It takes more than just opening a book.
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As a kid and teenager, I was a voracious reader.
I signed off on my first library card in chicken scratch when I was barely four years old.
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I turned to my phone more and more as a respite when I needed to turn off my brain.
Find a way to make it more fun to make the change.
In general, identifying the barriers is the first step and one people sometimes skip.
The best solution depends on the barrier.
It doesnt have to be a Kindlemaybe youre reading this article on your phone or tablet right now.
Why not download some e-books or audiobooks for long car rides or waiting rooms?
Using the devices you already have can help you to more seamlessly integrate reading into your daily routine.
For me, this was a game-changer for re-forming a reading habit.
To build habits, frequent repetition is key.
For me, tracking the books I read provided an incentive to read more often.
Joining a book club can be another excellent way to hold yourself accountable in a social setting.
I wondered if breaking from my usual reading choices would provide a reinvigorating change of scenery.
I set out for something with enticing prose and a strong, fast-paced plot.
Reread books you loved as a teenager or look for a book in a similar genre or writing style.
This allowed me a little over two months per book.
But if smaller goals like that help you, set those too!
For me, the important thing was having a flexible, achievable goal to strive for.
What you’re free to Learn From Reading Again
First and foremost,be forgiving.
If you dont like a book, or if you go a few weeks without reading (life happens!
), beating yourself up about it will only create pressure around reading.
And, of course, be intentional.
I asked myselfwhyreading more was so important to me.
Once I had a clearwhy, the only thing left to do was open a book.
