How to Find Joy Outside of Books

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I realize the irony of this post isn’t lost on anyone. My last post was all about the upcoming book releases I’m excited for, and now I’m writing about finding joy outside of books. 

I know, I know, but that’s the beauty of reading (and life, really).

It ebbs and flows. (which I did write about here.)

Sometimes we are devouring pages late into the night, and other times we’re more present in the small, everyday joys around us. 

Lately, I’ve been in one of those slower reading seasons. My TBR is still stacked, my anticipation is still growing, but my energy hasn’t always matched my ambitions. 

And instead of forcing myself back into a rhythm, I’ve been learning to lean into what’s bringing me joy right now, even if it’s not book-shaped. 

When Reading Isn’t the Center

There’s a funny guilt that comes with being a reader when you’re not actively reading. 

The unfinished books on the nightstand, the library loans returned either unread or unfinished. 

The stories you meant to pick up but didn’t.

I’ve felt it a lot this season, and maybe you have too. 

But here’s the reminder I keep coming back to: there’s nothing wrong with stepping back. 

Reading doesn’t disappear just because we’re moving slower. The books will always be there, waiting when we are ready again. 

In the meantime, there’s plenty of joy to be found in the space between chapters. 

Everyday Joys Beyond Books

Lately, my joy has been showing up in other ways. 

Plants 

Tending to my little collection, rearranging the shelves, watching a new leaf unfurl – it’s become its own quiet story of growth. 

Creative Work

Writing blog posts, playing with video ideas, even just snapping photos for the sake of capturing a moment. 

These things make me feel more grounded, especially as I’m in a season of trying to find my creative spark again. 

Hobbies

Something I am trying to do is enjoy things, just for the sake of enjoying them.

Playing Stardew Valley on my Switch, experimenting with air-dry clay, sketching just to sketch. 

Doing things to help feel creative and have an outlet for stress that is not doomscrolling. 

More Screen Time

But not my phone’s screen time, more TV streaming time. 

As the weather cools down, more TV shows have new seasons or new shows popping up. 

I have been loving the newest season of Only Murders in The Building, as well as doing my first watch of 9-1-1!

And you know it’s time to revisit my favorite fall shows and movies, I have them listed here if you’re interested. 

Relationships 

Spending more time with my fiancé before we get married soon, carving out time just to spend with my pets, and being more social overall. 

I used to isolate myself purposefully. I was misguided and felt that was the only way I could really protect myself. 

But I was pouring my energy into the wrong relationships. Now I’m focusing on spending more time with people who fill my cup too. 

None of these things replace books. They stand on their own as small joys that make my days feel full. 

Why Stepping Away Helps

The more I’ve leaned into these things, the more I’ve realized: stepping away from reading for a while doesn’t mean losing it. 

It often means coming back with fresh energy. 

When I pick up a book after a little time away, it feels new again. Not a chore, but a choice. 

There’s a certain rhythm to life, and honoring it means letting ourselves enjoy what’s here right now. 

Stories will always wait patiently for us, but everyday joys are fleeting in their own way. 

Final Thoughts

So yes, I’m still counting down the days to those new releases I talked about in my last post. 

But I’m also reminding myself (and maybe you too) that joy doesn’t only live between the pages. 

Sometimes it’s in the plants on the windowsill, the mug of tea in your hands, the laughter in a conversation, or the quiet moments of just being. 

The best part is, we don’t have to choose. Books will always be there, but so will the simple, everyday moments that make life feel full.