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Make Yourself Cozy: A Guide for Practicing Self-Care
Embrace the cozy pleasures of life with Katie Vaz’s interactive guide to self-care.
Freshly baked bread. Cloud-like pillows. Lavender tea. Katie Vaz’s book on self-care shows readers how slow, cozy warmth can help them deal with the anxieties and challenges of everyday life. Filled with tips for creating the perfect atmosphere of coziness (super soft blankets, fluffy robes, and something binge-worthy on TV) as well as sweet, gentle prompts that inspire readers to fill in their own content (“Fill these clouds with words that make you feel light and free”), this book encourages all of us to slow down and find joy in the little things.
Freshly baked bread. Cloud-like pillows. Lavender tea. Katie Vaz’s book on self-care shows readers how slow, cozy warmth can help them deal with the anxieties and challenges of everyday life. Filled with tips for creating the perfect atmosphere of coziness (super soft blankets, fluffy robes, and something binge-worthy on TV) as well as sweet, gentle prompts that inspire readers to fill in their own content (“Fill these clouds with words that make you feel light and free”), this book encourages all of us to slow down and find joy in the little things.
128 pages, Paperback
First published October 2, 2018
23 people are currently reading
632 people want to read
About the author
Katie Vaz
9 books81 followersI’m an illustrator, author, and hand-letterer living in Upstate New York with my husband, a dog named Tater, and a cat named KittenFace McMittens.
My books include Tiny Joys (Andrews McMeel, 2023); Cottagecore Galore (Andrews McMeel, 2022); Life with Plants (Andrews McMeel, 2021); My Life in Plants (Andrews McMeel, 2020); The Escape Manual for Introverts (Andrews McMeel, 2019); Make Yourself Cozy: A Guide for Practicing Self-Care (Andrews McMeel, 2018); and Don’t Worry, Eat Cake (Andrews McMeel, 2016), which was featured on Canada's Biggest Bestseller List at Chapters Indigo.
In addition to creating books, I work as a freelance illustrator and designer with a variety of clients on branding, packaging design, and illustration projects. I also design my own line of greeting cards, prints and other stationery products, which are sold both online in my Etsy shop and in brick-and-mortar shops throughout North America.
I particularly love plants, Harry Potter, traveling to new places, and cooking (current obsession: homemade vegetarian ramen). When I’m not drawing, you can find me in my kitchen trying out a new recipe, hanging out with Tater on the couch, tending to my garden, or dreaming of the next place I want to visit. I’m inspired by whimsical details in nature, mid-century design + illustration, and the ordinary moments of life.
My books include Tiny Joys (Andrews McMeel, 2023); Cottagecore Galore (Andrews McMeel, 2022); Life with Plants (Andrews McMeel, 2021); My Life in Plants (Andrews McMeel, 2020); The Escape Manual for Introverts (Andrews McMeel, 2019); Make Yourself Cozy: A Guide for Practicing Self-Care (Andrews McMeel, 2018); and Don’t Worry, Eat Cake (Andrews McMeel, 2016), which was featured on Canada's Biggest Bestseller List at Chapters Indigo.
In addition to creating books, I work as a freelance illustrator and designer with a variety of clients on branding, packaging design, and illustration projects. I also design my own line of greeting cards, prints and other stationery products, which are sold both online in my Etsy shop and in brick-and-mortar shops throughout North America.
I particularly love plants, Harry Potter, traveling to new places, and cooking (current obsession: homemade vegetarian ramen). When I’m not drawing, you can find me in my kitchen trying out a new recipe, hanging out with Tater on the couch, tending to my garden, or dreaming of the next place I want to visit. I’m inspired by whimsical details in nature, mid-century design + illustration, and the ordinary moments of life.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews
August 5, 2018
Having spent years working in the fields of social services and behavioral/mental health, believe me when I say self-care is more important than people realize. I have taught this to my clients and it's a constant reminder to myself. Be kind to yourself. Find moments each day to make yourself a priority. Find ways to cope with stress that are nurturing and not destructive.
Care.
I'm always looking for new or at least more interesting self-care ideas and Make Yourself Cozy: A Guide for Practicing Self-Care has many. It incorporates food and drink ideas, arts/crafts, hygiene/grooming, a few written activities to help increase self-awareness, indoor/outdoor exercise ideas, prompts to socialize with others, fabric textures that feel comforting and other sensory suggestions, chores that will result in a better mood (think clean bed sheets!), reminding self that uncomfortable feelings are temporary and "sometimes we are doing better in life than we think." (I love that one!), and a new one for me: giving yourself permission to not have the solution to a problem today. It's not new to me in a therapeutic sense but I haven't thought about it in terms of self-care. Permission granted!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was visually fun and had great ideas and activities all with this very important theme. It'd be a great item to have on hand because in this busy, busy world, we need all the reminders we can get!
Thank you to the following for permitting me access to an advance reader's copy (ARC) of Make Yourself Cozy: A Guide for Practicing Self-Care. This generosity did not impact my honesty when rating/reviewing.
Source: NetGalley
Author: Katie Vaz
Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing
Genres: Religion & Spirituality, Self-Help
Pub Date: October 2, 2018
Care.
I'm always looking for new or at least more interesting self-care ideas and Make Yourself Cozy: A Guide for Practicing Self-Care has many. It incorporates food and drink ideas, arts/crafts, hygiene/grooming, a few written activities to help increase self-awareness, indoor/outdoor exercise ideas, prompts to socialize with others, fabric textures that feel comforting and other sensory suggestions, chores that will result in a better mood (think clean bed sheets!), reminding self that uncomfortable feelings are temporary and "sometimes we are doing better in life than we think." (I love that one!), and a new one for me: giving yourself permission to not have the solution to a problem today. It's not new to me in a therapeutic sense but I haven't thought about it in terms of self-care. Permission granted!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was visually fun and had great ideas and activities all with this very important theme. It'd be a great item to have on hand because in this busy, busy world, we need all the reminders we can get!
Thank you to the following for permitting me access to an advance reader's copy (ARC) of Make Yourself Cozy: A Guide for Practicing Self-Care. This generosity did not impact my honesty when rating/reviewing.
Source: NetGalley
Author: Katie Vaz
Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing
Genres: Religion & Spirituality, Self-Help
Pub Date: October 2, 2018
August 13, 2018
What a delightful book! We tend to forget to offer ourselves the much-needed self-care. I suffer from depression and anxiety and I end up beating myself up a lot. I'm learning that through the art of self-care and being mindful I have a better chance to overcome the many obstacles that plague me. Most of them are imagined I believe because of the pressure I put on myself to get everything done, I never seem to take time out for myself. I'm always on a mission, I suffer from an illness that limits my ability to accomplish some of the most simplistic tasks.
Ms. Vaz book was just what I needed, it's written in such a way that her ideas are simplistic and attainable. I highly recommend this book to everyone and I'm going to be purchasing this cute little book for Christmas gifts. I think we all need to practice self-care especially if we want to help others.
I would like to thank the publisher and NetGalley for providing me a copy of this e-galley in exchange for my honest opinion.
Ms. Vaz book was just what I needed, it's written in such a way that her ideas are simplistic and attainable. I highly recommend this book to everyone and I'm going to be purchasing this cute little book for Christmas gifts. I think we all need to practice self-care especially if we want to help others.
I would like to thank the publisher and NetGalley for providing me a copy of this e-galley in exchange for my honest opinion.
August 4, 2018
Make Yourself Cozy by Katie Vaz is like a love letter to readers to love themselves, and invest in self care. Sometimes life gets stressful, and extremely busy with either school or work. Make Yourself Cozy may be a graphic novel, but there are several ideas that can help with self care. It may be small reminders like making yourself a favorite cider or hot chocolate, to watching guilty pleasures on tv, or creating a cozy outfit just for yourself. I picked up the book because I care about my self care, and I am investing it in. It's a lighter read than the other books I have read, and appreciate it. Though, I wish it had a bit more recipes, but nonetheless, I found this book cute and lighthearted. It melted my bitter heart, ha ha.
September 21, 2018
This is the book we need, ya'll! I mean EVERYONE!
Living with depression and anxiety, I speak loudly about the importance of self care and self love. IT IS VITAL. You would think it would come easily, taking care of yourself. Especially being a parent, partner, or have a position in your career where others rely on you. I mean, if you can take care of other people then how hard can it be to take care of yourself, right?? WRONG. It is so easy to forget and even easier to feel guilty about.
I love, let me say this loudly, LOVE this book, Make Yourself Cozy by Katie Vaz! I have read numerous self help books and more than a couple on self care and this is the one I will carry with me! It is a book of adorable and highly relatable illustrations and interactive pages showing all of the different ways we can practices self care. And it DOES take practice! This is an excellent tool to keep handy when you are feeling overwhelmed, anxious, depressed or even just fine but you have a few minutes to show yourself some care. This book doesn't just tell you to take care of yourself or even that you should. IT IS A TOOL. Some pages give examples, some ask questions for you to answer so that you can practice your own unique coping skills and self care practices. There are pages for you to fill in the blank that will get you thinking about how to become a better you FOR you.
Make Yourself Cozy would be a wonderful tool for everyone to have with them tucked away in a purse or car or downloaded on your phone. I highly recommend this book to everyone as we all need extra help when it comes to taking care of ourselves! I plan on purchasing a copy once it releases and recommending it to my own therapist as a possible tool for her other patients.
Special thanks to Netgalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for an opportunity to read and review this book.
Living with depression and anxiety, I speak loudly about the importance of self care and self love. IT IS VITAL. You would think it would come easily, taking care of yourself. Especially being a parent, partner, or have a position in your career where others rely on you. I mean, if you can take care of other people then how hard can it be to take care of yourself, right?? WRONG. It is so easy to forget and even easier to feel guilty about.
I love, let me say this loudly, LOVE this book, Make Yourself Cozy by Katie Vaz! I have read numerous self help books and more than a couple on self care and this is the one I will carry with me! It is a book of adorable and highly relatable illustrations and interactive pages showing all of the different ways we can practices self care. And it DOES take practice! This is an excellent tool to keep handy when you are feeling overwhelmed, anxious, depressed or even just fine but you have a few minutes to show yourself some care. This book doesn't just tell you to take care of yourself or even that you should. IT IS A TOOL. Some pages give examples, some ask questions for you to answer so that you can practice your own unique coping skills and self care practices. There are pages for you to fill in the blank that will get you thinking about how to become a better you FOR you.
Make Yourself Cozy would be a wonderful tool for everyone to have with them tucked away in a purse or car or downloaded on your phone. I highly recommend this book to everyone as we all need extra help when it comes to taking care of ourselves! I plan on purchasing a copy once it releases and recommending it to my own therapist as a possible tool for her other patients.
Special thanks to Netgalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for an opportunity to read and review this book.
July 31, 2020
Right up my alley. I just wish I actually had the book copy so I could write down the prompts instead of doing them all in my head.
March 28, 2020
"Make Yourself Cozy" is a quick and enjoyable read with such charming illustrations and excellent self-care tips for everyone - especially introverts, book lovers, and those suffering from anxiety and/or depression. This book is somewhat interactive and full of recipes for feeling happily cozy.
The only reason I gave this book 4 stars instead of 5 is that the text and images on many of the pages in my paperback copy were printed blurry, some of which are a kind of blurry that gives me a motion sickness feeling to look at. I'll have to remedy this by hand tracing and darkening the blurry pages.
The only reason I gave this book 4 stars instead of 5 is that the text and images on many of the pages in my paperback copy were printed blurry, some of which are a kind of blurry that gives me a motion sickness feeling to look at. I'll have to remedy this by hand tracing and darkening the blurry pages.
July 17, 2019
“Make Yourself Cozy” by Katie Vaz is filled with fun illustrations and wonderful advice for providing luxurious care of self. Think on these descriptions and see how relaxed you feel, as they form the essence of Katie’s joyful guide: “Freshly baked bread. Cloud-like pillows. Lavender tea. Slow cozy warmth. Super soft blankets. Fluffy robes. Binge-worthy TV.” There are gentle prompts that encourage you to fill in your own thoughts on what makes you feel light and free as you slow down and find joy in everyday things. 5/5
Pub Date 02 Oct 2018
Thanks to Andrews McMeel Publishing and NetGalley for the review copy. Opinions are fully mine.
#MakeYourselfCozy #NetGalley
Pub Date 02 Oct 2018
Thanks to Andrews McMeel Publishing and NetGalley for the review copy. Opinions are fully mine.
#MakeYourselfCozy #NetGalley
August 10, 2018
I loved this little book so much ! It is full of cute illustrations and hand lettering and so many cozy ideas. This book would be a great gift for someone going through a difficult time in their life or just anyone who enjoys cuddling up at home in a warm blanket.
Thanks to NetGalley for this book to review.
Thanks to NetGalley for this book to review.
September 18, 2020
Make Yourself Cozy: A Guide for Practicing Self-Care by Katie Vaz offers a plethora of suggestions and encouragement for women to take time to nurture themselves. The author also has sprinkled each page with cute sketches that made me smile.
February 8, 2021
Just *reading it* made me feel cozy. ❤
April 1, 2020
Solid 4 stars
Katie Vaz' Make Yourself Cozy: A Guide for Practicing Self-Care is a delightful little book that encourages us to be cozy, be kind to ourselves, and to acknowledge that self-care is not selfish. I know that there are a number of self-care books and blogs out there, but this one has the special treat of being a lovely illustrated book.
Katie Vaz' Make Yourself Cozy: A Guide for Practicing Self-Care is a delightful little book that encourages us to be cozy, be kind to ourselves, and to acknowledge that self-care is not selfish. I know that there are a number of self-care books and blogs out there, but this one has the special treat of being a lovely illustrated book.
July 26, 2020
Cute book for when you need an adult time out.
August 27, 2018
While this short book isn't heavy on words, it is full of great suggestions for bringing more coziness into your life. There were a few things I especially appreciated - suggested houseplants were noted as pet safe or not, there are suggested activities for all four seasons, the journal leaves space for comments/drawings, the illustrations are cute but simple and one suggestion made is to go pet cats and dogs at your local shelter! I've been doing just that the past month is so and I can second that idea as a feel-good activity. :-) After a quick first read-through, I realized I'm much better at providing cozy spots in my home for my furry kids than I am for myself. I'll definitely be using some of Katie's suggestions to make my home a little more cozy for myself as well. Hmm, do they make giant, squishy pillows for people? ;-)
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this cozy little book. Comments are my own, unbiased opinion.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this cozy little book. Comments are my own, unbiased opinion.
August 8, 2018
Graphic book about how to deal with the stress and anxiety of every day life. It isn't intended to be self-help or go too indepth, more it's a drawn out list of things you can do to unwind. It's very cute, I won't lie. But most of the suggestions are easily found in internet.
It offers prompts and questions, whether to draw or create your “cozy”
I particularly appreciated the breads, foods, and spices ideas because as someone with anxiety, the hardest part of self-care is often the basics. It lets you feel good and accomplished as you cozy up.
Since most of these feel good things are common sense, I feel as if the author could’ve linked to some of her favorite recipes, tea makers, etc. I really liked the berry chia jam recipe! And the fruit crisp! Yes, I can google bread recipe. I can google recipes! But suggestions would be nice, especially for those who lack the initiative. Especially since it seems to be a ebook. Which easily links, I suppose in a physical format it’d be a little irritating, but just an idea.
I also appreciated the idea of a game night, book club, or cooking club. It’s a great way to feel at home surrounded by loved ones IF your space allows for it.
Dresses and tights as outfits. Cozy care package for friends. It gives you ideas for feeling cozy outside your home, how good giving feels, and towards the end focuses on how you can deal with negative emotions to keep your cozy across seasons and bad days.
The book started off a little obvious for me but at the tail-end I definitely felt some improvement which bumped this book from 3 stars to a solid 4. '
**given to me by netgallety in return for a review~
It offers prompts and questions, whether to draw or create your “cozy”
I particularly appreciated the breads, foods, and spices ideas because as someone with anxiety, the hardest part of self-care is often the basics. It lets you feel good and accomplished as you cozy up.
Since most of these feel good things are common sense, I feel as if the author could’ve linked to some of her favorite recipes, tea makers, etc. I really liked the berry chia jam recipe! And the fruit crisp! Yes, I can google bread recipe. I can google recipes! But suggestions would be nice, especially for those who lack the initiative. Especially since it seems to be a ebook. Which easily links, I suppose in a physical format it’d be a little irritating, but just an idea.
I also appreciated the idea of a game night, book club, or cooking club. It’s a great way to feel at home surrounded by loved ones IF your space allows for it.
Dresses and tights as outfits. Cozy care package for friends. It gives you ideas for feeling cozy outside your home, how good giving feels, and towards the end focuses on how you can deal with negative emotions to keep your cozy across seasons and bad days.
The book started off a little obvious for me but at the tail-end I definitely felt some improvement which bumped this book from 3 stars to a solid 4. '
**given to me by netgallety in return for a review~
September 2, 2018
[I was given an ARC for an honest review]
This book is so cute and amazing and cozy! I loved it and I really want to buy the paperback edition as soon as it comes out because it is so cute! It's filled with lovely images and such cute tips. I really enjoy reading (and dedicating my time) to self-care and self-love and this book is the perfect guide! Especially since it focus A LOT on the Autumn season which happens to be my favourite. I loved this book so much and I totally recommend to everyone that enjoys books with cute and happy drawings, good self-love tips and lots of cozy and hygge-inspired tips! :)
This book is so cute and amazing and cozy! I loved it and I really want to buy the paperback edition as soon as it comes out because it is so cute! It's filled with lovely images and such cute tips. I really enjoy reading (and dedicating my time) to self-care and self-love and this book is the perfect guide! Especially since it focus A LOT on the Autumn season which happens to be my favourite. I loved this book so much and I totally recommend to everyone that enjoys books with cute and happy drawings, good self-love tips and lots of cozy and hygge-inspired tips! :)
May 13, 2020
This was an adorable little book/journal all about taking care of yourself. There's a mixture written prompts, fun activities, artistic drawings, and various recipes that each touch a little on self care. My favorites had to be mix-and-match to create your day activities because they help you craft your own schedule based on what you need. I also loved the illustrations and overall color scheme. I would recommend this to fans of The Little Book of Hygge or those looking to practice self-care in and out of quarantine. It's a quick read though I do recommend a physical copy because the E-book didn't do the illustrations justice and I gave this three out of five stars.
August 7, 2018
** A copy of Make Yourself Cozy was provided by the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review **
“Coziness may last a couple of days.” - This quote aptly sums up the importance of self-care and why this delightful guide is what you need if you struggle with making time for self-care. This interactive guide is filled with inspirational quotes, cute illustrations and fun exercises. While some of the exercises listed are obvious and popular, the format (pick and choose, lists, colouring) makes up for it. Overall, I found myself smiling while reading it and marking off exercises to refer to during a mental-health day.
“Coziness may last a couple of days.” - This quote aptly sums up the importance of self-care and why this delightful guide is what you need if you struggle with making time for self-care. This interactive guide is filled with inspirational quotes, cute illustrations and fun exercises. While some of the exercises listed are obvious and popular, the format (pick and choose, lists, colouring) makes up for it. Overall, I found myself smiling while reading it and marking off exercises to refer to during a mental-health day.
April 3, 2020
I received this book from a friend recently. It is a delightfully cute illustrated guide to self care with recipes, questions and lists. It is exactly what I needed at this moment in time. It has a beautiful message to take care of yourself and savor life’s little things.
November 29, 2021
Very cute! I wish this came as a calendar as well so you could have little reminders of self care tactics and goals as you go along each season. Charming ways to remind you to care for yourself and to express kindness to others.
November 22, 2022
Beautiful suggestions and illustrations to help motivate yourself to prioritize self-care.
I think some of the illustrations are more geared for women, but usually the advice is fairly general.
Apparently you can use nutmeg to flavor coffee. That would probably go well with vanilla flavoring.
I think some of the illustrations are more geared for women, but usually the advice is fairly general.
Apparently you can use nutmeg to flavor coffee. That would probably go well with vanilla flavoring.
April 17, 2020
Hermosos doodles! y los ejercicios también.
Me gustaría tener la versión en papel ^^
Me gustaría tener la versión en papel ^^
February 16, 2021
Beautiful illustrations 👏🏽
Meaningful content 👏🏽
Great prompts for self reflection 👏🏽
Leaves you feeling warm and cozy 😊❤️
Meaningful content 👏🏽
Great prompts for self reflection 👏🏽
Leaves you feeling warm and cozy 😊❤️
June 11, 2021
I smiled the whole time reading this 🥰 it was given to me as a birthday present and honestly it was so on point for me. It was like a hug in book form 🙂 I loved it.
April 28, 2020
Free on hoopla. Cute, quick doodle journal.
August 6, 2018
A really cute self-care book. I loved all of the illustrations and recommendations. This is a great little book and would make a lovely gift for friends.
Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
August 4, 2018
Cute.
September 23, 2023
Simply perfect. This time during the pandemic is great to practice self care.
October 3, 2018
Make Yourself Cozy: A Guide for Practicing Self-Care is an adorable gift for a friend (or for yourself!) who is dealing with challenges in life, who is fighting mental health issues like mild anxiety or depression, or who just needs a reminder of the importance of quality self-care. With charming drawings and a wealth of ideas for physical and emotional warmth and healing, Make Yourself Cozy is the perfect start to a self-care bundle.
It’s filled with delightful drawings as well as interactive pages where you can add your own favorite self-care objects, write about your own feelings, and even draw your own cozy spots. And if that’s not enough, there are recipes and craft ideas, party ideas and potential getaways, houseplant suggestions and fashion ideas to fill your mind—and your life—with cozy thoughts.
Make Yourself Cozy is the second book by illustrator, designer, and creator of lovely cards and gifts Katie Vaz. Her first book was a coloring book called Don’t Worry Eat Cake (this is my life’s motto! except that I do sometimes worry and other times I eat pudding), and I’m already on board for her next book, out next year, The Escape Manual for Introverts. Her vision of life, which jumps off the page through her engaging illustrations as well as her gentle way of looking at life’s harsher moments, offers a soothing balm.
This book is the perfect antidote for a life that feels too loud, too demanding, or too harsh. So grab your favorite pajamas, snuggle under your softest blanket, grab your favorite hot beverage, and turn on your favorite soft music and open up this book to find the peaceful, cozy, warm, and inspiring self-care you so desperately need.
Also, eat more cake.
Galleys for Make Yourself Cozy were provided by Andrews McMeel Publishing through NetGalley.com, with many thanks.
It’s filled with delightful drawings as well as interactive pages where you can add your own favorite self-care objects, write about your own feelings, and even draw your own cozy spots. And if that’s not enough, there are recipes and craft ideas, party ideas and potential getaways, houseplant suggestions and fashion ideas to fill your mind—and your life—with cozy thoughts.
Make Yourself Cozy is the second book by illustrator, designer, and creator of lovely cards and gifts Katie Vaz. Her first book was a coloring book called Don’t Worry Eat Cake (this is my life’s motto! except that I do sometimes worry and other times I eat pudding), and I’m already on board for her next book, out next year, The Escape Manual for Introverts. Her vision of life, which jumps off the page through her engaging illustrations as well as her gentle way of looking at life’s harsher moments, offers a soothing balm.
This book is the perfect antidote for a life that feels too loud, too demanding, or too harsh. So grab your favorite pajamas, snuggle under your softest blanket, grab your favorite hot beverage, and turn on your favorite soft music and open up this book to find the peaceful, cozy, warm, and inspiring self-care you so desperately need.
Also, eat more cake.
Galleys for Make Yourself Cozy were provided by Andrews McMeel Publishing through NetGalley.com, with many thanks.
August 26, 2020
Having spent years working in the fields of social services and behavioral/mental health, believe me when I say self-care is more important than people realize. I have taught this to my clients and it's a constant reminder to myself. Be kind to yourself. Find moments each day to make yourself a priority. Find ways to cope with stress that are nurturing and not destructive.
Care.
I'm always looking for new or at least more interesting self-care ideas and Make Yourself Cozy: A Guide for Practicing Self-Care has many. It incorporates food and drink ideas, arts/crafts, hygiene/grooming, a few written activities to help increase self-awareness, indoor/outdoor exercise ideas, prompts to socialize with others, fabric textures that feel comforting and other sensory suggestions, chores that will result in a better mood (think clean bed sheets!), reminding self that uncomfortable feelings are temporary and "sometimes we are doing better in life than we think." (I love that one!), and a new one for me: giving yourself permission to not have the solution to a problem today. It's not new to me in a therapeutic sense but I haven't thought about it in terms of self-care. Permission granted!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was visually fun and had great ideas and activities all with this very important theme. It'd be a great item to have on hand because in this busy, busy world, we need all the reminders we can get!
Thank you to the following for permitting me access to an advance reader's copy (ARC) of Make Yourself Cozy: A Guide for Practicing Self-Care. This generosity did not impact my honesty when rating/reviewing.
Source: NetGalley
Author: Katie Vaz
Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing
Care.
I'm always looking for new or at least more interesting self-care ideas and Make Yourself Cozy: A Guide for Practicing Self-Care has many. It incorporates food and drink ideas, arts/crafts, hygiene/grooming, a few written activities to help increase self-awareness, indoor/outdoor exercise ideas, prompts to socialize with others, fabric textures that feel comforting and other sensory suggestions, chores that will result in a better mood (think clean bed sheets!), reminding self that uncomfortable feelings are temporary and "sometimes we are doing better in life than we think." (I love that one!), and a new one for me: giving yourself permission to not have the solution to a problem today. It's not new to me in a therapeutic sense but I haven't thought about it in terms of self-care. Permission granted!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was visually fun and had great ideas and activities all with this very important theme. It'd be a great item to have on hand because in this busy, busy world, we need all the reminders we can get!
Thank you to the following for permitting me access to an advance reader's copy (ARC) of Make Yourself Cozy: A Guide for Practicing Self-Care. This generosity did not impact my honesty when rating/reviewing.
Source: NetGalley
Author: Katie Vaz
Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing
September 17, 2018
I received an eARC from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Review originally posted on my blog, Turning Pages.
I’m a big believer in alone time to refresh. In having little things or hobbies to brighten your day, especially when you’ve had a stressful time. I haven’t read a self-help book since the Chicken Soup for the Soul books as a kid/teen, but this book was a joy to read.
The tips within this book are some things I do already, so I appreciated being encouraged to continue. I love having fresh or dried flowers to brighten up my room. I love plants. Reading time and enjoying a good snack is one of my favourite things to do. Going on a walk - weather permitting - is also a good stress-reliever. I enjoyed that these tips are easy things we can accomplish if we start to make time for ourselves, or more time with loved ones. It’s too easy to get caught up in work, especially since work tends to dominate much of our lives.
The book also has recipes, which I found really fun! I love the idea of baking and cooking, though often I’m too tired to really go for it. But the recipes are a good motivator to try.
There are some ‘worksheets’ within, like naming things that upset us or bring us happiness. Sometimes I found these pages not very effective, other times I did.
Perhaps what I struggled with the most is the art style. It took a bit to get into, because it’s so quirky and simplistic at times. Sometimes the art style suited the book perfectly. Other times, I wanted more from the illustrations especially because this book is so minimalistic in the first place.
I’m surprised by how much I enjoyed Make Yourself Cozy. But it’s a lovely book that reminds us to set aside time to relax and find things to make our home comfy and peaceful. Doing these things can refresh us after hard days or weeks. I look forward to these little moments every day, and I think books like this are uplifting
Review originally posted on my blog, Turning Pages.
I’m a big believer in alone time to refresh. In having little things or hobbies to brighten your day, especially when you’ve had a stressful time. I haven’t read a self-help book since the Chicken Soup for the Soul books as a kid/teen, but this book was a joy to read.
The tips within this book are some things I do already, so I appreciated being encouraged to continue. I love having fresh or dried flowers to brighten up my room. I love plants. Reading time and enjoying a good snack is one of my favourite things to do. Going on a walk - weather permitting - is also a good stress-reliever. I enjoyed that these tips are easy things we can accomplish if we start to make time for ourselves, or more time with loved ones. It’s too easy to get caught up in work, especially since work tends to dominate much of our lives.
The book also has recipes, which I found really fun! I love the idea of baking and cooking, though often I’m too tired to really go for it. But the recipes are a good motivator to try.
There are some ‘worksheets’ within, like naming things that upset us or bring us happiness. Sometimes I found these pages not very effective, other times I did.
Perhaps what I struggled with the most is the art style. It took a bit to get into, because it’s so quirky and simplistic at times. Sometimes the art style suited the book perfectly. Other times, I wanted more from the illustrations especially because this book is so minimalistic in the first place.
I’m surprised by how much I enjoyed Make Yourself Cozy. But it’s a lovely book that reminds us to set aside time to relax and find things to make our home comfy and peaceful. Doing these things can refresh us after hard days or weeks. I look forward to these little moments every day, and I think books like this are uplifting
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