How to read more
I want to start by saying that I am a firm believer that it is not important how much you read. The number of books you have read at the end of the year has no meaning. The thing we should prioritize is the quality of what we read. It's better to have read 3 books you loved in a year, than a hundred of mediocre books you did not enjoy.
This post is mostly for those who want to read more consistently, make more time for reading, people who want to get back into reading after a long time, or to start in the first place.
The idea comes from personal experience, believe it or not I used to hate reading. I despised it. I have quickly mentioned it in previous posts, but I started actually reading out of my own free will when I was 14 or 15 years old. And still after that I have always been (and I still am) an incredibly slow reader, I used to be very inconsistent, and with school and everything, I only really read in the summer months. In these past few years, not only I have truly fallen back in love with reading. I have also, for the first time in my life, created a reading routine that works for me, I started to be more consistent, and overall this has made my reading experience much more enjoyable. I don't think I have the supreme reading routine, and believe me I have a lot of things to learn (like how to avoid my fear of big books, or how to commit to series, or how to get out of my comfort zone, and so on), but here's a few things that have helped me so far.
Set small goals
This is quite a broad point of the list, as it covers different things. Firstly if you want to have a yearly goal, be realistic with it, yes it can be a motivation challenge, but start with smaller goals than you think you can accomplish, it will be more motivational. Secondly, I am a strong believer that monthly, weekly and daily goals are way more effective than yearly ones. I do set yearly goals, and I really enjoy looking back at all the books I read during the year, but to me it's mostly a looking back thing. The goals that actually motivate me are set on the daily and monthly. I keep track of those in my bullet journal (and if anyone is interested in how I use my bullet journal in these regards do tell me, cause I could make a whole post on that). I don't always do monthly TBRs, but I do like to write a few titles to keep me inspired on what I could read at the beginning of the month. I also keep track on whether I read a bit each day. (I only consider reading for fun, as my studying process is usually made up of reading. I keep reading for fun and for university very separated).
Make it a daily habit
Linked to the previous point, one of the best ways to read more, and have a reading routine, is to make an habit out of it. I personally found that after I started to have specific moments of the day for reading I was much more consisten with this habit. I have two main moments during the day, and an optional third one. My personal daily reading routine is to read first thing in the morning and last thing before going to bed. The additional reading time is during my lunch break, sometimes before dinner aswell. Reading first thing in the morning has proved to be expecially good for me. Ever since I started regularly doing it, not only I have read more, but it has improved my morining routine so much. By reading I don't burn my eyes with digital screens as soon as I am awake, I am more motivated to get out of bed, and I found it to be a great way to get my brain to wake up gently. Same thing in the evening, reading can be helpful to wind down, and not starring at you phone or laptop before bed helps your sleeping a lot. Anyway whenever you decide to have reading sessions, the more consistent you are in the time of the day the more likely you are to keep up with the habit, because you are creating a specific moment of the day for that activity. Another important point to make is that your daily reading goal can vary on what you prefer, you could set a timer of half an hour, or simply decide to read a certain numeber of pages in each reading session. I either have an hour limit, or I have goals based on chapters.
Read more books at once
I honestly have no idea how people can read one book at the time, for me it has always been fundamental to have more than one book that I am currently reading. Firstly I am less likely to fall into a reading slump, because I have more than one souce of motivation. Secondly you can choose what is best for you depending on the mood, on how much focus you can put in that precise moment. I highly recommend everyone to try reading more books at once. I also feel that because of the reasons I said I get much more reading done, compared to when I have one single book that I am reading at the moment.
Pick what to read depending on what you feel
Another point to avoid reading slumps. You shouldn't feel forced to read if you are reading for fun (this will come up in the next point aswell). TBRs can be fun, and they can also be useful to motivate you, but they can also be damaging. If you realize that a certain book you planned on reading is not something that you feel excited about, don't force youself. You feel in the mood for a thriller? Pick that up instead, you feel like you need a light hearted book? Pick a children's book, or a graphic novel. If you just got a new book, and you are excited for that you should prioritize that book, and read what was on your TBR when you actually feel in the best mood to enjoy it.
Give up on books you don't like
This is direcly linked to the previous point. If you start a book, and you realize that's not what you expected, or you are not in the mood for it, or simply you don't like it, put it down. You have no obligation to finish the book, DNF it. It's something I still have to learn myself, and I have a goal to get better at it this year. I tend to keep books in my currently reading pile forever, until I finally pick them up again, or I force myself to finish them. I want to prioritize books I actually want to read, so if I start something I don't vibe with I leave it unfinished. Maybe future me will pick it up again, and will actually enjoy it. Or maybe future me won't pick it up, because that book and I aren't meant for each other. The point is stop forcing yourself with reading books you are clearly not enjoying, life it's too short to read books you don't like. "But everyone claims that that specific book is a masterpiece!" well, it might be, but maybe it wasn't meant for you. Also there's way to many so called masterpieces for you to actually read all of them, so give it up if you aren't vibing with it. "But it feels like giving up!" tecnically it is, but I don't see what's the problem with giving up, you are showing you are mature enough to know what you like and what you don't. And no, it's not a waiste of time, because you have now learned that that specific book is something you don't enjoy, so next time you'll know what kind of book to avoid.
Audiobooks
I have said it many times now, but audiobook have been one of the best things I discovered in 2021, and they have improved my reading so much. I adore them. Firstly they keep you company when you are doing other tasks, so you do read more in the end. I like to have one on while I clean, while I cook, and also when I draw or work on bullet journal spreads. They have motivated me a lot with going on more walks, so that's a bonus aswell. Secondly, you can listen to them when you would like to read, but feel too tired to focus on the page. This happens very often to me, since I have a lot of reading to do for uni. At the end of the day I would like to escape with a book, but I feel just too tired. Same thing when I have headaches, and I don't know how to fill my time, I put an audiobook on and just relax. Last but defently not least, have the audiobook on while you are reading the physical copy. As I have said I am a very slow reader, my focus sucks, and generally reading is a huge deal of energy for me. I do love it but it can be tiring, having someone else read the book for me as I follow the words on the page, makes me a quicker reader, and it generally helps a lot. (bonus tip, if you are trying to read a book in a language you are trying to learn this is the supreme method, you simultaniously see and hear the words, and it overall helps a lot).
Buddy read with someone
This, as the last few points on this list, is a great way to stay motivated. You can set goals togheter, and discussing with someone the books as you are reading can be highly motivational. This isn't something I have done often, but it's surely something I would like to try more.
Try small reading challenges
Again something that can help with motivation. You can find so many book challenges online, even here on tumblr. They are helpful because you do end up seeing other people's progress, which can be inspiring, and often it's a way to buddy read a book.
Surround yourself with other readers
If you hear other people talking about reading in a positive enthusiastic way you'll surely be more motivated to pick up a book and read. You can find people in your life, but also people online. Generally is just a great way to keep your interest up, you might find new books that call to you, or you end up discussing books you love with someone. Interacting with other book lovers is always an incredible experience.
These are the main things that came to mind regarding this subject. There's a million other tips and advices, and maybe in the future I will add a few. Untill that moment I hope this was helpful for someone out there, or even just a little bit inspiring to pick up a book and read.
