5 Tips To Help You Get Back To Reading
My Journey And Some Tips for Yours
Hi again!
How’s your November going? Have you been reading lately?
I grew up loving books more than anything. Still, from my late teens to my early twenties, I read very little. I only got back to reading last year. And I’ve noticed I’m hardly alone in this. A lot of people who once were avid readers, drifted away from reading and are now finding it difficult to get back there, although they want to.
So today I want to share five things I did that got me back into reading.
1. Reading What You Enjoy
Start with what you love. Don’t go for the latest trends or those big-name classics if they don’t really interest you. I personally started with Camus’ The Stranger because I knew that it would resonate with me. And it absolutely did! Reading, first and foremost, should be enjoyable. Otherwise making your way through the pages gets really tiring.
2. Taking It One Page at a Time
Don't overwhelm yourself. It's perfectly fine to start small. In my case, I found that reading just one page a day made a significant difference. It may not sound like much, but one page a day is better than zero pages a day. And once you really get into the story, you’ll most likely find it easier to read for longer periods.
3. Creating a Routine
This one might sound a little difficult, but try to incorporate reading into your daily routine. For me it was before going to bed, but you can go for whatever works for you. During your morning cup of coffee or on your lunch break. Find a time that works best for you and try to stick to it.
4. Connecting with Other Readers
One of the most effective ways to rekindle your love for reading is to connect with other booklovers. In my case, being on tumblr and seeing discussions of books gave me a big push towards reading. And now that I’m on bookstagram, being among people who are reading books and talking about those books really makes me want to read more.
5. Embracing Technology
We live in the digital age, so why not use it to our advantage? Audiobooks have been a game-changer for me. When reading feels like too much effort, just sitting there listening to a book feels a lot easier. It also makes reading much more convenient, you can listen to a story while commuting or doing the dishes.
In the end, reading should be fun, and not a chore you have to get done. So, just figure out what makes reading fun for you, and go with it.
My journey back to reading wasn't easy at first, but all I needed to do was to remind myself just how much I enjoyed it. We live in a time when we have a lot of distractions, there are so many fun things to do. I get that, I’ve been there. But if you can create the motivation and environment, it’s not that difficult a task.
What about you? Do you have some helpful tips for getting back to reading? Don’t forget to let me know.
For more of my bookish ramblings, you can also find me on Instagram
Also, if you’d like me to write for you, you can contact me at joyiewrites@gmail.com