Last week I discussed some reasons to prioritize reading in the new year. If you’re not sure how to read more, check out the suggestions below.
1. Always carry a book, eReader, or audiobook with you.
The chance to get some reading or audiobook listening in can pop up unexpectedly, from waiting in line at the store, sitting in the lobby of the doctor’s office, or stuck in traffic. Be prepared with your current audiobook, ePub or paperback. You might even find that normally inconvenient delays turn into a rewarding moment when you are able to pick up where you left off in your reading.
2. Stack reading with other activities, especially audiobooks.
If you have other goals, like exercising more, you can stack those habits together. Perhaps your daily walk is an opportunity to listen to a chapter, or maybe you enjoy reading your eBook while on the stationary bike. Just make sure you’re safe to shift some of your attention to your book during whatever activity you’re doing. No running laps while holding on to your favorite hardcover edition!
3. Replace a less rewarding habit with some reading time.
This piece of advice follows from the last. If you’re trying to reduce or cut out a habit, instead of stacking, try replacing. For example, if you normally spend time in bed looking at your phone first thing in the morning, place your current read on your nightstand in the location where you’d normally find your phone. Or, if you are saving money by going out less, replace a habitual high-spend outing with some time at your local library, whether browsing the stacks or attending a free book-related event.
4. Read more together! Designate a “read-in” at least once a month, ideally with family or friends.
Another great replacement for a money-spending activity is a reading hour. I remember looking forward to the “read-in” days we’d have in school every quarter. We’d bring a book of our choice to read, some pillows and blankets, and snacks, and the classroom would be transformed into a new space for us while we all read together. Consider planning something similar with family or friends, and adding some time at the end to talk about what you’ve all been reading. You might also add on a books swap!
5. Create an inviting space to read.
If you feel uncomfortable while reading, you are less likely to spend much time doing it. Same goes for not being able to find the book you just put down somewhere! Think about how you might rearrange some of your current belongings in your space to make a reading nook. I myself set up a bookshelf so that it creates a cozy corner in my office, with some string lights, my favorite blanket, and a pillow. All of these were things I had on hand already.
6. Join a community.
Habits may stick better when reinforced by others. Join a local book group or meetup, look for events at your local library, or join me on Patreon for some extra motivation. When you know you’ll have the chance to connect with others after finishing a book, you’ll be even more motivated to read every day.
7. Set a goal, whether time or page-based, to read more.
You don’t need to go overboard here, but a small and achievable goal, like one chapter or fifteen minutes a day, might just be enough of a motivator to open that new novel. If you bullet journal or use a habit tracker, consider adding your reading goals there so you can see your progress over time.
8. Expand your horizons.
It’s easy to stagnate when you are not sure what kinds of things you like to read, especially if you experienced frustration over books that were assigned in school. I recommend browsing your library’s displays for new genres. Pick one up, turn to a random page, and see how it feels. This is one of my favorite ways to discover something new. Also check out my monthly reviews for some non-fiction picks, and sign up for the email list to stay up-to-date on the latest posts.
I hope these tips help you incorporate more reading into your daily life!
