How to Read More
This week, I finally got hit with COVID-19. I’m not sure how I went this long without catching it as it seems almost everyone around me had, but being in NYC has definitely made the chances to catch it a thousand times more possible. As I’ve been laying in bed doing absolutely nothing the past few days besides watching TV, scrolling through social media, eating comfort foods, crocheting, and reading like a grandma, I realized that there were a few good habits I picked up from the pandemic the past few years that have gotten me through hours of boredom. One of those things was implementing reading into my daily routine. For so long, I was that person that would say that they just didn’t have time for reading anymore, that it’s just not the same as it used to be. And I was right for the most part; I ended up reading for class but never for my own leisure. After some time into the pandemic, however, I realized that even with the extended amount of time I gained, I still didn’t read. I ended up either scrolling on social media for hours or doing other mindless things. Of course, everyone just needs some mindless time here and there. But for me, I missed the feeling of getting lost in a book, of learning something new that I would never learn in a class, of getting excited about something other than looking at my phone. I started to incorporate reading more into my day to day, and if anyone else is looking to do the same, maybe these tips will help you.
1) Read what you enjoy.
Ever had to read something that sucked the life out of you? Something you couldn’t focus on for more than three words? Then guess what? You are not obligated to read it! Of course, there are many fantastic books out there that take some getting used to its language or format but are still amazing. But for the vast majority of books, if you don’t like it, you don’t have to read it. Find something that sparks your interest, that makes you actually want to keep reading. And if you don’t think you have any type of book you are interested in, you just haven’t found the right kind of book yet. For the longest time, I thought that I liked fantasy or science fiction novels. I mean, I did love dystopian novels as a kid. And it’s not that they got any worse, it’s that what intrigues me has evolved over time. I remember reading Michelle Obama’s memoir Becoming quite some time ago, and overtime that snowballed into me realizing I love reading POC perspective memoirs. I also love mystery books that have a deep psychological story behind them. I wouldn’t have been able to do this if I didn’t shop around first, but after realizing that I can spend my time thoroughly enjoying what I’m reading, it doesn’t take much to finish it.
2) Put it on your daily to-do list.
So this is something that I had to do. I had found some time to figure out what books I liked, but had no idea how to incorporate into my busy schedule. I had priorities, assignments, exams! How could reading compare? But the thing about reading is, it should fill your cup. It helps reset you, inspire you, stimulate you. Working and finishing assignments can drain you. I found that putting reading, that leisure time, in my to-do list amongst my other priorities, allowed myself to think of reading as something just as important as all the other stuff I was doing. “Read 10 pages of this book today” would go write before “Start orgo homework” (this is also how I started journaling consistently). What if you don’t have a to-do list? Find something you do everyday without fail (trust me, there is something). Dedicate time before or after that to read some pages of a book. Equate reading as something just as important as something else in your day.
3) Talk to other people about the books you read.
Reading a book for yourself is great. Sharing those moments with someone else can be even greater. Ever read something absolutely amazing and want to discuss it with someone? This is the perfect time to! When you talk about books, you want to keep reading them. Talking with others allows you to find new perspectives on a book you didn’t see before, becoming even more interesting. I do this a lot with the people close to me even when they are just there to be a listening board. Some times I swear I almost talk at them. But talking about it gets me excited because I get to share what I’m interested in, and in turn that makes me want to read more.
4) Go to bookstores or libraries often.
What happens if you have no idea what to read? And the social media recommendations just aren’t cutting it for you? Spending time at a local bookstore or library can do wonders to fuel your exploration and wonder. I have always loved getting lost in a bookstore or library. The way that I can try and search for a book that I was maybe interested in, but then another book picks up my eye, and another, and another, is one of the most underrated parts about reading in general. To be pleasantly surprised, intrigued, excited about a book you found at the bookstore or library, to bring it home and incorporate it into your daily routine, is an awesome cycle. Going to places with a lot of books will inspire you to read more, purely by the insane amount of books present in one place. All full of inspiring covers, crazy illustrations, great writing. It’s amazing.
5) Don’t guilt yourself for not reading, but also realize you have the capability to do it.
I’m not sure how guilt has been so entrenched into our society’s relationship with reading. It seems that reading has become the cooler older sister, and that if you don’t read, you’re not doing something right. Reading is meant to bring joy and exploration, not to be used as another way to bring another feeling of inadequacy. So do not guilt yourself over having spent the last 10 years not picking up a single book. But also realize that you are not someone “who doesn’t read.” You are someone that just has not read a book in a long time. We read everyday, on our phones, at work, etc. If you want to get into reading, know that it is in your cards.
