So You Want to Read More...

Many people often choose reading more books as their New Year’s Resolution. If this is you, here are 5 ways that you can actually complete this goal.

1. Try different mediums

You don’t have to read a physical book to be reading. Some people may not be good at reading and developing images in their head. Some people may have eye problems or struggle with sitting for long periods of time. If you consider yourself to be an auditory learner, have you tried out audiobooks? You can go for a walk, color in a coloring book, or work on a puzzle while you listen to an entire book. Do you like art and visuals? Check out graphic novels and comics. The world of literature is vast and doesn’t apply to only traditional books.

2. Look back at what you read as a kid.

Many people say “I used to read a lot as a kid, but not anymore.” If you wish for this love of reading you once had to come back, check out what you were reading as a kid. Were you really into Percy Jackson? If so, look into adult retellings of classic Greek mythology. The Song of Achilles is a good place to start. Did you wish you went to Hogwarts? You’d probably enjoy some dark academia, magic vibes like A Discovery of Witches or A Deadly Education. There are tons of magical, fun books that can provide you with the comfort and nostalgia you’re longing for.

3. Set Aside a Specific Time to Read Each Day

When you block out a time for reading, you’re more likely to actually pick up a book. Maybe before you get out of bed each morning, you read for thirty minutes. Or everyday after dinner you sit on the couch for an hour and read. You have to be consistent and honor this time, putting your phone down and blocking out distractions. And once you really get invested in a good story, you may find yourself increasing your reading time.

4. Read What You Enjoy

Don’t force yourself to read something that you don’t enjoy. Why would you want to force yourself to do something not enjoyable? There is no shame in devouring romance novels or crime thriller books. You don’t have to be reading F. Scott Fitzgerald or Charles Dickens to be considered a “real reader.” Ultimately, if you’re not feeling a book, that’s okay. You can DNF it. You can skip reading for a day. If you force yourself through a book you don’t like, it will be a bad experience for you–one that makes you dread reading.

5. Put That Phone Away!

When you go to reach for your phone and mindlessly scroll, reach for a book instead. Imagine if all that time you spent on your phone catching up on Kardashian drama or comparing yourself to your high school classmates, you were reading instead. You’d probably read more books than you even dreamed of.

These tips should send you well on your way to complete your New Year’s Resolution. Happy reading!