Create Your Perfect Reading Retreat (A Guide for Busy Women Who Miss Their Books)
Have you ever wanted to curl up with a book and escape from the world? No emails. No phone calls. No to-do lists. Just you and your books.
That's the core idea behind a reading retreat. It’s a vacation for your mind. But instead of sightseeing or lounging on a beach, you're diving into books. Even Bill Gates understands the power of this practice—he takes an entire week off just to read and think in solitude.
The best part? A reading retreat can be whatever you want it to be. It could be a weekend away. Perhaps it's a quiet Sunday morning at your favorite coffee shop. It could involve a few peaceful hours at home.
Whatever shape your retreat takes, give yourself permission to slow down, disconnect from the digital noise, and lose yourself in reading.
What Is a Reading Retreat?
A reading retreat is exactly what it sounds like—dedicated time to focus on reading. But it's not grabbing a random book when you have a free minute. It's being intentional with your reading time.
It's like the difference between a quick workout and a weekend wellness retreat—one keeps you going, the other renews you.
A reading retreat works the same way. You choose books you’ve been eager to read. You create the right space. You turn off distractions. And most importantly, you give yourself permission to make reading your only priority.
Some people, like Bill Gates, go all out. During his "Think Week," he disappears to a lakeside cottage with a stack of books and papers. There are no meetings, no family obligations, and no interruptions.
But your retreat doesn't need to be that extreme. The key is setting boundaries around your reading time—whether that's a full day, a weekend, or a couple of hours. Create a bubble where reading comes first.
Types of Reading Retreats
There's no one-size-fits-all with reading retreats. You can design one that fits your personality and schedule perfectly. Here are some popular options.
Going Solo
Love peace and quiet? A solo retreat might be your thing. It's just you, your books, and complete freedom to read at your own pace. No need to talk to anyone or stick to someone else's schedule. You can read late into the night or wake up early with a cup of coffee and your favorite book.
Reading with Friends
Maybe you're more social? Group retreats can be amazing. Picture a weekend rental with your book-loving friends, comfortable chairs everywhere, and great conversations about what you're reading. You can read quietly together and then share your thoughts over wine and cheese. It's like a book club, but better.
Picking a Theme
You could pick a focus for your retreat. Maybe you want to dive deep into personal growth books. Or perhaps you're in the mood for pure escape with fiction. Having a theme can help you choose your books and get more out of your reading time.
Going Virtual
Can't get away? Virtual retreats are becoming popular. You connect with other readers online, set shared reading times, and chat about your books through video calls or messaging. It's a perfect way to enjoy the retreat experience without leaving home.
Benefits of a Reading Retreat
Why bother setting aside special time just for reading? The benefits are bigger than just finishing your books.
First, there's the pure joy of getting lost in reading again. Remember when you spent hours lost in a book as a kid? That feeling is still magical. When was the last time you read guilt-free, ignoring the laundry, emails, and to-do list?
Next are the mental benefits. Deep reading—where you focus and think about what you're reading—is like a workout for your brain. You see patterns across different books.
Maybe that time management strategy connects with something you learned about habits, or that chapter on confidence reminds you of research you read about decision-making.
Taking a reading retreat can also spark new ideas. You might find solutions to persistent problems. Or find a fresh perspective on your life and career. Sometimes, stepping back with the right book helps you see things differently.
But the biggest benefit is the break from constant noise. No notifications buzzing. No mental to-do list running in the background. No switching between tasks every few minutes. It's quiet time. In today's world, that's a rare luxury.
How to Plan Your Own Reading Retreat
Ready to plan your own reading retreat? Here's a step-by-step guide to making it happen.
1. First, Get Clear on Your Goal
What do you want from your retreat? Maybe you need quiet time to explore your next career move. Or perhaps you want to tackle that stack of personal development books on your nightstand. Having a purpose helps you choose the right books and create the right environment.
2. Pick Your Spot
Your reading spot makes or breaks your retreat. It could be as simple as your guest room or as luxurious as a beach rental. What matters is comfort and quiet. Good lighting is essential. And don't forget a comfortable chair—your neck and back will thank you later.
3. Set Your Schedule (Loosely)
Don't turn your retreat into another packed calendar. But think about rhythm. You could read for two hours, then take a walk to process what you've read. Once you’re back, settle in for another session.
Build in breaks for reflection. Sometimes, the best insights come when you're not actively reading.
4. Create the Right Vibe
Think about what helps you focus and relax. A favorite throw blanket. Your perfect reading chair. That special tea or coffee mug. Fresh flowers. A scented candle. Comfortable clothes. Small touches make your retreat feel special and signal to your brain that this is different from everyday reading.
5. Deal with Distractions Before They Deal with You
Your phone is probably the biggest threat to your retreat. Consider turning off notifications or even leaving it in another room. Let your family know this is your time—no guilt allowed. Prepare meals ahead or plan for delivery so food doesn't become a distraction. The world won't end if you're unreachable for a few hours.
Bonus Tip: If You're Planning a Group Retreat
Planning a reading retreat with friends? Make sure everyone has the same expectations. When will you read quietly? When will you discuss what you’ve read? What about meals and snacks? A little planning goes a long way toward making everyone comfortable.
Can’t Take a Full Week Away?
Let's be honest. A week-long reading retreat might sound impossible between work, family, and everything else. But that doesn't mean you can't create your own mini-retreat. Here's how to make it work with a packed schedule.
The Weekend Version
Turn a regular weekend into a reading retreat. Maybe Saturday is for family, but Sunday is your time. Let everyone know that you're unavailable from 8 AM to 2 PM. Stock up on your favorite snacks, make a pot of coffee, and dive into your books. Even a few hours of focused reading can feel like a luxury.
The Power Day
Pick one day a month just for you and your books. Mark it on your calendar like any other appointment. Schedule a personal day, perhaps when children have other activities.
The key is protecting this time—treat it as non-negotiable, like a doctor's appointment. And don’t get sidetracked with cleaning out the garage, either.
The Early Bird Special
If full days are impossible, claim the early morning. Wake up an hour before everyone else. Make it special—good coffee, a comfy chair, maybe even breakfast in bed with your book. It's amazing how much you can read when the house is quiet and your mind is fresh.
Making Your Retreat Work When Life Is Crazy
Tell your family this matters to you. They might surprise you with their support.
Trade childcare with a friend. Watch their kids one weekend so they can have their own retreat next time.
If you care for aging parents, see if siblings can cover a day.
Look for pockets of time when things naturally slow down—maybe during kids' sports practice or between regular commitments.
Consider joining forces with other reading friends. Share a rental for a weekend, each taking turns watching the kids while others read.
The key is to be creative and flexible. Your reading retreat doesn't have to be like anyone else's. Even small chunks of dedicated reading time can help you recharge and reconnect with yourself.
Make Your Reading Retreat Happen
Those books you've been meaning to read? The ones that could spark new ideas or help you navigate life's challenges? The ones that have been sitting on your nightstand, giving you that little pang of guilt every time you walk by?
A reading retreat—whether it's an entire weekend away or a quiet Sunday morning—could be precisely what you need.
Ready to make it happen? Here's your three-step quick start:
Open your calendar right now and block off your first retreat time. Maybe it's next Sunday from 8 AM to noon. Make it real by scheduling it like any other important appointment.
Set up your reading spot today. Choose your most comfortable chair, add a soft blanket, and stack your books nearby. Having your space ready makes it more likely you'll follow through.
Let your family know your plans. A simple "I'm taking Sunday morning for reading" is all you need to say. No justification required—this is as important as any other form of self-care.
You don't need perfect conditions or elaborate plans. You just need permission to slow down and make reading a priority.
What will you read first during your retreat? Share your plans in the comments below!
