8 Tips To Make Time To Read Books
How To Become A Reader 101 : Part 3
In part 1 of this Reader 101 series, we discussed the deeper answer to why you should read.
In part 2, we discussed how we could pick books for your new reading habit.
In part 3, we'll discuss how we can make time to read the books we picked.
First, let's discuss the 4 tips that will make sure you have a fantastic reading session -
Read What Piques Your Curiosity
Remember when a textbook was being forced down your throat just because you had to read it?
Not anymore, mon ami.
Now that you have made a conscious decision to become a reader, YOU get to choose what you want to read.
This means reading books that you feel drawn towards. Books that make you stop in your tracks. Books that make you want to further investigate.
Why is this important? Because when you read a book, you are genuinely interested in, you will naturally make time for it.
If you find a book that makes you take sick leave from work, know that you've found gold.
Have A Reading Quota
A reading quota is like an auto-save point as you progress through the book.
This doesn't need to be set in stone, but having a reading quota makes you feel that you're moving forward with the book, especially with thick and dense books.
My daily reading quota is 30 minutes. My best friend's 10 pages. My other best friend's a chapter at a time.
Pick your weapon.
Be In A Reader-Friendly Environment
Life has the tendency of interfering with our leisures and pleasures. And you don't want it to encroach on your reading time.
Trial and error for yourself and see where and when you can get the most reading done.
For me, I have to be away from muggles. I can't read in cafes, food courts, classrooms, or transport. I need to be alone and in a quiet place.
Find out which environment compliments your reading habit. It will make your reading time so smooth and high quality.
Keep The Phone Out Of Reach
This is a big one.
We have become so dopamine-addicted to our phones that we reach for them unconsciously. Even if it didn't ring, even when we don't need it.
I have had times when I sit down with my book, read a page or two, and then pick up my phone and start scrolling. And before I know it, my 30 minutes are over without me making any progress in my current read. But I do now have the viral reel songs implanted in my brain for life.
Please don't let this happen to you.
Don't let a few seconds of LOL take you away from a life's worth of beautiful memories.
Now when I read, I keep the phone away from me. Even better is when I keep it in another room.
Now that we have made sure we make the most of our reading session let's talk 4 tips to make reading a part of our daily life -
Pick Up A Book, Instead Of The Phone
Following the last point, every time you go to pick up your phone, try picking up the book.
This one trick will make you catch up with your reading regularly.
Read As A Reward
This is my preferred reading trick at the moment.
After I am done with my day's writing, I curl up with my current read. Reading is relaxing and exciting to me. So closing the day with a reading session makes me satisfied.
Start Or End Your Day With A Reading Session
You can start your day with a reading session to give the day a positive boost. Or you can end your day with a reading session to give it a calm and relaxing closure.
Both of these ensure that you get your reading done without any interference.
Go Digital
This is the easiest way to make books and reading a daily part of your life.
Go digital if you're always on the move and can't carry around physical books.
Instead of scrolling through Instagram, Twitter and news feed, read an ebook.
Going out on a run or cleaning the house? Put on your headphones and listen to an audiobook.
Time will fly, and you won't even realise it, and you'll be done with the book.
