How to Get Back Into Reading
You miss reading, but you don’t have the time. Or do you?
I was an avid reader throughout grade school, but I found myself reading less as the years went on. It’s difficult managing time when you have other responsibilities, and for me, reading took the back burner as I focused on my degrees, work, and my pets. This seems to be the case for many others. Fortunately, I was able to overcome my reading hiatus and have re-ignited my passion for reading.
Keep in mind: it’s important to do what’s best for you. There’s no use in comparing yourself only to criticize. I may have found more time to read, but I’m still not reading a hundred books a year. I’m happy to leisurely read a few books a month, and that works for me; find what works for you.
Identify How You’re Spending Your Time
What do you typically spend your time doing? Do you like to come home and binge a new series on Netflix? Do you tend to spend a few hours scrolling through social media on your phone? Do you have long commutes to work/to run errands?
Once you’re able to identify what takes up your time, you can make changes to your schedule and habits. Maybe you’ll alternate your Netflix and reading days, or maybe you’ll bring a book with you on the bus for your long commute.
The key is to raise awareness here, not to micromanage every second of your time. Some people like stricter schedules, but pressuring yourself to read can have the opposite effect and turn you away from reading.
Keep a Book on Hand
You never know when something unexpected happens, so why not bring a book with you? Maybe your friend is running late for your coffee date or you have time to spare when waiting for your pick-up order. If you have your book with you, you can have something to read instead of waiting.
Kindles especially can be helpful here. They’re easy to transport and allow you to bring multiple books around with you. I like the feel of a book, but I had to get a kindle for this reason (it’s greatly reduced the weight of my travel bags for trips!). Audiobooks are also easily accessible; you can download them onto your phone and listen throughout the day.
Use Your Library
I’m not going to lie: it’s fun to go to the bookstore and purchase books to add to your collection, but this can get expensive. Reading doesn’t need to be a costly hobby-you can always go to the library to check out books. Libraries also have online options for those who use kindles, so you don’t even need to worry about location and transportation.
In addition, libraries can be a great resource for reading lists and events. I know I like to look through their recommended reads when I stop by, and it’s a lot easier for me to pick up different genres to try when I don’t have to justify the cost.
Read Books You Enjoy Reading
Can’t get into a book you’re reading? Put it down and start reading something else. Whenever I try to force myself through a book that’s not catching my interest, I become less motivated to read. Reading should be exciting, so don’t waste your time on a book that’s not appealing to you. Books are created for different audiences-not all will be riveting to you.
If you’re feeling stuck, pick up a new book that gets you excited to read again!
Many hobbyists keep up-to-date on their hobbies, and this is the same for reading. Follow authors or fellow readers online, join a book club, set a reading challenge, and browse through new releases. If you’re engaged in your hobby, you’ll add to your passion for it (or realize you don’t have one).
Turn Off Technology
This is for those of us who get distracted by technology while reading. If your phone receives consistent notifications that will distract your attention, put your phone on silent and keep it out of reach. It’s nearly impossible to make any progress if you’re picking up your phone to reply to a message after every paragraph you read; it’ll prevent you from fully engrossing yourself in the story.
If you are addicted to your phone, you may be able to use this to your advantage. You can download books onto your phone, so whenever you check social media, you can read a chapter or two as well.
Reading is a great hobby to have, and it’s even important for those who don’t proclaim to enjoy reading as it complements other hobbies. Learning about beekeeping, or how to code? There are plenty of educational books to learn from, and it helps expand our knowledge and understanding when we read about the perspective of others.
It can be difficult to return to an old hobby, but it’s very rewarding when you do! The hardest part is getting started and sticking to it. Figure out what’s preventing you from reading, find a book that you’re eager to read, and set aside the time to read it…you’ll get into a habit in no time.
Good luck reading!
