It’s a common resolution or goal for many to read more. Sometimes people want to read more in order to reduce screen time, others want to become more well-read, and for many, it’s also done to get through a pile of unread books they’ve been wanting to tackle. Whatever your reason is, there are so many benefits to reading more, even outside of exploring new ideas and perspectives.
From kindergarten through college, I spent a decent portion of my summers making trips to the library and reading books. During the school year, not so much. But now that I’m working, summer vacation no longer exists, and I needed to find a way to balance my reading with my current work. I finish about 2 books on average per week now.
If you’re looking to make more time for reading, here are some tips that can help you do just that!
Set a reading goal.
This has worked for me very well because I tend to be competitive with myself – so if you’re the same, you should definitely try this!
I use Goodreads to track all of the books I’ve read, but this website is so more than just that. Goodreads also hosts a yearly Reading Challenge, which allows you to set a goal for how many books you want to read that year. You can also check out other readers and see their goals and what they’ve read throughout the year.
There are two things I really love about this feature. For one, it gives me all these cool stats on my reading habits – and I love numbers! It will tell you your average rating, the pages you’ve read, your longest and shortest book, and the most and least popular books that you’ve read. I love checking back on this every now and then, especially when I think I’ve read my longest book of the year to date.
I also really love taking a look at other people’s challenges. For those that have similar tastes in books, this has been a great way for me to get ideas for my to-be-read pile (Goodreads also lets you compare your shelves with other readers!). It’s also very inspiring for me to see others who are reading a lot more than I am, and that definitely keeps me going.
When setting a reading goal, make sure that it’s reasonable! You may want to start at a little more than what you’re used to and work your way from there.
Always have books to be read.
Once you finish a book, this makes picking the next one so much easier. You can also use Goodreads for this, which is what I use to keep track. Each time I finish a book, I consult my list and pick what I want to read next. When I was in high school, I read a lot less than I could have simply because I spent so much time perusing the bookshelves in the library but never had an idea of what I wanted to read. Now, I have so many books to choose from (and backups if I can’t access or don’t have my first pick).
Choose books that you want to read.
There are so many types of books out there – and so many types of readers! If you’re not interested in a book that you’re reading, chances are you’re going to be dragging through that book. But if you love a book, you’ll be excited to know what comes next and read more in one sitting.
Make sure that the books you pick are ones that interest you. Don’t worry if a popular author or genre isn’t your style – that’s okay. Read what you want to read.
If you’re a mood reader like me, you’ll especially want to keep this in mind. Sometimes, I really want to read a particular genre. Other times, I’m just not in the mood for it. For this reason, I try not to queue my next few books to read. They tend to be chosen after I finish the last book so I know I’ll be reading a book that I really want to.
Make it a part of your routine.
I feel like I say this for most of my habit or self-improvement posts, but it’s true! Making things a part of a routine helped me instill and keep good habits.
Most people that do this like to read a little bit in the morning, before bed, or both. Some read during meals, on the elliptical, on mass transit, or in any other situation that’s routine and allows them to do so. For me, I like to read on the remainder of my lunch and for at least an hour before bed. In the summer, I like to spend weekend mornings reading outside as well since it’s warmer out.
Pick some times where you can slip in some reading – even if you only get ten minutes in. Those minutes add up!
Consider what activities you can replace with reading.
Before I added reading to my routine, I spent that time mindlessly on my computer or on my phone, doing nothing productive in particular. Since then I’ve been converting that time into reading time, and feel so much more accomplished.
As you go about your day, ask yourself if there’s anything that you do simply to pass the time, and if you could replace it with reading instead. Sometimes our days feel full, but if we consider what we’re actually doing, turns out there is some time where we can slide in a book.
Try audiobooks.
I’m personally not that into audiobooks (just a preference!) but if you find yourself commuting often or doing tasks where you could be listening to an audiobook at the same time, they’re a great option.
Take advantage of your local library and other services.
You might not have space or money to buy all your books, but that’s okay! I get most of my books from my local library. In addition to physical books, many libraries now have Overdrive, where you can check out e-books and audiobooks online. I highly recommend doing this. In the past, if I got through my stack of books, I’d have to wait before going back to the library. But now, if that happens, I can take one out online.
There are several websites that also offer classic books to read. If you’re looking for these books, you won’t have to worry about them being on hold or buying them.
I also recently found out that Amazon Prime members get to take out one book a month from the Kindle Owner’s Lending Library. Since it is one book a month, I tend to just do this when my library doesn’t have the book or if there are way too many holds on a book. And if you don’t have an e-reader, you can download the app to any device you have and read from there!
Consider getting an e-reader.
I am personally a physical book person, but getting an e-reader has definitely helped me read more books, e-books especially. I used to read them on my laptop, which is not compact or as easily transportable. Plus, the light in my face, especially after 8+ hours of working in front of my computer, was not enjoyable.
Even though I’m a physical book girl, I’ve had this thing for about a year and I read so many books on it. I got the one without the backlight and I love how it still looks a bit like a book. It also means I can take it outside with me and pretty much anywhere I go. But my favorite part is that my Overdrive books can go on it – which is pretty much when I decided I was going to buy it.
I think e-readers are a great option for those who don’t own a lot of books or can’t make it to the library often but also want to read a lot. And if you’re like me and have to spend a lot of time looking at a screen, this can really save your eyes.
Bring a book wherever you go.
Sometimes we end up in situations where we have to wait around and have nothing to do. If you always have a book on you, this is less time spent waiting around and more time reading. You can bring the smallest book you’re reading, an e-reader, or install an app on your phone. This will ensure you’re always prepared with a book in any situation.
Switch up your format.
Books, e-mails, audiobooks – there are so many options out there! And I personally like to switch up how I read because I feel that keeps things exciting for me. I’m not sure if this is the case for everyone, but if you don’t have any distinct preferences, I’d try this out and see how you feel!
Surround yourself with others who like to read.
Many of my high school friends were readers, which was a factor in keeping me reading, even if we read different genres. My friends would often give recommendations or we’d go to libraries or bookstores together.
If you don’t know many people that read a lot, try joining a book club for a genre you like. This is not only a good way to keep you accountable but also a great way to meet new people. Joining online communities are great too! It’s one of the reasons why I started my Bookstagram account.
Know what kind of reader you are.
Are you a mood reader? Do you read fast or slow? Can you read when there’s music or noise around? Can you be currently reading multiple books? Can you read in bed? All of these things are important when you’re reading. Setting your environment to what works best for you (as well as your goals) will help you read more and improve your comprehension as well.
Don’t be afraid to put a book down.
This is still something that I’m adjusting to, but it’s something that other bookworms advise often. If you’re not enjoying a book, it’s okay to put it on the backburner for later or not finish it. There are so many books and so little time – so why spend the time reading books that you don’t enjoy?
Limit distractions.
You’ve probably read this kind of statistic before, but it essentially talks about how when we return from tending to a distraction, it takes an unreasonable amount of time to get back to the main tasks. I think this really shows in books because we often have to reread the page to figure out where we left off. These distractions can be technology related, but oftentimes they are due to outside noise and interruptions from others as well.
For me, reading before bed solves most of these things. I don’t tend to my phone at this time of night and the house is quiet with no distractions, meaning I can get the bulk of my reading done.
Take baby steps.
It’s going to be hard to commit to 52 books a year if you’re not used to reading around a book a week. It’s also going to be hard to read a very long or very difficult book if you’re not used to reading long or difficult books. Be sure to work your way up. Maybe you’ll start with a chapter a day, and as you go you’ll read more and more. Eventually, things will become habitual and you’ll be ready to tackle harder books.
Enjoy every moment of it.
I’ve been reading more than I ever have, and I love taking the spare moments I have to read. Why? Because I’ve grown to enjoy reading, and it’s second nature for me to pick up a book whenever I can. I love being a part of a new world, growing to love new characters, and becoming so engrossed in a story that it drives my emotions. I like learning new things when I explore different genres and opening my mind to so many possibilities that I have previously not considered. This may not be what you’re thinking about going in, but I ask you to think about this. Read books that you enjoy and enjoy the process as well. This, of all things, can really help make the process stick, and spark a love of reading.
I’d like to know what you’re reading currently. Are you enjoying it so far? Let me know below.
Sincerely,
Julie Anna
