How to Read More Books

Reading is an activity that enriches the mind, engages the imagination, and helps us to rest and recharge. Beyond this, it helps us to break away from the monotony of everyday life, tapping into our creative side, developing our vocabulary, and broadening our horizons. When you think of it like fitness for the mind, the same way we exercise to take care of our bodies, then the benefits of factoring reading into your regular routine become clear. But if you already have a busy schedule, how can you make the most of your reading time and get through more books? Here are some tips:

Read several books at once

Having multiple books on the go at once means you can read based on your mood at any given moment. Particularly when a book deals with heavy subject matter, for example, it can demand a lot of focus and reflection, making it difficult to read when you’re feeling tired or low. Keep in mind that bookstores offer far more than just novels and academic texts; you can also find books of poetry, short story anthologies, essay collections, and much more. These shorter forms are particularly handy if you want to squeeze a few minutes of reading in during a work break or while catching a bus/train.

Surround yourself with books

If you like reading and want to develop the habit of reaching for a book, rather than always turning to your phone or TV, make sure you always have a book to hand. Many publishers offer special compact editions of the most popular books, perfect for slipping into your bag or pocket when you’re on the go. These are ideal for making the most of any down time, be it traveling on public transport, waiting for an appointment, or during a break at work.

Set aside time to read daily

Many people recommend reading at the same time each day, so it becomes part of your routine. You might, for example, read a few chapters when you wake up, to get your mind engaged for the day ahead. Or you may prefer to read for an hour or so before bed to wind down and rest your eyes from the constant strain of staring at screens. Choose whatever works best within your schedule!

Keep track of your reading

Regularly browsing bookish sites, blogs, and stores is a great way to stay informed about the latest exciting releases, and to engage with the wider reading community. Sites like Goodreads allow you to catalogue your reading and keep note of any titles you want to pick up in the future, or you could use a journal or notebook if you prefer the old school approach. Following your favorite authors’ newsletters and social media accounts will let you know when they have new releases coming up. By factoring book buying into your monthly spending, you shouldn’t need to worry about the extra expense, but you can of course turn to your local library if you’re trying to stick to a tighter budget.

Cut off your surroundings – embrace earplugs!

Some people find that ambient music helps them to zone out from the world around them and immerse themselves in their reading. For others, silence is the best weapon against distraction. By cutting yourself off from your environment, you should be able to devour the pages much faster, granting your imagination the chance it needs to flourish. We recommend moldable plugs, or custom made-to-measure plugs that have been shaped to your ear.

Make space for your reading

Have an area in your home that can act as your designated reading space. You will find that as you get used to reading regularly, you will turn to it automatically throughout the day. It doesn’t have to be anything elaborate; your favorite armchair, some cosy lighting, and a table to prop up a drink or snack of your choice would serve as the reading nook of many a bookworm’s dreams – the perfect relaxation zone!

Read according to your interests

Do you have any special interests? Or maybe you love a particular genre? Whether it’s fiction or nonfiction, bookstores hold a treasure trove of books on every topic imaginable. Be you a science nerd, a history buff, or a horror fanatic – there’s something for everyone! By reaching for the titles that you know will hold your interest, your reading time becomes a pleasure, rather than a chore. Too many people associate the pastime with uninspiring school reads and clinical textbooks, but nothing could be further from the truth. Reading can be the most wonderful, insightful, and rewarding adventure; you just need to find the right book for you