Reading books can be an incredibly enriching and rewarding experience, but in today’s fast-paced world, finding time to read can be a challenge. Between work, family responsibilities, social engagements, and other obligations, it can be difficult to carve out dedicated time for reading. Luckily for you, we have five easy tips to help you read more books to broaden your horizons, expand your knowledge, or simply unwind.
Block your schedule
Days can easily slip away from us, making it challenging to find time to read. To overcome this, it’s essential to set aside a specific time to indulge in this activity. Whether it’s a morning ritual or a way to wind down in the evening, scheduling a block of time dedicated to reading can help you stay committed to the habit. Disconnecting from your phone and other distractions and immersing yourself in a good book can be a powerful form of self-care. Being intentional about creating this time for yourself can lead to improved mental health and well-being. Studies have shown that reading for as little as 30 minutes a week can have positive effects on our health and overall happiness.
Read 10 pages per day
Committing to reading just 10 pages a day can go a long way in helping you tackle your reading list. It may seem like a small amount, but it can add up quickly. In fact, if you stick to this habit, you can easily finish a 300-page book every month. And once you find a book that truly captures your attention, you may find yourself reading even more than just 10 pages a day. So, don’t underestimate the power of setting a daily reading goal, no matter how small. It can help you develop a consistent reading habit and ultimately lead to a greater sense of fulfillment and accomplishment as you check more books off your list.
Write a list
There’s nothing quite like the feeling of accomplishment that comes from crossing something off your to-do list, and the same goes for your reading list. Keeping a list of the books you’ve read and those you plan to read is an excellent way to stay organized and track your progress toward your reading goals. Not only does it help you remember which titles you’ve already tackled, but it also allows you to prioritize which books to read next based on your interests and preferences. And if you’re participating in Cleveland Reads, don’t forget to log your reading in Beanstack to help you stay on track and contribute to the challenge. Start compiling your reading list today and enjoy the satisfaction of marking off each book as you conquer it!
Keep it on your phone
Make the most of your reading time by taking your book with you wherever you go. While carrying a physical book may not always be convenient, most of us carry our phones with us at all times, making it the perfect tool for reading on the go. With your library card, you can easily access a wide range of free ebooks and audiobooks that you can download and take with you wherever you travel. Whether you’re listening to an audiobook during your daily commute or reading a novel in the waiting room at the doctor’s office, your phone can be a great way to fit more reading into your busy schedule.
Find a book that fits your mood
Discovering a genre or author that you love can be a gateway to exploring more great titles. Once you find a style of writing or a particular author that resonates with you, be sure to dive deeper into their works and see what else they have to offer. But don’t forget to expand your reading horizons beyond just traditional books. Comic books, graphic novels, and manga are all great forms of storytelling that offer a unique visual experience that words alone can’t replicate. The combination of art and text can convey a depth of emotion and meaning that words alone cannot express. So, don’t sleep on these powerful storytelling mediums and explore the wealth of incredible stories they have to offer.
Free ebook and audiobooks
Bonus: Speed up the audiobook
Speed it up! Accelerate your reading experience by adjusting the speed of your audiobook. Many audiobook apps and players allow you to increase the playback speed, which can help you consume more stories in less time. By listening to audiobooks at a faster pace, you can still enjoy the full experience of the story while also maximizing your reading time. So, next time you’re listening to an audiobook, try increasing the playback speed and see how much more you can accomplish on your reading list!