Books’ Guide to Reading More
Life is about to get busy. Don’t forget to read!
1. Make reading part of your routine
Just like brushing your teeth or scrolling through Instagram, make reading a non-negotiable part of your daily routine. Pick a time: a chapter before bed, a few pages over breakfast, or a deep dive on the tube home. Integrating reading into an existing daily habit makes it feel less like a chore and more like a natural phenomenon. Stop making excuses.
2. Carry a book everywhere
Yes, take this opportunity to look mysterious on the tube or sipping on an overpriced coffee (or Blueberry Matcha Latte at Blank Street, I know the crowd) at your local cafe. If you take your book wherever you go, you’re more likely to reach for it than indulge yourself in a mini doom-scroll. That’s the theory, anyways.
3. Or at least, make a reading accessible for yourself
If you don’t want to “lug a heavy book around”, download an e-book on your phone or tablet. It may not be as cool, but it is certainly more convenient. Via the College’s subscription to the Libby app, you can download a practically unlimited pool of books for free. If you would rather reduce other digital distractions, you could even consider investing in the likes of a Kindle.
4. Pick something you enjoy!
Who cares if you are fiend for BookTok! (I care, but that is currently irrelevant). The key to making reading a sustainable habit is by wanting to read, and the most effective way to do that is to choose a book that interests you. Not one that makes you want to claw your eyes out. You’ll find it’s actually great way to unwind.
Personally, returning to my favourite books reverses reading fatigue. In fact, I just reached for mine last week...
5. Set simple goals
Aim for 10-20 pages whenever you find a spare moment. Reading in bite-sized chunks makes it less overwhelming and helps you gradually build a habit. You generally have more free time than you lead yourself to believe.
Along with this, set achievable goals, like reading for at least 60 minutes per week or finishing one book a month.
By setting realistic goals, you’re more likely to stick with reading. Don’t get hung up on numbers, though. Ultimately, it is not about quantity but the joy of finally reading.
In summary
It can be hard to follow through with a commitment to reading, but by reducing self-prescribed barriers and increasing personal motivation, you can make your reading goals a reality.
A few months down the line, you may just find a correlation between reading, feeling enriched, enjoyment, and a real sense of accomplishment. At least I know I do.
Happy reading!
