Harden Elkington
Reading has several advantages, including enhancing your memory and vocabulary, enabling you to learn new things, as well as boosting attention and focus.
Many individuals claim that they desire to establish a reading habit but are unable to do so due to a lack of time. I used to be one of them. I’ve tried a variety of methods in an attempt to become a more avid reader, and I’ve found what works for me.
So here is the schedule that allowed me to develop and cultivate a reading habit.
Develop a reading habit
Make sure you read regularly
The most important part of establishing a reading habit is finding time every day to devote to your books. As Stephen King once said: ” Reading isn’t a step toward something. It’s a place you get to .”
In other words, the reading experience is an end in itself. So don’t get caught up thinking about what you can get from it. This will only diminish your pleasure and distract you from the power of books.
Your goal should be to read for fun daily, even if only for a few minutes.
Pick up every day and read until you can’t keep your eyes open
Can’t seem to find the time to fit in a book? Read it while waiting for the subway, standing in line at the grocery store, or during commercial breaks on TV.
Getting started is always the hardest part of establishing a reading habit, so any little bit of reading you can squeeze into your day will help.
Also, aim to read until you can’t keep your eyes open; this means that if at first, it’s only 15 minutes, don’t give up — you’re getting over the hump!
Plan ahead to read more
Many people find they have more free time during the weekend, so plan ahead to read more on these days. If you feel pressed for time, try just reading one chapter a day instead of an entire book.
If you’re able to, purchase a book and start it on Friday night with the goal of finishing it over the weekend.
Read various genres and topics
Although I’m an avid reader, I still struggle to establish a reading habit when my favorite books sit unopened on my shelf for months (or even years).
The feeling of guilt is difficult to shake, but try not to worry about it. Instead of reading one type of book, read various genres and topics.
You’ll find that you eventually become excited about all your new books instead of just one!
Make use of your commute
Most people spend their daily commute staring at a smartphone or tablet. Whether by bus or car, make use of this time to read.
Keep your reading material by your bed
If you like to read before falling asleep, keep some small books (such as poetry or short stories) next to your bed. That way, you’ll never run out of something to read at night!
Give yourself a reward every 100 pages
For those who tend to get distracted reading at home, try giving yourself a reward after every 100 pages you read. Tempted to watch TV instead of reading? Watch just one episode before returning to your book.
Take your book everywhere
If possible, carry your book around all day long so that you’re never bored or lacking something to read. This way, you can never use an excuse not to read!
Read what others are reading and join a club
If you enjoy discussing books with friends and family, take your book everywhere — then discuss it at the dinner table! Joining a book club is also a great way to explore new genres or meet other avid readers.
If you need more motivation to read, the New York Times Best Sellers list or a “to-read” shelf on Goodreads can be great resources.
Find Your Why
Perhaps the most important step in developing a reading habit is to determine why you want to read more.
Is it for pleasure? To improve your writing/English skills? To expand your knowledge on a subject? Whatever the reason, keep it in mind each time you feel like giving up and use it as motivation to get back into your book!
Have fun!
Reading should be an enjoyable experience, so don’t worry if you aren’t able to finish your book in one sitting or if you can’t seem to find time for it.
Remember that reading is a special, private world you can enter at any time and stay as long as you want.
How to encourage reading habits
Children
Teaching kids to read can sometimes be a difficult task, but it’s even more troublesome to teach them to appreciate reading. Whether you’re looking for ways to encourage your child to read independently or have trouble getting your child interested in books at all, these tips will help.
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1) Read together Every night before bed, read your child a bedtime story.
This can be anything from books that are age-appropriate (such as the Berenstain Bears for very young children) to shorter chapter books (maybe something like The Hobbit ).
If you’re struggling to find time in your schedule, try listening to an audiobook while commuting or cooking dinner at home – many great books are available on CD at your local library!
2) Visit the library Once a week, visit the library with your child to pick out new reading material.
If necessary, try borrowing audiobooks from the library’s collection. Try playing fun word games while you’re there too – see if your child can find cat or cat or even rats on the library’s shelves.
If your child is too young to read on his or her own, make use of colorful picture books or easy readers.
3) Take a trip Take a trip to a bookstore and let your child pick out a new book before bedtime.
This way, they can be excited about starting their new book the next night!
If your child is old enough to read on their own, let them borrow a couple of books from the bookstore and leave it at that.
4) Place reading material in “hot spots”
Place new or interesting-looking books in hot spots such as the kitchen table or bathroom counter so that they’re always within arm’s reach.
5) Join a reading group or book club
Joining a reading group is a great way to stay motivated and discuss new material with people who share your interests!
Even if you don’t have time to join an official book club, discussing books with your family and friends is a great way to encourage each other’s love for reading.
6) Read together before bedtime
Before you tuck your child into bed, read a chapter or two of your book aloud to him or her. This is an easy way to sneak in some extra reading time!
7) Make reading fun
If your child loves superheroes, make his or her favorite comic books part of the bedtime routine. If your child is a sports fan, read biographies of their favorite players or make predictions about next season’s games.
Find out what excites your child and incorporate it into the reading process!
Conclusion
The most important thing to remember when developing a reading habit is that it’s okay to take it slow and that you don’t need to read for hours every day to get the benefits of reading.
Reading has been shown to improve memory, increase empathy and even benefit your sleep cycle – so even if you only have time for a few pages each day, you’re already reaping the benefits of reading!
Keep the tips mentioned above in mind and implement a few into your daily routine. You’ll soon find that you have developed a lifelong love for all things literary!
