How To Read More Books: 6 Simple Hacks

Good Morning fellow book-lovers! 

Seems like a great day to talk about books and how we can read MORE!!

With us spending more time at home lately you would think book worms have an infinite amount of time to read, I beg to differ!

Do you know what bookworms don’t have enough of?

We don’t have enough time to read!

We stack books in precarious towers with full intent to read them all, but then time escapes us while our TBR pile grows ever taller. 

Luckily, there are ways we can make time for reading.

In this post, we’ll explore 6 simple hacks for how to read more books.

Reading for pure enjoyment has been on a sad decline for a while now.

Life gets busy; books don’t get prioritized. 

Of course, readers are not mythical entities yet: Research Centers such as Pew Research Center states the average American is still likely to read around 12 books a year.

But with over a million books being published each year, the undeniable fact is: we need to find more time to read.

I read roughly around 100 books per year and have been steadily hitting this goal since 2018!

My #1 way to keep hitting these huge reading counts is genuinely to prioritize it.

Instead of watching TV, I choose to read, SIMPLE!

Instead of weekends out, I prefer the cozy comfort of tea, a soft blanket, and an excellent novel. (Peak shy-introvert move here too, I must admit.)

Reading isn’t just a joy and pleasure, it sharpens your mind and improves your empathy and ability to view the world from new perspectives.

Social studies have been done to conclude things like reading Harry Potter turns children into empathetic and perceiving adults.

It’s not just healthy to read, it’s crucial for building a generation of intelligent people who will strive to make the world a better place.

Books teach you to think for yourself, analyze, challenge the status quo and stand up for the downtrodden.

Books are quiet teachers and heartfelt friends.

Naturally, I’m not saying to never go out with friends, but we need to look at where we’re choosing to channel our free time into and if you can move books higher up on your priority list.

You also, like me, might be a voracious reader but still feel your TBR is casting you salty looks because you struggle to fit more reading time into your busy lifestyle.

Totally Bookish is here to help.

Here are 6 simple hacks for bookworms on how to fit more reading time into your day.

1. Include Reading In Your Daily Routine

The truth is, most people don’t “have enough time” for anything. I technically do not have time to look at memes on twitter, but somehow I fit it in. (Hey no judgment; the meme life is important too!)

If you really want something, you learn to prioritize it — like making a purposeful healthy meal in the evening or setting your alarm before going to sleep.

Chase down 15-20 minutes and set it apart, untouchable and sacred, as your reading-time. Turn it into a habit.

If you’re passionate about getting exercise each week, don’t forget that reading is strengthening the muscles of your brain. Super valid and important.

2. Identify Your Reading Blocks

Even if you give reading a solid place in your routine, things can still crop up to set you back.

A big one for many people is picking up a book in the evening but falling asleep while reading. Do this too often and your brain will start associating reading with sleeping.

Wave goodbye to your productive reading hour.

Try mixing things up!

Read for a few minutes in the mornings to break that “read = sleep” association.

Don’t read in bed.

Make sure you have adequate lighting to avoid eye strain (book lights are perfect for this!)

If you struggle to focus because of a noisy environment, put on headphones with gentle white noise playing.

If holding a physical book is difficult and causes wrist pain, try finding the perfect e-reader to keep books accessible for you.

The important thing is to identify what makes reading uncomfortable for you, or what turns it into a chore.

Eliminate these issues and turn reading into a safe place.

3. Not Enjoying It? Quit Reading That Book!

There is no shame in putting aside a book that isn’t working for you.

“It might get better!” your inner self whines softly, but be honest with yourself. Will it?

If a certain book makes you grind your teeth, set it aside and pick up something else. It’s too easy to neglect reading when you’re not enjoying it.

4. Always Bring A Book

If you love eBooks then make sure you have an eReading app on your phone! There: you’ve got a whole library in your pocket. Kindle is perfect for this!

If you prefer physical books, put one in your bag every time you go out.

You never know when you’ll have a spare 10 minutes that could be filled with another chapter.

5. Engage In Challenges

There’s nothing like being a little competitive to get you motivated to read more. Try focusing your reading intentions by setting a specific yearly reading goal!

You can sign up for the Goodreads Reading Challenge and pledge to read any number of books you like.

6. Find a Reading Buddy

Think of it like a miniature book club, just you and a friend or two.

When you have someone keeping you accountable for getting through a set amount of chapters per day, it can help you stay on track.

Not to mention, reading doesn’t have to be a lonely activity! Buddy-reading promotes discussion and gathering other perspectives.

 Discussing a book I am currently reading also helps me to absorb the story better and analyze the content… and also inspires my competitive streak so I end up reading twice as fast!

I hope you all find these 6 simple hacks useful and can create a great reading schedule that allows you to prioritize your reading! Till next time, stay safe and stay home, let's save lives.

#SocialDistancingSavesLives

BE YOU, BE TOTALLY BOOKISH.