Have you fallen off the lit wagon and want to get back on? Do you read when you can but never seem to have enough time? Are you in a reading slump you just can’t get out of? We’ve all been there.
I find similarities in reading and exercising – something you stick to for weeks before having a couple of off days and finding you haven’t touched a dumbbell or book in months.
The fear is over. I read almost daily and have found creative ways to incorporate more reading into my life, a priority for those who wish to strengthen their imagination, knowledge, or those who simply want to hit their annual reading goal.
These are a few simple ways you can get more reading done:
- Read what you know you like
This is the best thing to do when in a reading slump. Rather than try to get through War and Peace when you usually read high fantasy and are in a slump, re-read a book you know you love, or a book that falls under your favourite genre.
- Read what you don’t know you’ll like
The second best thing to do when in a reading slump is to read a book outside your genre. If you predominately gravitate towards thrillers but they’re all starting to mesh the same, pick up a literary novel. Too many rom-coms lately? Pick up a nonfiction book on a subject that interests you (e.g., personal finance, your favourite animal, a country you want to visit).
You can also do what I do: read multiple books at once. I know, how are you going to read 3 or 4 books at once when you’re struggling to open one up? Simple. Pick two different genres. I often read a fictional novel (let’s say a mystery or literary novel) and a non-fiction book (usually centered around finance or personal growth) and read whichever I’m in the mood for. You may even start to get into a routine, reading one chapter of one book every morning and a chapter of the other every night. This also prevents a slump as hopefully one of the books will interest you, even if the other doesn’t! You’ll always have options, great for those who won’t read if the only option they have isn’t pulling them.
- Read everyday
Here’s where you’re not going to like what I have to say: sometimes you just have to force yourself to do things. Use discipline, not motivation. One way to flex your discipline muscle is to set a commitment to follow through. For instance, tell yourself you’ll read a whole chapter before bed every night, and commit. If you go to bed at 11, ensure you’re in bed by 10:30 with your book. If you miss a day, don’t skip the next night – go back to your routine as if nothing’s happened. If you’re a morning person, a chapter with your daily breakfast or coffee is simply bliss! If you can do this for a whole book, you’ll see just how easy it can be to read daily.
If you can’t even will yourself to open a book, don’t fret. I’ve been there. Sometimes I really don’t want to start a new book so what I’ll do is read just the prologue or first chapter at night before bed. I’ll finish and not even be remotely interested in continuing. Yet somehow I find the next day I’ll reach for the book to see what happens next! It sounds counterintuitive but if you really want to get back into reading, give it a go.
- Read everywhere
I don’t just pick up a book when I’m bored and there’s absolutely nothing to do. I read on weekend mornings with a cup of coffee after a walk, before bed, while in waiting rooms for doctor, dentist, car appointments, and always bring a book with me even to social functions. You never know if you’ll be bored or will have to wait. Instead of twiddling with your phone, pretending to be busy, next time you’re told to wait, read a few pages! These little things add up big time. Make reading a priority. If you watch tv for two hours every night, scale it to an hour or an hour and a half and read instead. Read on your lunch break. Read while on the elliptical instead of watching Love Island on your iPad. Picnic in the park? Bring your book! Going to the beach or pool? Camping? Sleeping over somewhere? Pack your book! You’ll never know if you need to pass the time.
- Find new ways to read
I prefer hard copy books above all else but since discovering audiobooks, I’ve been doing even more reading. I always have a hard copy book I’m reading, and an audiobook I listen to when I’m driving, on a walk, cooking, or cleaning. Reading is reading.
If you’re not into hard copies, get yourself an e-reader or tablet and read e-books! This is especially fun for travelling as you can bring several books without making your suitcase super heavy (learn from my mistakes please).
- Go to your happy place
No, not the one in your head. Hit up a bookstore, scour online for book sales in your area, find a little free library, or head over to the nearest public library. Just being near so many books will get you excited about reading.
Finding a little free library is so fun because you see what’s in there, leave an old book, and take one! You can visit it anytime you want and there will always be some new reads for you that you may not be able to find at the bookstore or the library. No library card needed.
I’m all about public libraries for reading as much as possible while still saving money. Libraries even have apps where you can borrow e-books and audiobooks! You should definitely check this out to see what app your library uses. All the e-books and audiobooks I listen to are free from the library!
Sometimes you just need a treat so why not plan a date for yourself or you and a friend? I suggest going to the bookstore, buying a book, followed by a coffee and almond croissant, and then heading over to the nearest park to start reading. This is a perfect way to spend the last days of summer!
If you’re not into reading but want to be, don’t give up! And if you’re in a slump, just know everyone’s been there and you will get out of it – sometimes you just need the right book.