A study by the Pew Research Center found that about a quarter of adults in the U.S. had not read a book in the past year. Finding the time and motivation to read can be tricky but the benefits prove it’s a worthy investment. There are advantages to giving the mind an exercise: reading even burns more calories than watching TV, The New York Times reported. If you’ve been falling behind on your reading, now’s the time to pick up your book habit again. So what is the secret to those Americans who still find the time to read?
1. Start a ritual
Psychologists say it takes 21 days to form a new habit. For the next 3 weeks, set aside time every day to crack open a book, whether it be at home before bed, on your lunch break, while riding the bus or while waiting in line. You’ll be surprised how much time you actually have to pull out a book. Soon you’ll find yourself instinctively reaching for your reading during your spare time and looking forward to the next chapter.
It’s important to find the time and place that works best for you. If you feel too exhausted to focus on a book at the end of the day, try scheduling your reading before the afternoon slump kicks in. While some people can zone out the background noise of a crowded train, others may need the quiet of their home to relax with a book. Enjoying your book is also about enjoying the experience of reading.
2. There’s an app for that!
While carrying around a heavy book may seem like a hassle for some people, few would complain about keeping their device by their side. The newest generation of reading apps such as the app from Nook make reading books on an iPad or cell phone a breeze. It even allows you to sync your reading list across multiple devices. Having all your books organized in one place will encourage you to keep picking up new ones.
E-books and e-readers are on the rise in popularity, particularly among younger generations, according to the Pew Research Center study. More people are turning to reading apps than ever before, making them a smart investment for people interested in increasing the number of books they read.
3. Read what you love but stay open to other genres
Remember, it’s not a competition. Choose the books you’ll enjoy, this is your free time after all! Unlike in college, once you’re out of school there is no such thing as required reading so don’t feel compelled to pick up a book only because it’s been billed as a classic, has celebrity endorsements or can be found on a best seller list.
If you’re bored with a book after a couple chapters, put it away and choose a different one. This exercise is about enjoying the experience. Reading apps have the added benefit of allowing you to explore multiple genres without requiring the purchase of another book. With access to millions of titles all in one place; including magazines, newspapers, comics and graphic novels, you won’t get bored with your choices.
4. Words with friends
If you enjoy dishing with friends about the latest plot twists on your favorite TV show, then why not try the same with books? Consider joining a book club to keep you motivated. Reading along with friends will give you the opportunity to discuss a book and explore the topics it addresses. This can help you get the most out of your reading experience and fuel great conversations. It’s also a great way to discover books you might not have read otherwise. Book discussion forces you to think critically about what you’re reading and to analyze the content. It also helps you think more objectively about other things you read, including news articles or other non-fiction content.
While your friends, coworkers and family make great reading buddies, connecting with book lovers can be as simple joining an online community by checking out facebook pages dedicated to reading, book club discussions or your favorite author. Even Mark Zuckerberg has added reading more books to his New Year’s resolution list and began the Facebook page A Year in Books to build an online community enthusiastic about reading.
Getting into the habit of reading more this year doesn’t have to be a daunting task. The experience should be fun, relaxing and engaging. So find the time that works best for you to crack open a book, join up with friends and family to keep you motivated and download a reading app to gain access to the books you’ll love and to explore new ones.
[Book image via tompagenet via Compfight cc]
Brian Alexander says
Goodreads.com is a great site for connecting with other book lovers too..
Phil Schneider says
Making it a habit. That’s definitely the most important and, therefore, hardest part.
Eric Dye says
True story.