There is nothing better than getting lost in a good book. Reading can be extremely beneficial if you make the time. Not only will your vocabulary and focus improve, but you’ll be able to relax. With life’s busy schedule, even the best intentions can fall by the wayside, so here are a few tips to finding time to read:
Choose somewhere relaxing to read
Reading should be a pleasant, relaxing activity and if you’re not sat in a calm place, you may find that you make excuses not to read.
With that in mind, if you find you’re struggling to find time to read, you need to think about where your surroundings. Going somewhere that you outside of your home, that you find quiet and calming would work. But you could also choose a quiet corner of your home. I find that my sofa is the best place for me to sit and read. Usually, I sit in the corner, snuggled under a blanket. I often light a candle too and it’s just nice, sitting and reading, surrounded by my precious belonging, along with the prints, posters and artwork that I chose, which are mounted on the walls. As I’m comfortable in the space, I find it easier to settle down in that spot to read.
Take your book with you
Whether it’s a book, magazine, or reading device, always carry it in your bag and take with you when leaving the house. You don’t want to be caught without your reading material. When that moment arises, you are ready to utilise it. There will always be a few minutes of downtime here and there for you to read a few pages.
Allocate time in bed
A short read first thing in the morning can be extremely relaxing and can focus the mind on groggy mornings. Even a fifteen-minute early alarm will benefit you. You’ll have time for yourself. If you prefer a good read in the evening, rather than watching that last episode, grab a relaxing hot drink and your book before going up (there are so many benefits to an early night). You have nothing to lose by relaxing before bed as it can also aid sleep. Put your phone on do not disturb so you’re not tempted to break with some screen time.
Little and often
You’re never going to go from zero reading to reading chapters and chapters every day. Adopt the little but often approach. Aim to sneak in a few pages at first, then once you’re hooked in, you can promise yourself a quick chapter when the break in the day reveals itself. These moments and a couple of pages here and there will soon add up.
Use the commute
If you travel daily by train, bus, or other public transportation, reading during these times can be a great way to pass the time and connect with a good book. It will become part of your daily routine. Do your best to get the most out of what time you have, whether you have ten minutes or an hour.
Choose wisely
If you read something you are interested in, you will make the time to read. The moment you don’t choose your book wisely, you’ve already lost time. Focus on what interests you. It doesn’t matter whether you read suspense thrillers, biographies, fact, or fiction, reading will be an enjoyable pastime if you are interested. We all make time for what you enjoy. The same is true for finding time to read. If you’d like a little help with book choosing inspiration, Waterstones have some fabulous fictional suggestions.
Schedule in time
When you can’t find these reading moments in bed or on the commute, schedule them into your calendar. You can take care of yourself by allocating time for yourself to read. Your phone can help you get in the habit by setting a reminder, initially. When you become immersed in your book, these reading opportunities will naturally arise. You’ll make them and grab that book while making a drink, taking a bath, or eating lunch.
You won’t regret finding time to read and crawling back that quiet time just for you.
