Do you feel as though you are not finishing books as quickly as you once were? Even if it seems like you have no spare time, there is a way to read more books.
I used to read a book a day throughout the summer when I was younger. Due to the daily juggle of job, family, and home (even more so now that everything is more constrained due to the pandemic), I’m lucky if I manage to read even a small number of books each year. I know I’m not the only one having trouble finding ways to read more when there are so many books to read, including the finest books of 2020.
You’re not the only one who regrets not having more reading time or who wants to read more books. The new normal has resulted in a loss of reading time, claims time management specialist Julie Morgenstern, author of Time Management From the Inside Out. “For a lot of people, their commute was their reading time, and they’ve lost that,” she claims. Therefore, in order to ensure that they read more, people need to create new reading habits. How? Read on.
How to read more books
1. Put an end mark on your workday
While commuting time is no longer an issue, many people who work from home also have to contend with another time-waster: the intrusion of work time into their personal lives. In order to better safeguard your time for leisure pursuits like reading, Morgenstern advises that you should institute a new pause at the conclusion of the workday.
Between business and personal life, she claims, there are less distinctions. “You must give day boundaries if you want to recapture that time. Even just a short walk around the block can help you physically mark the end of the workday and simulate the commute.
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2. Create a cozy reading spot
Envision having a charming little corner, just for yourself, where you can immerse yourself in the magic of books. This snug reading nook has the power to captivate your heart and kindle the desire to embark on wonderful reading journeys. According to Morgenstern, the key lies in transforming this nook into an irresistible haven—eliminate any clutter or pending tasks, and instead, adorn it with warm and welcoming elements like soft lighting from elegant lamps, a quaint little table to hold your books, and coasters awaiting a comforting mug of your favorite drink. As this alluring sanctuary beckons you with open arms, you’ll find yourself irresistibly drawn to spend countless delightful hours lost in the world of words.
3. Anchor your reading time to another routine
Enhance your reading experience and ensure its success by incorporating it into your daily routine alongside essential tasks. Consider adding a delightful reading session to your bedtime rituals, allowing you to unwind and embark on fascinating literary journeys. Alternatively, make it a post-work reward, treating yourself to the pleasure of diving into the captivating realm of books. This thoughtful integration will not only boost your productivity but also create a deep emotional connection to the world of reading, enriching your life with knowledge and joy.
4. Give it 20 minutes
If the thought of committing a whole hour (or even thirty minutes) to reading daily feels daunting, consider breaking it down to just 20 minutes. You’d be surprised by what you can achieve in that short span without it feeling like a burden on your schedule. When life gets busy, finding an entire hour for reading becomes a challenge, but convincing yourself that 20 minutes are impossible to spare becomes an even greater obstacle. However, remember that every minute spent reading adds value and brings joy to your day, making it a worthwhile investment in yourself and your growth. So, grab those 20 minutes, immerse yourself in a book, and savor the treasures of knowledge and inspiration it brings.
5. Make it a renewing activity
Morgenstern advises making time for rest and renewal each evening (or on weekends). Put a lengthier reading session into at least one of those times, such as Sunday morning when you might have a couple hours to enjoy a new book or Tuesday night when you might forego watching TV in favor of an hour with your book.
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6. Set reading goals
Similar to many resolutions, infusing your goals with emotion can be more effective. Stating your desire to read one chapter daily or complete a book within a month sparks a profound sense of determination. According to Morgenstern, imbuing your goals with emotion while keeping them measurable empowers you to stay focused and driven towards accomplishing them.
7. Create a book club
If you don’t already have one, start one by sharing books with your friends or family. Additionally, since Zoom and other video conferencing tools make it really simple to connect with people far away, you may start a book club with your distant college roommates, your sisters, or anybody else who might not reside in your neighborhood.
Make it with someone you want to keep in touch with, advises Morgenstern. That will give you motivation to read more, and it will also provide us another way to stay in touch despite the distance.
8. Stop reading books you don’t like
It’s okay to put a book down forever if it starts to feel more like a chore. Don’t subject yourself to unnecessary suffering while reading, advises Morgenstern. People sometimes put a lot of pressure on themselves, telling themselves they should just finish the book. But reading ought to be merely for fun.
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