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Original poster

Is a Day Spent Reading Wasted?

56 replies

BookAndPiano · 02/01/2026 15:02

I have spent the day reading Jane Eyre. I have done nothing else except get washed, dressed, make cups of tea and heat up soup.

I should go out for a walk, take down decorations and sort out some laundry.

I am now feeling guilty which has taken away some of my enjoyment.

How long is too long to ball up and read?

OP posts:
tinytemper66 · 02/01/2026 17:53

An ideal day. Reading is never a waste.

mrsdolittle · 02/01/2026 17:52

Any time reading is time well spent in my opinion. Certainly not time wasted!!!!

I am a massive reader and over the Christmas break have read loads of books. Equally DH (not a reader) has watched loads of old black and white films. Each to their own I say. We all deserve downtime after all

BitOutOfPractice · 02/01/2026 17:39

Goodness no, never wasted. Especially on a superb book like that. Enjoy op. And happy New year.

HelenaWilson · 02/01/2026 17:38

Well, there was no possibility of taking a walk today so....what else is a girl to do?

I see what you did there......

At this time of year, when the days are short and the weather is grey and miserable, a good book, with a mug of tea and a supply of chocolate, or whatever you fancy, is absolutely the best way to spend the day. No need even to get out of bed, except to visit the loo and get more tea.

FizzingAda · 02/01/2026 17:35

Written on the cover of my sketchbook (applies to books as well!)
Dust is a protective covering for furniture.
no gravestone ever says 'she kept a spotless house'.

Enjoy a day spent recharging your batteries, OP!

Original poster
BookAndPiano · 02/01/2026 17:31

Thank you, everyone!💖

I did have a bit of a break-took down decorations- but thanks to you all I feel vindicated and might just do the very same again sooner rather than later.

OP posts:
FolioQuarto · 02/01/2026 17:17

I sometimes declare that "today is a reading day" and do just that. I do, however, get up at least once an hour to stretch, do a few exercises or walk round the garden.

My mother once came to stay when she was having some work done on her house. We hardly heard a peep out of her, she was too busy investigating our bookshelves and reading.

SheilaFentiman · 02/01/2026 17:03

Excellent work OP

Thoughtsandprayers · 02/01/2026 17:02

Sounds like a perfect day to me-laundry & decs can wait until tomorrow.

I’ve just spent the last 3 hours reading, about to get something to eat then will carry on-have about 150 pages to go.

ThankYouNigel · 02/01/2026 16:59

What a heavenly day OP. Reading is the most enjoyable way to spend your free time. I read as much as I can get away with every day. It’s also a brilliant time of year to relax after Xmas/NY, it’s still the middle of Winter, perfect time to curl up with a book. You enjoy!!! 📚

goldtrap · 02/01/2026 16:56

Well, there was no possibility of taking a walk today so....what else is a girl to do?😉

peoplegetready · 02/01/2026 16:24

Sounds just perfect

WhatALightbulbMoment · 02/01/2026 15:53

Sounds like the perfect day to me!

Mikart · 02/01/2026 15:46

Never! I read a 500 page novel yesterday as well as a 5 mile walk and making a roast dinner

JennySayQuoi · 02/01/2026 15:43

ElizabethVonArnim · 02/01/2026 15:05

Sounds wonderful! I spent the day a few days ago reading two Georgette Heyer novels back to back and it was the best day over the whole Christmas season.

Ooh, which ones? These Old Shades followed by Devil's Cub? Love Georgette Heyer...

Purplecatshopaholic · 02/01/2026 15:43

Sounds heaven op. I am trying to do more self care this year, including reading books and not feeling guilty! Currently reading Mike Joyce’s The Drums, and a couple of books about ADHD and the menopause (whole other thread..)

LaurieFairyCake · 02/01/2026 15:40

A better question is why is your life so filled with things to do that you can’t spend more time reading Wink

I say this as someone who has been lying in a bath reading the internet for last 3 hours …

CatWithThreeLegs · 02/01/2026 15:35

I look at time spent reading as self care, and that is important. I have CFS and fibromyalgia I have to factor in some rest time in my day anyway so reading is something I do then.

DarkEyedSailor · 02/01/2026 15:32

Of course not. I've spent the day twatting about on here, reading a book on Victorian history and eating biscuits.

mamaduckbone · 02/01/2026 15:31

Definitely not wasted. I wish I could do that - I love reading but find it very hard to do during the day.

WeKnowFrogsGoShaLaLaLaLa · 02/01/2026 15:23

Time you enjoy wasting, is never wasted time OP ❤️

WallaceinAnderland · 02/01/2026 15:22

No more so than a day watching tv or a day gaming.

Miranda65 · 02/01/2026 15:22

OP, that sounds fabulous.
I have often been known to spend whole weekends just reading - the time is never wasted.
You'll always remember the joy of "Jane Eyre" , and that's way more important than laundry, FFS!
You need to have days like this much more often, tbh.

NeedForSpeedyGonzales · 02/01/2026 15:22

Never a waste ever IMO.

It's a rest for the body and exercise for the brain. So important.

ILoveYouJefferyS · 02/01/2026 15:21

No not at all.. l do it often.. but live alone... reading is one of my biggest passions.

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