Reading

Can I Get You to Start Reading? Yes, I can…

“A word after a word after a word is power.” — Margaret Atwood Ah, reading. It’s a hobby that’s good for your brain, your vocabulary, and your imagination. But let’s be real, starting a book can be a daunting task. We live in a world full of distractions — from the constant buzz of our phones to the endless binge-watching opportunities on Netflix. Who has the time or the attention span for a book these days? As an avid reader and lover of all things books, I understand the struggle. I remember a time when I would finish a book every week without fail, but then life happened. Work, socializing, and other distractions started taking over, and before I knew it, I hadn’t picked up a book in months. But the love of reading never truly went away. There was always a longing for that escape, that journey into a different world, and that feeling of being completely immersed in a story. So, I decided to take action and find ways to start reading again. And it worked! 1. Find the Right Book When it comes to reading, the first step is always the hardest; deciding what book to read. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer volume of options out there, from classic literature to modern bestsellers. Think about it like dating. You wouldn’t go on a date with just anyone, would you? No, you’d want to find someone who shares your interests, values, and sense of humor. The same goes for books. If you try to force yourself to read something that doesn’t resonate with you, you’re not going to enjoy it. So, how do you find the right book? It all starts with knowing your own preferences. Do you prefer fiction or non-fiction? Romance or mystery? Sci-fi or historical? Once you know what you like, do some research. Look up book recommendations online, ask friends for suggestions, or even browse through your local bookstore. And don’t be afraid to try something new. Sometimes the best books are the ones you didn’t even know you were looking for. Once you find that perfect book, the rest will fall into place. You’ll be excited to dive in, eager to see what happens next, and before you know it, you’ll be hooked on reading again. So, go ahead and swipe right on that book that catches your eye. You never know, it just might be the one. 2. Making Time to Read in Your Busy Life Life can be hectic, and finding time to read can often feel like an impossible task. But there are ways to make time for reading even in the busiest of schedules. First and foremost, you have to prioritize reading. Just like you prioritize other important things in your life, like work or family time, you have to make reading a priority. This might mean cutting out other activities that don’t bring you as much joy or fulfillment, or it might mean waking up a little earlier in the morning or going to bed a little later at night. Another tip is to always have a book with you. You never know when you might have a few spare moments to read, whether it’s during your commute while waiting in line, or even during your lunch break. Having a book on hand means you can take advantage of these moments and sneak in a few pages here and there. And finally, don’t feel guilty about taking time to read. Reading is not a waste of time, it’s an investment in yourself. It’s a way to learn, escape, to explore new worlds and perspectives. So, don’t let anyone make you feel bad for taking the time to read. Own it, embrace it, and make it a regular part of your routine. Trust me, once you start making time for reading, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. 3. Create a Reading Routine Now that you’ve picked a book and found a cozy reading spot, it’s time to establish a reading routine. Making reading a daily or weekly habit can help you stay consistent and committed to your reading goals. First, decide on a specific time and place to read. Whether it’s before bed, during your lunch break, or on the bus to work, having a designated reading time will help you prioritize your reading and make it a part of your regular routine. Next, set a reading goal for yourself. It could be a certain number of pages per day or week, or a specific amount of time spent reading each session. Whatever it is, make sure it’s realistic and achievable, so you don’t get discouraged or overwhelmed. Lastly, hold yourself accountable by tracking your progress. Use a reading journal or app to log your reading time, pages read, or even your thoughts and reflections on the book. Seeing your progress will not only motivate you to keep reading but also give you a sense of accomplishment and pride in your reading journey. Remember, creating a reading routine takes time and effort, but the benefits of a consistent reading habit are worth it. 4. Eliminate Distractions Let’s face it, distractions are the arch-nemesis of reading. Whether it’s social media notifications, text messages, or even the temptation to watch Netflix, there are plenty of things that can divert our attention from reading. So, this heading is all about how to eliminate these distractions. First things first, put away your phone. It may seem like a simple task, but trust me, it makes a world of difference. Turn it off or put it on silent mode and put it in a drawer or a different room altogether. You’ll be surprised how much more focused you’ll be without the constant pinging and buzzing of notifications. Next, find a quiet and comfortable spot to read. It could be a cozy armchair, a park bench, or even your bed. Just make sure the lighting is good and there are no distractions nearby. If you find yourself still struggling to stay focused, try using noise-canceling headphones or listening to white noise. Both can help drown out any background noise and allow you to fully immerse yourself in the reading experience. By eliminating distractions, you’ll be able to give your full attention to the book or article you’re reading. Trust me, it’s worth it. 5. Start Reading Today If you’re still on the fence about starting to read, let me convince you that it’s worth the effort. Reading not only expands your knowledge and vocabulary, but it also allows you to escape into different worlds and perspectives. It’s a form of self-care that can reduce stress and increase mindfulness. But I get it, sometimes it’s hard to justify carving out time for reading when there are so many other things demanding our attention. However, I truly believe that everyone can benefit from reading, no matter how busy they are. 6. Think about it this way: how much time do you spend scrolling through social media or binge-watching shows on Netflix? What if you swapped just a fraction of that time for reading instead? Not only would you be improving your brain function and creativity, but you’d also be exposing yourself to different ideas and perspectives. Plus, reading is just plain fun. There’s nothing quite like getting lost in a good book and feeling like you’re a part of the story. It’s like a mini vacation for your brain. 7. So, if you’re ready to start reading, I encourage you to take the plunge. Find a book that speaks to you, set a goal, create a routine, and eliminate distractions. And don’t forget to join a book club or share your progress with friends for added accountability and motivation. Trust me, once you start reading, you won’t regret it. You may even find yourself becoming a bookworm, eagerly anticipating your next read. So, what are you waiting for? Start reading today and reap the benefits for years to come.