How to add more reading to your days

Hey everyone!

Today I want to talk about my tips on how to read more. I find that part of why I stopped reading is because I stopped making time for it, so I thought this article would be helpful for anyone wanting add more reading to their days.

Always have a book on you

Whether it be a physical book, an e-reader, or a book on your phone, I recommend always having a book on you. Always having a book on you allows you to pick it up in moments of downtime instead of doomscrolling. I have the Libby app on my phone which allows me to take out books from my public library. I can download e-books and audiobooks which gives me good variety, and easy access to books on-the-go. I definitely recommend getting a library card, both for in-person visits as well as access to their digital catalogue.

If you have ten minutes, pull out your book

Ten minutes here and there can add up in a day, and if you have three ten minute chunks in a day that you spend reading, that totals to thirty minutes of reading without having to set aside a large chunk. I understand not wanting to read if you only have two minutes since you probably won’t process a lot, but anything more than ten can help you get some pages finished.

Prioritize reading time

It is easy for time to slip away after a long day at work or school which is why it is important to set aside specific time for reading each day or week depending on your goals. Whether you read on your commute or before bed, having time dedicated to reading ensures you get some pages read. For example, when I was trying to get back into reading I had one time a week that I knew I could focus on reading. On Friday’s at the gym I go on the stair master for thirty minutes, and during this time I read. This meant I had thirty minutes once a week set aside for reading without me having to make major alterations to my routine.

Following I have some quick swaps to help you set aside time to read. I understand that it can be hard to read especially when you have multiple hobbies—and a busy school schedule—but if you want to read more, you have to make the time for it.

• Turn on the tv to fall asleep to -> read one chapter before bed
• Listening to music on your commute -> listen to an audiobook (at least in one direction)
• Watching tv while completing other hobbies (ex. crochet) -> listen to an audiobook
• Scrolling social media first thing in the morning -> read a chapter before getting out of bed

Pick up books and authors that excite you

This may seem obvious or even silly, but make sure you read things you want to read. When you are first getting (back) into reading, it is important to enjoy what you’re reading, otherwise it starts to feel like a chore. Sometimes reading can feel like a competition, and it can also feel very elitist. Unfortunately, there is a hierarchy in reading, and some people will make you feel bad for reading what you love (as an English major who loves romance, I get it), but it’s important to have fun with it. Find genres and authors that excite you and start there so that reading becomes fun and enjoyable.

Get excited about reading

This tip can be a bit counter-intuitive because doing things that get you excited about reading probably won’t include any actual reading, but it’s all part of the process. I like watching reading vlogs because they introduce me to new books and remind me why I love reading because I see other people freaking out over books. Another way I love to get excited about reading is by putting on YouTube aesthetic videos that match my current read. For example, I read Wings of Starlight by Allison Saft during the summer and I put on a Pixie Hollow aesthetic video in the background. It helps immerse me in the world because of the music and visual. Other ways to get excited/ inspired about reading:

• watch YouTube videos -> reading vlogs, reading wrap-ups, TBR’s
• look up book aesthetics on TikTok or Pinterest (beware of spoilers)
• talk to people (online or in-person) about books
• make a journal to track your reading
• set a goal to help motivate you

Bonus: Start a reading streak

I downloaded the Fable app in October and since then have acquired a 96 day reading streak. As silly as it sounds, this streak encourages me to read everyday because I want to see how long I can go.

Thank you so much for reading! I hope this inspired you to pick up a book and start reading. I know life can get busy, but hopefully some of these tips help you add more reading time to your days. Check out my Instagram for more content from me!

Hailey