiring such a huge time investment. But is even your space keeping you from reading? Are you constantly finding it hard to sit down for longer than ten minutes in your own home? You may not even realize that your area is keeping you from reading. Reading is a full body occurrence and we must take care of all our senses to insure a pleasant experience. Not sure how? Here are a few ways to make your oasis, a place pleasing for all senses involved.

Hearing

Everything in life is a great balancing act. This is just as true with politics and exercise as it is with finding a good spot for reading. First of all, it certainly cannot be too loud. For some people, they prefer reading while listening to music. Personally, I find this challenging, others disagree. However, everyone will agree that deafening noises or distracting sounds make reading less than fun. I especially find talking of any sort hard to accommodate. My brain has difficulty processing multiple forms of word intake at the same time.

Secondly, it cannot be too quiet. While this one is less universal, many people find that a completely silent setting for reading is just as hard to focus in as a loud setting. Without background noise, it is easy to allow your mind to wander or even start to feel sleepy. Noise such as a fan blowing, quiet outside sounds, or just the bustle of people in the building you are in can help to put a blanket on the sound. And so, avoiding distracting noises or a completely still environment can give you the focus you need to invest yourself in your reading.

Seeing

Now, of course, your eyes will be completely fastened to your reading material. However, it is not quite fair to assume that your eyes will never leave the page. Because of this, some account needs to be taken regarding the visual status of the area you are reading in. The decor should be pleasant to the eye. You want to feel invited and happy in your oasis. Distracting patterns should be avoided, as well as very dark or melancholy colors. Bright, simple, and clean are great ways to decorate your space. Cluttered areas tend to unsettle people and make it challenging to enjoy their experiences.

In addition, the lighting is very important. When reading for long amounts of time, it is important to avoid dark settings. Your eyes can easily get strained and this is something that should be avoided whenever possible. If necessary, please also take occasional eye breaks. Even looking away from your book for twenty seconds can help you avoid eye strain. Good lighting from devices such as lamps, windows, or a good overhead light are just as important as relaxing decor.

Tasting and Smelling

Our mouths can get bored just as our minds can. You should be prepared for any immediate needs so that you are not tempted to leave your post several times, distracting you from your reading. You should have a snack ready to go if you think you will get hungry during the time you are reading. A water bottle is also important to keep you hydrated and avoid a trip to the kitchen. If you worry about craving food out of boredom but not with actual hunger, chewing gum is a great way to keep your mouth occupied.

Our noses can also be distracted. Keep your area clean and possibly smelling nice. A touch of air freshener can really make your experience pleasant. Also keeping the air fresh and light by opening a window or turning on a ceiling fan can open up your space and relax you. Preparing for the needs of your mouth and nose are important to keep your body and mind focused.

Touching

The goal of creating your own oasis is to give yourself an enjoyable setting to read in. You will find it very very difficult to motivate yourself to read if you do not enjoy the space you read in. Because of this, touch is probably the most important sense to appease. Many people get uncomfortable sitting still in one place for a long time. They complain of backpain, elbow pain, or really any other area that could be effected. Because of this, you want to insure that your oasis is at the very least extremely comfortable.

It is completely worth it to invest in a comfortable seat of some sort, whether it is a bean bag chair, hammock, or mattress. Take into account how you like to sit. Do you prefer to be laying down? Find an option to account for that. In addition, make sure the space you choose has room to stretch out. You should be able to straighten your legs if needed inside your oasis. Have a way to take a break and move around some if you get uncomfortable. If you want to read for long periods of time, you need to make your body happy.

This also requires a good temperature. Make sure that your oasis can stay at a desirable climate. If you get cold easily, have a comfortable, soft blanket available. If you are nice and hot-natured, have a fan ready to go. With the right seating and temperature, your oasis will be comfortable and inviting at all times.

A Few Options

I wanted to list a few suggestions that may generate some ideas for you. I have a friend who absolutely loves reading. For Christmas, she transformed her walk in closet into an amazing oasis. She hung some party lights around the ceiling, organized her bookshelf into a very aesthetic presentation, and got an incredibly comfortable bean bag chair. I love the vision and it has definitely made her reading a much more satisfying experience.

Another option I love is the window seat option. I have used this one myself. Simply put a bench or chest of some sort below your window, set down some cushions and cute pillows you have on hand, and enjoy. The amazing view and lighting the window applies is more than I can express. Other people have used hammocks, front porch swings, or even their bed if their room is suitable. Finding the best option for you is easier than ever.

Especially if you are easily distracted or wanting to read for longer periods of time, choosing a good environment is of utmost importance. This is also a great place to apply your creativity and have some fun. And you will reap the fruits of your labor for a longtime to come! I greatly encourage you to look into some options at maximizing your space. Nothing is more important than finding your oasis.