It’s already the end of the year 2023. Many of us are having some days off in this period. It’s a good time to pause and reflect on the past year. To zoom out and take a few steps back. And to slowly make some plans and goals for the new year.
But it is also a good time to grab a blanket, a cup of tea and a good book. Maybe a book that helps you to reflect or give some inspiration for the new year. Just take a break and make some time to read. I will share seven tips that will help you to read more often.
#1 Make a reading spot in your home
Make a cosy and relaxing reading spot in your home. It can be a comfortable chair, a few pillows on the floor or a special corner of your couch. Make the reading corner in a way that you don’t get disturbed that easily. Make sure you have enough good light, so place a good lamp in your reading corner.
#2 Make a daily habit of reading
Put a timer for 10 or 15 minutes per day to read. When it becomes a habit, it’s easier to read every day. Probably you even want to read longer than 10 or 15 minutes.
#3 Get inspired
Try the app Goodreads and connect with your friends. You can see what your friends are reading and in this way you can get some inspiration. You can make your own lists in this app, so it all makes it easier for you. And when you are in a bookstore, scan the books you like and add them to your ‘to-read-list’. You can also track your progress and join a reading challenge with this app.
#4 Enjoy reading
Don’t be too strict with yourself. When you read a book and you don’t like it, don’t feel forced to finish the book. It’s better to stop on time and choose another book. If you prefer to listen to an audiobook, that also counts as a book. You can easily combine that with doing something else, like when you take a walk outside.
#5 Take a book with you
Wherever you go, bring a book with you. An E-reader or a book on your phone is also an option. So when you are travelling by train or when you have to wait for a friend, you can read something.
#6 Read more than one book at a time
If you are reading a maximum of five books at a time, you can choose what you like to read at that moment. Choose for example a self-help book, a webtoon, a story and an informative book. If you are on the way, you can read the webtoon on your phone. If you want to learn, you should read the informative book. When you want to get lost in a story, choose the story. And if you feel like you need some support in your life, read the self-help book.
#7 Read before going to bed
Put away all your digital devices before going to bed. Choose a book. It’s a good way to wind down and it helps you fall asleep.
Jane Regina Sauer 