I have liked reading ever since I was little. This past year, I have been reading more than I ever have, and due to this, I often get asked by my family and friends how I manage to read as much as I do. So here are some of the simple tips and tricks that I give them, and I really hope that they inspire you to pick up a book today!
Read Books You Actually Like
I know a lot of people who were big readers when they were younger and then they stopped when they got to high school. I think the biggest reason why this happened is that they had to read books that they were not interested in. Reading is supposed to be an activity that you choose to do in your spare time, so you should never feel forced to read something. Once you find a book you are genuinely interested in, it will be very difficult to put it down. Also, if you are not enjoying a book, it is totally fine to stop reading it. It is going to feel very tedious to read a book you have zero interest in; so, put the book down and try another.
Make Your Goals Achievable
If you are not used to reading or are in a major reading slump, it may take some time for you to get back into it. Do not commit yourself to more than you can handle. Having attainable goals is much more motivating and encouraging. For example, try starting off with only 15 minutes of reading each day, then you can build that up as your attention span and interest in reading rise. The less demanding your reading experience is, the more pleasurable it will be.
Try Incorporating Reading into Your Daily Routine
If you are a routine-oriented person, then try adding reading to your daily routine. Making reading a habit can really encourage you to read more books. Personally, as soon as I wake up, I grab my book and read for a set amount of time. I also read before I go to bed. I find that when I incorporate reading into my daily life, it guarantees that I read each day. This in turn allows me to read more books.
Always Have a Book with You
When I am at school or out running errands, I always try to have a book on hand. I try to take advantage of any free time I might have. For example, if I am waiting at the doctor’s office, I try to read rather than go on my phone. So, carrying a book with me at all times really helps me to read more.
Establish a Reading Community
Sharing what you are reading can be very enjoyable and motivating. Joining a book club is a great way to do this, but if you cannot find a book club to join then you can always start one with your friends and family. It can even be with just one person. For example, I sometimes try to read the same book as my sister. It is fun to discuss things that are going on in the book and hear my sister’s point of view and thoughts. Even if you do not join a book club, I think that there is a big benefit to sharing what you are reading with others. I never realized how much I took away from a book or the ways that it resonated with me until I shared the concept or ideas with someone else.
Your Reading Environment Matters
It is hard to read when you have a bunch of distractions around you. Eliminating the things that interfere with your reading is really important, so take the time to ensure that you have adequate lighting, a quiet environment and a comfortable place to read. All of these things can allow you to read more frequently and for a longer period of time.
Hopefully, this article encourages you to read more. Keep in mind that some of these tips may help you more than others, so be patient and really take the time to figure out what works best for you. And most importantly, remember that reading is supposed to be a fun activity; always choose to read and do things that bring you joy.