Many of us face various challenges throughout the year, preventing us from reading as many books as we might like. With modern distractions such as mobile phones, television or simply work, it can be hard to find the time to fit in reading. Cultivating a reading habit though is really important if you want to read and learn more.
This article takes a look at some of the practical strategies out there to build a reading habit in an effective manner. It looks at ways to prevent distraction, accessibility and different book formats.
If you're unsure where to begin in your journey to reading more, then these strategies will help get you started. Take a look at some of these suggestions and choose the one that you feel you'll benefit from the most.
1. Distance yourself from Distractions
This is often the hardest thing to do and the biggest factor toward a lack of reading. Phones have a massive impact on reading, offering a wealth of fun and exciting things to look at without much effort. Worse still, attention spans have declined in recent years as phone users are fed fast, attractive information in short bites. This has negatively impacted reading skills resulting in many readers simply looking for something easier on their brain and reverting back to screen time. To avoid such distractions, when you pick up a book, put your phone in a different room, mute your phone or even use apps to limit screen time or specific app use, so you can't be distracted
2. Make Books Accessible Everywhere
If you want to build a book reading habit, then you need to have a book with you at all times. This means you need to be able to see and access that book whenever the urge to read strikes you. Have a book on your bedside table or carry one on your commute. Having a physical book to hand offers tactile joy and can aid, more effectively, in getting back into reading. Taking notes or discussing the book with someone else helps to improve your engagement and retention of the story.
3. Join a Book Club
And speaking of discussing a book, then joining a book club is a great way to go. Whether it’s in person or online, there are many merits to joining a book club. First, you'll be introduced to new books and people allowing you to socialize. Second, you will be more motivated to read more. And as mentioned previously, sharing insights and discussing the book inspires you to read more and gives you accountability when you haven't.
4. Diversify Formats
For many, having a book accessible is not always easy, which is why changing up the format of your book reading can help. e-Books and audiobooks offer flexibility for easier reading integration into your daily life. Digital formats are easy to transport, more affordable and are customizable in terms of the font size and text format which can make reading easier for those with vision difficulties. Audiobooks take things a step further, offering a great way to multitask. They're great for making boring tasks interesting, motivating while exercising, or a great way to fill a commute.
The switch to digital books is not easy for everyone. So let's take a look at some of the major benefits of the digital medium.
- e-Books
Digital books are, as mentioned, one of the most convenient options. They take up no space as you can have them on your phone or e-Reader device. A whole library of books can be carried without adding any extra weight. Additionally, e-books are often cheaper than physical books, especially when using Amazon promo codes alongside Kindle’s budget-friendly options and regular sales, making them even more affordable. Additionally, libraries are part of apps like Libby, which give you access to free e-books to borrow, just as you would physical books from the library.
- Audiobooks
Listening to a book is also reading. You can find plenty of places to get audiobooks include Storytel, Scribd and Audible. Each of these services have a hugely diverse range of audiobooks with easy-to-use interfaces. Just like other services, Amazon Audible offers promotional deals, free trials and discounts to make audiobooks accessible to all.
Try combining these strategies to encourage further reading and find what's best for you. If you do, the personal and intellectual rewards of a regular reading habit will be greatly beneficial. Explore the resources mentioned here and why not try out new formats like audiobooks to see if they help.
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