I'm pretty sure the question I've been asked most in my life is "how do you read so much?" Growing up, this question was usually asked in a derisive tone. Reading just isn't very cool or valued by the adolescent population. But these days, it seems that everyone is attempting to better themselves, especially through reading, and this question is no longer asked with mockery but with real curiosity. While I might have always been a bookworm, there have been surges and dips in my reading. However, over the last few years I've established some habits that mean I'm always reading at least five books a month. Here are a few tips I've picked up that I believe can help anyone up their reading game.
1. Get a library card
I really wanted to start off with this one. I might be one of the few bookworms in the world who don't prefer to buy my books before I've read them, but I honestly just can't afford to read as much as I do and buy every book I read ---- I would be broke. I've always been a library lover, instilled in me especially by my dad. Even after all these years, I still think it is so cool that you can go to your local library, get a card, and then borrow as many books as your heart desires, and all for free. There are very few places left in this world that support free leisure time, and I believe more people should take advantage of it. Most libraries now have online systems so you can look up a book, put it on hold, get a notification when it is available, and then pick it up. I love doing this because it forces me to read for a few reasons: one, I have to go pick up the book that's sitting on the hold shelf otherwise I lose it. Two, I only have three weeks to read the books I check out which also pushes me to get cracking on those books. And three, there is weird, inexplicable joy I get from seeing the book I want to read finally become available. It makes the anticipation of reading even better. If you happen to have an E-reader or even don't mind reading on your phone, you can also check out ebooks and audiobooks from the library and download them right then and there to your device. I mean, how easy can it get?
2. Always have a book with you
This one is big. If you always have a book with you, you'll always have the opportunity to squeeze in reading whenever you can. This one is especially big for me because I live in Washington D.C. and don't have a car here in the city. I take the Metro to and from work every day, and it's my main source of transportation in general. A public transportation commute is a great time to get a few chapters in. Not only does it make the commute more enjoyable, it's also much more satisfying than browsing Instagram on your phone while the cell service goes in and out between stops. Now, I get that most people don't live in a city with convenient public transportation. But, if you have a car and/or carry around a bag most days, having a book tucked into your glove compartment or in your bag is easy and convenient. You never know when you'll be bored and need distraction. You'd be surprised how much progress you can make on a book with only a few minutes here and there. This is also great for anytime you are traveling, whether by plane, train, or bus. I've been able to finish entire books just on plane trips from DC to Durham. I actually purchased a Kindle specifically so I could bring limitless amounts of books on my trips and vacations. I can even download a book from the library via WiFi or hot-spot straight onto my Kindle no matter where I am. If you always bring a book with you, you'll always have the chance to be productive.
3. Set a daily reading hour
Sometimes, setting up a routine is the best way to get anything done. While it may seem strange to have a designated reading hour every day, it could help instill the reading habit more quickly. I love to read a chapter of a personal development book in the morning with my coffee ---- not only do I look forward to this every day, it also starts my day off really well and makes me feel more grounded. I know people who designate an hour before bed every night to a book, or even during their lunch break. For many people, when you schedule something into your day, you're much more likely to follow through on it.
4. Set a monthly or yearly reading goal
If you're a user of Goodreads, you'll know you can set a yearly reading goal and then have it track your progress throughout the year and as you go through books. I absolutely love this. Not only does it keep you accountable by showing the world your goal, it also just helps you keep track of how much you're actually reading. However, a yearly goal may be too vague for some. A monthly reading goal might be a little more manageable. If you're just starting out, I think one book a month is a great goal.
5. Switch out phone or TV time for a book
I think it's safe to say that we're all on our phone a little too much, myself included. It is so easy to get sucked down into internet wormholes even if we don't mean to. If you find yourself mindlessly scrolling on the couch on a random night, try to put your phone down and pick up a book. Easier said than done, but if you're consciously making the effort to read more, you'd be surprised just how much time you actually have for reading when you switch out phone scrolling for a book. While I'm still guilty of way too much mindless phone time, I've actually switched out most of my TV time for books. I don't necessarily think this would work for everyone as many people need the easy entertainment of TV after an exhausting day of work. I happen to work in television and so I watch a lot of documentary film during my work day, so when I come home, I would much rather get lost in a great book than watch even more television. I also try to make my TV time social, and so tend to only watch something when my roommates and I are doing it together. If I find myself with extra alone time, especially after a long day at work, I will make myself a cup of tea, grab a fluffy blanket, and sit on my couch with a book. To me, there is nothing more rejuvenating.
6. Read books that actually engage you
None of these tips will work if you are not actually into the book you're reading. It sounds obvious, but it's weirdly not. I hear a lot of people these days saying that the time they spend reading they want to be learning and growing. This is great, but it also doesn't make a difference if you're not actually picking up the book you have because it's not engaging you enough. You have to be honest with yourself on what you like and don't like. If you're just starting out, I think the most important thing when establishing a reading habit is to only read books you actually enjoy. What's the point of reading if you're slogging through a nonfiction book you believe will teach you something but it's taking you months to read because it's ridiculously boring? Reading will always be great for your brain, no matter the genre. Romance, comedy, historical fiction, fantasy, sci-fi, memoir, contemporary fiction ---- it doesn't matter. I will never judge anyone for the books they enjoy and actually finish. Choose the books that sound the most interesting to you personally. If you pick it up and find that you're having trouble getting through it, put it down. Try something else. Don't read a book just because you think you should. Once you get into the habit of reading more in general, you can branch off into different genres and challenge yourself to heavier books.
Don't forget, if you're stuck on what book to pick up or how to start your reading journey, feel free to shoot me a message through the 'Personalized Recs' page. Tell me some of your favorite books, genres, storylines, moods, or tell me some of your reading goals, and I will send you some books I think you'll love. Happy reading!
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