A book lovers guide to switching off, one page at a time
Book lover Sophie traded London burnout for a solo stay in the Welsh wilderness—here’s what she found.
Tell us a bit about yourself?
My name is Sophie, I’m 29, I share book reviews and my reading diary with my community online and I’ve just quit my job in HR in London after feeling completely burned out and not knowing what to do next. Instead of jumping straight into another role, I decided to give myself some breathing room. So now, I’m currently typing this from the Philippines, mid-way through an eight-week solo trip. I have a master’s degree in Criminal Psychology, I love deep conversations, and my family are my whole world.
What drew you to reading? Do you find it relaxes you?
I’ve read ever since I was a child. I don’t like using the word escapism because we don’t need to escape—but books have always been my go-to when I need grounding. There’s something about the way a good book can absorb you completely, making everything else go quiet for a while. I love that feeling of being so lost in a story that you forget what time it is. My dream scenario? Lying in a cabin in the middle of nowhere, wrapped in a blanket, a book in my hands, no distractions. Just pure, uninterrupted reading time.
So, we've gotta ask. How many books are on your nightstand at any given time?
If you’d asked me in 2024, I would have said six. But this year, I’m trying to be good—one fiction and one non-fiction at a time! Since I’m travelling, I’m relying solely on my Kindle, which feels very restrained for me.
So you recently went out to Akash, one of our Wales cabins—where was your head at before you left?
I’d quit my job just a few days prior, and I was exhausted. London had worn me down—constant noise, constant movement, always feeling like I had to be on. I was tired, a bit lost, I had a few big life decisions to make, and just needed to completely switch off.
I hadn’t realised how much mental clutter I’d been carrying around until I got there.
How did you feel when you got back?
I felt clear-headed for the first time in a while. I think every now and then, you need a reset, and it’s so healthy to take yourself out of the rat race for a while, slow down, and just be. Just hearing nature, the birds every morning, watching the sun rise and set—it felt like it was all happening just for me.
What was the highlight of your experience?
The lack of signal was a game changer. (Don’t worry, you do get some) but I really was just alone with my own thoughts a lot, able to switch off with my book without feeling like I reflexively needed to keep checking my phone for updates or notifications. Another highlight was the log burner in the room—I was tucked up in bed with a glass of red, a book, and the fire, and I couldn’t recommend it more.
One last highlight—my Garmin watch said my heart rate was the lowest it’s been in weeks because I was actually relaxed, which NEVER happens!
What would you say to someone thinking of getting Unyoked?
I think we all say ‘we need to switch off’ but never actually do. If you’re happy to genuinely switch off—maybe if city life is getting too much or you just need a few days’ break from everything—this is for you.
And don’t be put off if you’ve got no one to go with. If I waited for someone to come with me, I’d never go anywhere! Going on your own is SO liberating. It may feel slightly uncomfortable at first, just being with your own thoughts, but my top tip: LEAN INTO IT! Embrace it—you’ve got a few days where your mind and body can really benefit.
What are five books you’d recommend for a cabin read?
My favourite question ever!
Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom – perfect for reflection and making you realise what really matters in life.
Beartown by Fredrik Backman – the immersive nature writing of Backman fits so well with the cabin setting!
Conversations on Love by Natasha Lunn – my favourite non-fiction read ever. It explores every type of love we experience—romantic, platonic, familial—and made me feel so seen!
Then She Was Gone by Lisa Jewell – if you want a fast-paced, clever psychological thriller to sink your teeth into, this is the best one I’ve ever read!
The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman – it’s a cosy crime series that made me laugh out loud multiple times. If I’m ever alone, this makes me feel like I’ve got company!