Top 20 'Screen-Fatigue-Soothing' Books to adopt for Winding Down After a Long WFH Day
The glow of the monitor finally fades, but the ghost of it remains—a faint, staticky buzz behind your eyes. Your shoulders are hunched, your mind is a tangled mess of Slack notifications and overflowing inboxes, and the thought of looking at another screen feels like a Herculean task. Welcome to the modern work-from-home hangover: acute screen fatigue.
In these moments, our first instinct is often to swap the work screen for a "relaxing" screen. We scroll through social media, binge-watch a series, or fall down a rabbit hole of YouTube videos. But this is like trying to put out a fire with gasoline. It just adds to the digital noise, leaving us feeling more drained and disconnected than before. What we truly need is an analog antidote, a way to gently untether our minds from the relentless glow and reconnect with ourselves.
Enter the humble, powerful book. Holding a physical book is a tactile, sensory experience. The weight of it in your hands, the smell of the paper, the satisfying sound of a turning page—it’s a full-body act of mindfulness. It forces you to slow down, to focus on a single narrative, and to let your imagination do the work. It's the ultimate tool for winding down, soothing tired eyes, and creating a sacred, screen-free ritual to end your WFH day. Here are 20 perfect books to help you do just that.
1. The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune
This book is the literary equivalent of a warm hug on a rainy day. It’s a story about Linus Baker, a quiet, by-the-book case worker for the Department in Charge of Magical Youth. He’s sent to a remote island orphanage to assess a group of "dangerous" magical children and their enigmatic caretaker. What he finds there is not danger, but a chaotic, loving, and fiercely protective found family.
The story is overflowing with kindness, humor, and acceptance. Klune's writing is gentle and whimsical, creating a world you won't want to leave. It tackles serious themes of prejudice and belonging with a lightness of touch that never feels preachy, only deeply heartwarming. It’s a guaranteed mood-lifter, perfect for replacing the day's anxieties with a sense of profound comfort and hope.
Wind-Down Tip: Pair this book with a cozy blanket and your favorite mug of tea. The story is so immersive and comforting, it's the perfect escape from a day filled with deadlines and digital noise.
2. A Psalm for the Wild-Built by Becky Chambers
If your screen-fatigued brain is craving something gentle, philosophical, and deeply hopeful, this novella is your answer. In a future world where robots have gained sentience and retreated to the wilderness, a "tea monk" named Dex feels a sense of unfulfillment. They leave the city to wander the wilds and, unexpectedly, encounter the first robot to emerge in centuries.
This is a story where very little "happens" in a traditional plot sense, and that’s its magic. It's a long, thoughtful conversation between two beings about the meaning of purpose, satisfaction, and what it means to be alive. The prose is calm and beautiful, painting a lush picture of a solarpunk world in harmony with nature. It’s a quiet, meditative read that will soothe your soul.
Wind-Down Tip: The chapters are short and the book itself is slim, making it perfect for those nights when you're too tired for a heavy commitment. Read a chapter or two to gently coax your mind away from work and into a more contemplative state.
3. Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times by Katherine May
This is the non-fiction book every WFH professional needs. May's memoir-slash-manifesto is a beautiful exploration of "wintering"—those fallow periods in life when we feel cut off, isolated, or unproductive. She argues that instead of fighting these times, we should embrace them as a necessary season of rest and retreat.
Drawing on personal experiences, mythology, and the natural world, May provides a powerful reframe for burnout and fatigue. Her writing is lyrical and profoundly comforting, giving you permission to slow down and stop demanding constant productivity from yourself. It’s a reassuring hand on the shoulder, reminding you that it’s okay to not be okay.
Wind-Down Tip: Keep a notebook handy while reading. This book is full of gentle wisdom that you’ll want to remember. Jotting down a quote or a thought can be a meditative practice in itself.
4. Howl's Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones
For pure, unadulterated escapism, you can't do better than Diana Wynne Jones. Long before the beloved Studio Ghibli film, there was this wonderfully chaotic and charming book. It follows Sophie Hatter, a young woman who is cursed by a witch and transformed into an old crone. Her only hope is to seek out the infamous, heart-eating wizard Howl and his magical moving castle.
The book is whimsical, funny, and utterly enchanting. The world is imaginative, the dialogue crackles with wit, and the characters are an unforgettable cast of misfits. It's a fairy tale for adults that doesn't take itself too seriously, allowing you to get completely lost in a world of magic, mystery, and delightfully eccentric personalities.
Wind-Down Tip: This book is pure fun. Let go of any need to analyze it and just enjoy the ride. It’s the perfect story to read before bed to replace work-stress dreams with ones filled with fire demons and magical castles.
5. Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer
Reading Braiding Sweetgrass is a grounding experience. Kimmerer, a botanist and member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, weaves together Indigenous wisdom, scientific knowledge, and personal stories to explore our relationship with the living world. Each essay is a gentle lesson in reciprocity, gratitude, and seeing the world not as a resource to be exploited, but as a community to which we belong.
Her prose is stunningly beautiful, almost poetic, and her perspective is a powerful antidote to the detached, digital world we inhabit during the workday. This book will make you look at the tree outside your window differently. It encourages a sense of wonder and connection that is profoundly healing for a mind worn down by screens.
Wind-Down Tip: Read this one slowly. Savor each chapter. Try reading a passage aloud to fully appreciate the rhythm and beauty of the language. It’s a book that invites you to pause and reflect.
6. Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata
This quirky, slim novel is a fascinating character study that offers a unique escape. Keiko Furukura has worked at the same "Smile Mart" convenience store for 18 years. She finds comfort and purpose in the store’s rigid manuals and predictable routines, which dictate how to greet, what to stock, and even how to feel. The outside world, with its pressures to marry and find a "real" career, is what feels alien to her.
Murata’s writing is crisp, direct, and strangely hypnotic. The story is a brilliant and often humorous look at conformity, societal expectations, and finding your own version of happiness. Because it’s so different from the typical Western narrative, it effectively pulls you out of your own headspace and into Keiko's very particular world.
Wind-Down Tip: This book is short enough to read in one or two sittings, making it perfect for a weekend digital detox. Its unusual perspective will reset your brain in the most refreshing way.
7. The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame
Sometimes, the best way to soothe an overstimulated adult mind is to return to the gentle comforts of childhood. The Wind in the Willows is a timeless classic for a reason. Following the riverside adventures of Mole, Rat, Badger, and the incorrigible Mr. Toad, the story is a celebration of friendship, home, and the simple pleasures of the English countryside.
Grahame's descriptions of cozy burrows, "messing about in boats," and fireside meals are the epitome of comfort. The stakes are low, the atmosphere is idyllic, and the language is beautiful. It’s a book that feels like coming home, a perfect balm for a day spent navigating the complexities of the corporate world.
Wind-Down Tip: Read this with a snack. The book is famous for its mouth-watering descriptions of picnics and feasts, and it’s much more enjoyable when you have your own "little something" to nibble on.
8. The Book of Delights by Ross Gay
This book is a daily practice in joy, captured on the page. For one year, poet Ross Gay committed to writing a short essay each day about something that delighted him. The result is this collection of "essayonettes"—brief, charming, and often profound observations on everything from a praying mantis on a trash can to the kindness of strangers.
Gay's writing is infectious in its enthusiasm and deep in its humanity. He finds beauty and connection in the most mundane moments, and reading his work trains your own mind to do the same. It's a powerful reminder to look up from your screen and notice the small wonders that are all around you.
Wind-Down Tip: Don't read this book all at once. Keep it on your nightstand and read one or two "delights" each evening. It’s a wonderful, low-pressure way to end the day on a note of gratitude and joy.
9. Stardust by Neil Gaiman
Neil Gaiman is a master of modern fantasy, and Stardust is his most charming and romantic fairy tale. A young man named Tristran Thorn promises to fetch a fallen star for the woman he loves. To do so, he must cross an ancient wall into the magical land of Faerie, a place filled with witches, scheming princes, and, of course, a star who is not at all what he expected.
The tone is reminiscent of classic storytellers, full of wit, wonder, and a touch of darkness. It’s pure, imaginative escapism that transports you to a world completely different from our own. It has all the elements of a grand adventure but with a cozy, fireside-story feel that makes it perfect for winding down.
Wind-Down Tip: The magical, slightly old-fashioned prose is perfect for being read aloud. If you live with a partner or roommate, take turns reading chapters to each other for a truly screen-free evening activity.
10. A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
Ove is the quintessential grumpy old man. He has rigid principles, a short fuse, and a belief that everyone around him is an idiot. But when a young family moves in next door and accidentally flattens his mailbox, his solitary, orderly world is turned upside down in the most unexpected and heartwarming way.
This book is a masterclass in character development. While it starts with laugh-out-loud moments of Ove's cantankerousness, it slowly peels back the layers to reveal a story of profound love, grief, and the importance of community. It's a book that will make you laugh and cry, often on the same page, and leave you feeling deeply moved and optimistic about humanity.
Wind-Down Tip: This is a fantastic book club pick. Its universal themes of love, loss, and connection are something I know the whole Goh Ling Yong community would appreciate discussing. It sparks great conversation.
11. The Salt Path by Raynor Winn
For those who crave the feeling of the outdoors after being cooped up all day, this memoir is a breath of fresh, sea-salted air. Just as they learn that Raynor's husband, Moth, has a terminal illness, the couple lose their home and their livelihood. With nothing left, they make the impulsive decision to walk the 630-mile South West Coast Path in England.
This is a story of resilience, nature's healing power, and the incredible strength of the human spirit. Winn's descriptions of the rugged coastline are so vivid you can almost feel the wind and taste the salt. It’s an inspiring and deeply moving account of finding a way forward when all seems lost, reminding you of the world that exists beyond your four walls and your laptop screen.
Wind-Down Tip: Look up images of the South West Coast Path as you read. Seeing the stunning cliffs and coves will make the journey even more immersive and provide a beautiful visual escape.
12. Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
There is no better antidote to a cynical, stressful day than the irrepressible optimism of Anne Shirley. When the aging Cuthbert siblings decide to adopt a boy to help on their farm, they are mistakenly sent a skinny, red-headed, fiercely intelligent orphan girl with a boundless imagination. Anne's arrival at Green Gables changes their lives and the entire community of Avonlea forever.
Reading this book as an adult is a joyful experience. Anne's flair for the dramatic, her love of beauty, and her ability to find wonder everywhere are infectious. The world of Avonlea is an idyllic escape, filled with blossoming trees, "scope for the imagination," and enduring friendships. It's a comforting classic that will restore your faith in the good things.
Wind-Down Tip: Let yourself be inspired by Anne's love of naming things. After a long WFH day, take a short walk and give a special name to a favorite tree or a particular bend in the road. It’s a simple way to engage with your surroundings and disconnect from work.
13. The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
This book offers a gentle yet profound exploration of regret, possibility, and what makes a life worth living. Between life and death, Nora Seed finds herself in the Midnight Library, a place where every book on the shelves represents a different life she could have lived. She gets the chance to try them out—to undo old regrets and see what might have been.
While the premise is fantastical, the emotions are deeply human and relatable. It’s a thought-provoking but ultimately uplifting story that encourages you to appreciate the life you have right now. It's the perfect read for when you're feeling a bit lost or overwhelmed, offering a comforting perspective on choices and happiness.
Wind-Down Tip: This book is a great conversation starter. After you finish, take a few minutes to journal about a small, positive choice you made during the day. It helps solidify the book's core message of finding joy in the present.
14. Devotions by Mary Oliver
For evenings when your attention span is completely shot, a book of poetry is the perfect solution. And there is no poet more soothing and accessible than Mary Oliver. This collection gathers her finest work from over 50 years, with each poem acting as a small window into the natural world and the human heart.
Oliver’s gift is her ability to pay close, unwavering attention to the world around her—a bird, a blade of grass, a deer in the woods—and find profound meaning there. Her poems are simple, clear, and deeply moving. They are a call to be present, to be curious, and to be grateful. Reading one or two before bed can be a powerful meditative practice.
Wind-Down Tip: Find a poem you particularly love and read it twice. The first time, just read the words. The second time, close your eyes and try to visualize the images she creates. It's a wonderful way to calm a busy mind.
15. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows
Set just after World War II, this charming novel is told entirely through letters. Writer Juliet Ashton is looking for her next subject when she receives a letter from a man on the island of Guernsey. He is a member of a quirky book club formed during the German occupation. Intrigued, Juliet begins a correspondence with the islanders, and their stories of courage, friendship, and the love of books begin to change her life.
This book is a love letter to reading and the communities it creates. The epistolary format makes it a light, breezy read, almost like you're peeking into someone's private mail. The characters are endearing, the story is full of warmth and wit, and it will leave you with a renewed appreciation for human connection.
Wind-Down Tip: The short, letter-based chapters make this the perfect book to dip in and out of. You can read for 10 minutes and still feel like you’ve completed a section, which is ideal for a tired brain.
16. A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson
If your idea of relaxing is having a good belly laugh, look no further. Bill Bryson, a man who has spent most of his adult life in England, decides to return to the U.S. and hike the Appalachian Trail. As a famously curmudgeonly and out-of-shape writer, he is hilariously unprepared for the challenge.
Bryson's signature wit is on full display as he recounts his misadventures with bears, bizarre fellow hikers, and the sheer absurdity of life on the trail. It's a book about nature, but it's also a brilliantly funny look at friendship and human folly. It’s impossible to read this without laughing out loud, which is one of the best ways to de-stress after a long day.
Wind-Down Tip: This is a fantastic audiobook for when your eyes are too tired to even read. Listening to the narrator's deadpan delivery of Bryson's jokes while you do some light stretching is a great screen-free combo.
17. Circe by Madeline Miller
For a story that will completely absorb you, sweeping you away from your own world, Circe is unmatched. Miller takes the minor goddess from The Odyssey—the witch who turns men to pigs—and gives her a rich, epic, and deeply human story of her own. We follow Circe from her lonely childhood in the halls of the gods to her exile on a wild island, where she hones her craft and discovers her own formidable power.
Miller’s prose is absolutely breathtaking—rich, lyrical, and immersive. You will feel the heat of Circe's island, smell the herbs in her potions, and feel the weight of her immortal loneliness. It's a powerful story of a woman finding her voice and her strength in a world that tries to silence her. It is pure, engrossing storytelling.
Wind-Down Tip: Give yourself a dedicated chunk of time for this one. This isn't a book to read in five-minute bursts. Let yourself sink into it for at least 30-40 minutes to truly appreciate the world-building and gorgeous language.
18. How to Do Nothing: Resisting the Attention Economy by Jenny Odell
This might sound like a productivity book, but it's the exact opposite. It's a brilliant, thought-provoking manifesto for reclaiming our attention from the forces that want to monetize it. Odell argues for "doing nothing" not as a form of lazy escapism, but as an active, political act of resistance.
She encourages us to redirect our attention away from our screens and toward our local, physical environments—the birds, the plants, the history of the land we're on. It's a dense but incredibly rewarding read that will fundamentally change how you think about your time and focus. As someone who, like Goh Ling Yong, understands the value of deep work, this book is an essential guide to creating the mental space for it.
Wind-Down Tip: After reading a chapter, put the book down and practice what it preaches. Go outside, or just look out your window, and spend five minutes simply observing without judgment. What do you see? What do you hear?
19. The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
Before the epic scale of The Lord of the Rings, there was this perfect adventure story. Bilbo Baggins is a respectable, comfort-loving hobbit who is quite content with his cozy hobbit-hole. That is, until a wizard and a band of dwarves appear on his doorstep and whisk him away on an unexpected journey to reclaim their treasure from a dragon.
The Hobbit has a charming, storybook quality that makes it incredibly comforting. The descriptions of food and home are cozy, the songs are delightful, and the adventure is exciting without being stressful. It's a tale of a small person discovering the courage they never knew they had, and it’s a wonderful escape into one of the greatest fantasy worlds ever created.
Wind-Down Tip: Pay attention to the descriptions of the different landscapes—the rolling hills of the Shire, the dark woods of Mirkwood, the majesty of the Lonely Mountain. Let your imagination build these places to fully transport yourself out of your home office.
20. Winnie-the-Pooh by A.A. Milne
We end with the ultimate comfort read. The adventures of a "Bear of Very Little Brain" and his friends in the Hundred Acre Wood are the embodiment of gentle simplicity. These stories are not driven by high-stakes plot, but by the small, everyday moments of friendship, curiosity, and the quest for a little something sweet.
Returning to these stories as an adult reveals their quiet, profound wisdom. The characters' distinct personalities, the charming wordplay, and the overarching theme of kindness make it a deeply soothing read. It’s a book that reminds you of the beauty of a simpler world, a perfect and gentle end to a complicated day.
Wind-Down Tip: Don't rush it. Read one short chapter each night. The episodic nature of the stories is perfect for creating a consistent, calming bedtime ritual. Let the simple, kind world of Pooh be the last thing on your mind before you sleep.
Your Analog Antidote Awaits
The blue light from our screens can hijack our brains, disrupting sleep and keeping us in a state of low-grade stress long after we've logged off. Swapping that final hour of scrolling for an hour with a physical book is more than just a quaint idea—it's a powerful act of self-care. It’s a declaration that your time is your own and your mind deserves a quiet, beautiful place to rest.
So, clear a little space on your nightstand. Pick a book from this list that calls to you, put your phone in another room, and rediscover the simple, profound magic of turning a page. Your tired eyes and your weary mind will thank you.
What are your go-to books for beating screen fatigue and winding down after a long day? Share your favorite reads in the comments below!
About the Author
Goh Ling Yong is a content creator and digital strategist sharing insights across various topics. Connect and follow for more content:
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