A few weeks ago on stories I shared that I use to have a book blog. It was called “Confessions of a Bibliophile” and I loved writing reviews and sharing favorite books. I was surprised how many responses I received. The most common response was ” I want to get into reading again” or “I want to read more.” So I put together a list of my favorite tips to read more.
I have been an avid reader since I independently read my first book “The Goat Goes Up.” It was one of those learn-to-read books that have about 4 words on the page but I never forgot that moment, I was so proud of myself!
However, just because I love reading doesn’t mean I haven’t had my fair share of times that I fall into a reading slump. I think a lot of people become intimidated by reading because they think it needs to be a profound topic and experience and then are let down when it isn’t fun like they remember as a kid. School and college took the reading out of fun for awhile but if you are looking to get back into the habit of reading, here are some of my favorite tips.
5 Tips To Read More
Create Your Environment
Making your experience comfortable and cozy will encourage you to want to read. Light a candle, run your diffuser, grab your favorite blanket and settle in! I could probably read just about anywhere aside from a moving car, I get way too nauseous for car reading. My personal favorite way to read is in a cozy chair with a blanket, good lighting, and the perfect ambiance.
Set Your Ambience
Some people prefer complete silence for reading but I prefer to play either instrumental music or an ambient video quietly in the background. Check out this Youtube playlist I created that has a video for every mood and season. There are different themes like a library, cafe, medieval times, a beach, autumn, spooky, and holiday. I love having these in the background because having just a little noise and activity allows me to fully relax into reading.
For music, this is a great playlist on Spotify that I love!
Start A Reading Cycle
I find the hardest part of reading is simply starting, so I like to start a new book before completing my current read. Having a book you’re already interested in before completing one makes it easy to keep the reading cycle going. It leaves no excuses to procrastinate picking up your next book or what you’re going to read. As soon as I started doing this, I didn’t fall into a reading slump as often and always had a good book to dive back into. If fact, I love creating a reading cycle so much, that it has expanded to having multiple books going at once, which is my next tip!
Give Yourself Options
I am a huge advocate for reading options. I currently have 4 books I am in the middle of reading right now! I do this because one day I might be in the mood for contemporary, and the next night I might be wanting something light and fun or a classic. I see nothing wrong in having multiple books going at one time. I do think it is best to keep your choices in different genres and styles to avoid getting the plots and characters confused. Having choices keeps it fresh and you have something ready for every mood!
Find A Community
With everything, it’s more fun with friends!
Get a book club going with your friends, see if your local library has any groups or join a group on Goodreads to connect with people who like the same genres as you. Book clubs can be great for accountability and then you have people to talk about what you’ve read.
What I like to do is a little less formal. I like swapping books with friends then chat when we’ve finished sharing our thoughts. So while we aren’t reading them at the same time, we still get to chat about it! It is so interesting to hear how people’s opinions differ and what sticks out to them most.
I also love the community on Goodreads! I like using Goodreads to keep track of what I am reading, make notes about books, stay updated on new releases and find new books to add to my list. You can come follow me on Goodreads here if you’re interested in following my reviews and what I am reading.
Who’s excited to dive into a book this weekend? What do you struggle with most when it comes to reading?
I hope these tips help and get you inspired to read again!
Check out my post about where I shop for my favorite books
Collectively, Karmen
Pin It – Save For Later
