Was one of your New Year’s Resolutions to read more? This article will give you helpful tips to craft a reading habit that sticks. From selecting the right book to reading in the right environment, here are all the tools you need.
By Jayne Turner — Staff Writer
Choose a Book You Like
Selecting the right title is imperative to making reading a habit that you look forward to. It’s okay if you’re not interested in reading non-fiction or classics that use old English — they can be hard to read! Try out a romance novel or a cozy mystery instead.
Try this: Think about what kinds of movies you like. Action, horror, romance? Then, find a title in that genre. This way, you’re much more likely to enjoy what you’re reading.
Remember: Reading doesn’t have to be strictly educational. It can be fun!
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Reduce Distractions
If you’re trying to read a book, but your phone keeps buzzing with notifications, you won’t be able to focus on the page.
Try this: Put your phone on do not disturb and set a timer for 30 minutes, an hour, or however long you’d like to read for. That way, you won’t be distracted. Still tempted? Put your phone in another room so that it’s out of your reach.
Set Aside Time
If you feel like you “have no time” to read, it just means you’re not setting aside time. I’m sure there’s at least 30 minutes every day that you are scrolling on your phone that you could be spending flipping the pages of a favorite title.
Try this: Block out an hour of reading time in your calendar and stick to it. Also, bring your current read everywhere! In the waiting room, on public transit, or even during your lunch break at work. That way, you don’t have to set aside extra time to read. You can simply fill the gaps that already exist in your schedule.
Environment
Trying to read in a noisy, bright, distracting environment does not make for a pleasant or productive experience. A cozy, inviting environment is key!
Try this: Create a designated spot to read. Whether it’s a big cozy chair in your home or a coffee shop nearby, having a dedicated spot will signal your brain that it’s time to read. Good lighting and a quiet environment are a must.
Join a Reading Group
If you find it difficult to self-motivate, a reading group or book club might be the solution for you. The club usually does the hard work for you: they pick a title and set a “due date” for group discussion.
Downsides to a club like this are that you sacrifice the freedom to choose your own books, and it may feel like an additional responsibility. If you feel like you don’t have time to read, you might also be lacking time to join a whole club.
Try this: Celebrity book clubs are fully online and no pressure! They suggest their favorites, and you can choose whether or not to read them.
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