11 Relaxing Reads: Coffee Table Books
We all need phone scrolling, social media, screen time breaks here and there, right?
There’s usually a point when it becomes clear that it’s time to put the tech down and pick up a good old fashioned book.
But what about those times when you just don’t have the energy to digest a full on book?
And you want something a little more entertaining than the back of a cereal box (btw the back of the cereal box game has seriously declined…)
These books are for those times when you’re in need of a tech break but want something chill and flip-through-able.
ENJOY!
1.) There’s No Right Way to Meditate
Yumi Sakugawa
THIS MIGHT BE FOR YOU IF…
You love whimsical, imaginative illustrations, and you’re curious about getting into meditation but want some freedom, flexibility and creativity to be part of the process.
2.) Am I There Yet?
Mari Andrew
THIS MIGHT BE FOR YOU IF…
You’re in the mood for charming illustrations that are accompanied by bite sized poignant snippets about life that’ll have you chuckling and prob tearing up here and there as well.
3.) The Little Book of Hygge
Meik Wiking
THIS MIGHT BE FOR YOU IF…
You’re looking for some inspo or tips to add more coziness, relaxation and calm into your day to day.
4.) The Home Cafe
Asia Lui Chapa
THIS MIGHT BE FOR YOU IF…
Want to create special moments in the day, and make your home feel a bit more like a trendy Hampden cafe.
Don’t worry if you’re sans espresso machine. That’s only a tiny segment of the book.
You’ll have your pick of delicious coffee and tea based delights as well!
5.) Snacking Cakes
Yassey Arefi
THIS MIGHT BE FOR YOU IF…
You love TRULY EASY to make and ABSOLUTELY DELICIOUS to eat cakes, that make for lovely afternoon snacks.
I also adore this book because each recipe has creative variation ideas, so you start to pick up on formulas and can get creative and come up with your own ideas as you go!
I mean… brown butter white chocolate pecan cake?! Powdered sugar donut cake?!
For a perfect afternoon pick a snacking cake recipe and pair it with a fun drink from the Home Cafe Book above 🤗.
6.) Home Therapy
Anita Yokota
THIS MIGHT BE FOR YOU IF…
You love flipping through beautiful, calming home decor books.
What makes this book extra special is that it’s written by a therapist turned interior designer!
So there’s neat tips throughout about how to make your space feel calmer from a mental health expert’s perspective. Pretty cool.
7.) Atlas of The Heart
Brene Brown
THIS MIGHT BE FOR YOU IF…
You like the idea of having a dictionary for your feelings.
Beautifully laid out, easy to digest. This book will help you quickly and easily put words to how you’re feeling, which is such a healing thing to do for yourself.
8.) Wild at Home
Hilton Carter
THIS MIGHT BE FOR YOU IF…
You picked up a serious love for plants during the pandemic lockdown.
A Baltimore native (woo hoo!), Hilton Carter gives tips for styling and caring for your home plant collection.
The pics are just so lovely and fun to flip through.
9.) Your Illustrated Guide to Becoming One With The Universe
Yumi Sakugawa
THIS MIGHT BE FOR YOU IF…
You’re feeling kinda existential, philosophical or reflective.
The playful, imaginative illustrations are gorgeous, and the tone is supportive, deep and inspiring.
“from setting fire to your anxieties to sharing a cup of tea with your inner demons, you will learn how to let go and truly connect with the world around you.”
10.) How to Breathe
Ashley Neese
THIS MIGHT BE FOR YOU IF…
Want to learn more about breath work, and get great suggestions about what breathing exercises are helpful for specific life challenges.
Here’s another one that’s easy to digest and beautiful to flip through, all packed with helpful tips to build “calm, joy, and resilience”.
11.) Cut Flower Garden
Erin Benzakein
THIS MIGHT BE FOR YOU IF…
You love looking at gorgeous flower fields and arrangements.
It’s chock full of tips for growing, arranging and decorating with flowers. But even if you’re sorta lazy when it comes to the gardening department (🙋♀️) this is a worthwhile pick, just for the sake of enjoying the photos.
Hi! I’m Ellie-
A private practice therapist offering online therapy to empathetic women & couples in Baltimore Maryland. I help women manage anxiety & stress and couples strengthen their relationships.
If you live in Baltimore or anywhere in Maryland, reach out to see if we’re a good fit for therapy
