How to read more

My answer to the question "I would like to read more, do you have any tips on how to take more time for reading and find a healthy routine?" Ask me your own questions on Curiouscat!

Last update: 2022-07-07

The question: I would like to read more, do you have any tips on how to take more time for reading and find a healthy routine?

A first note on performance The most important thing is that reading isn't a goal in itself. If you don't like a book, don't read it. If you think you're going to like a book, but the beginning disappoints you, don't finish it. If you read slowly, good for you, you can soak in more and it's a great experience too! If everyone says a book is good but you don't like it, don't read it. Audiobooks are books, comics are books, mangas are books. Don't be a snob - reading is reading. Now, completely on the other side, I've always enjoyed tracking my reading, so if you like seeing the little counter go up, it can be nice to download an app like The Storygraph and use it. Sharing your readings with other people is also a nice way to get recommendations and talk about books you enjoyed. (If you want to know more on "how to find books to read" I'm happy to share that too!)

My method A few years ago, I really didn't read much. Things that have helped me & some of my friends read more are:

Audiobooks are books, so if you like them, use them! (Personally, I can't focus on them, so I don't, but other people have way more success with audio than print. Almost as if different formats exist for different needs...)
I have a main bookshelf in my apartment, which has one "to be read" shelf where I group everything I own but haven't read yet. If you're the hoarding type, having this physical limit can help.
I also have two secondary shelves: one in the toilet (yes) for books with very short chapters, where I can just read one or two pages once in a while, and one on my bedside table (which honestly i don't use as much as my ereader, but hey, it's there and it's nice).
Every work week afternoon, I put a one-hour timer after a quick lunch and turn all electronics off, except for my e-reader if relevant, and I read. After the timer, I go back to work. This gives me a really nice break during the day, is good for my brain, for my mood, for my eyes, and doesn't affect my work performance because of how beneficial the break is.
I leave my phone in the living room when I go to bed, so that I have nothing better to do than read before falling asleep. Sometimes, all it takes is half a page and I'm drowsy; sometimes, I'm not sleepy and will read a hundred pages before finally going to sleep. But it always takes less time than staring at a bright screen.
Having an e-reader has really helped me because I can bring it everywhere and when I finish a book, it's okay, I have more. Super cool for wait times at the doctor's, public transportation adventures, etc.

Alex Sirac

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