Reading is a powerful form of escapism, self-improvement, and a self-contained method of relaxation. But as it turns out, quite a few of us don’t know how to develop a reading habit. Where to find the time? It’s simple really. We’ll go through some actionable steps to add more books to your life in a meaningful way.
Start Small to Build Momentum
Succumbing to the need to read long books, too soon, can be a major pitfall for readers. Instead, start small. A short story or a few pages of a novel or a chapter of a nonfiction book can help you get started, without overfilling your plate with more pages than you can bite off. All this is to say, read a bit each day and you’ll find the habit becomes a part of your life.
Create a Cozy Reading Nook
The environment you read in can impact your reading. Make sure to create a relaxing setting that helps you stay focused and finish your book. Find a cozy chair with good lighting, a window bench with a lovely view, or a quiet space without distractions. When you like the place for reading, you’ll be running back to it whenever you think about a good book.
Set Manageable Reading Goals
Setting reading goals for yourself can also provide the motivation to keep reading. Challenge yourself to read a specific number of pages per week or set a goal to finish a certain number of books each month. Give yourself something to work towards so you have a reason to keep flipping the pages.
Join a Book Club for Accountability
You’ll be able to connect with other people who can offer interesting ideas and insights and keep you accountable for reading. This way, you are more likely to venture into new genres you wouldn’t have thought to pick up.
Keep Books Accessible
Surround yourself with books. Keep a stack on your nightstand, in your work bag, or create a digital library in your pocket on your phone or e-reader. The more accessible books are, the more likely you are to reach for them during downtime.
Mix Up Your Reading Genres
To avoid feeling burned out, mix up your reading material. Change between fiction and non-fiction books read a new author, or delve into a genre you never have before. If you read various materials, you will always keep your interest piqued and always have books to read.
Make Reading a Social Experience
Ask a friend or family member to read the same book and start a casual book club. Having other people read with you makes it a fun game, and it will also make you want to make sure you stay on top of your reading lists.
Pair Books with Other Activities
Drink a cup of tea, have a glass of wine, or listen to classical music while you read. Make reading a part of your ritual of relaxation. Reading will suddenly become a fun activity, and you’ll be able to finally enjoy your books.
Revisit Childhood Favorites
At times it may feel that your love for reading has faded when you are trying to reestablish a reading habit. You can use some good reads from your childhood to pace up. They provide the ambiance and nostalgia that can help you to get back at it with ease. Reading is supposed to be fun and your early books take you to the time when you would read for fun.
Leverage Digital Tools
Use tools like eBook readers, reading apps, and online libraries to read without pause. They allow you to alter text size, highlight stuff, and add notes which makes it more engaging.
Prioritize Quality Over Quantity
While it’d be easy to rush through your reading to hit a “quota,” you might find reading more fulfilling if you prioritize quality over quantity. So, slow down and let yourself properly absorb the book. Ponder the lessons and stories within the pages so you can carry them with you.
Encourage Family Reading
If you have kids, consider making a family reading time. This gets your little reader in the habit of reading around others and is a gentle way to wind down at night. Plus, if you see your partner or your kids reading, then maybe you’ll be more inclined to pick up a book more often, too.
Embrace the Journey of Reading
Remember, the journey to making books a part of your day is the goal. Each time you open a story you set your mind off on a new adventure, a new thought. It’s an experience that makes life better, one page at a time. So go plop down in a comfy corner and get started.