5 Ways to Read More

Do you ever find yourself saying that you want to read more, but yet, never do? You always find some excuse to do something else instead of reading, like bingeing a whole season of Stranger Things in a matter of hours or just aimlessly scrolling through your social media, entering and exciting the three same apps on loop. It's okay, you can admit it because I sure as hell do the same exact thing without fail.. Or maybe you're just too busy with work or school to find the time to sit down and crack open a book!

Over the many, many years that I've been an avid reader, I have found little ways to incorporate reading into my daily routine of of things and of course, there are days that I don't even pick up a book, which is perfectly fine.

Here's how you can get yourself to read more in just 5 simple ways!

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1. Don't Force Yourself to Read!

If you've read my previous post about reading slumps and how to get over them (which you can read here, if you haven't!) you should already know that you shouldn't force yourself to read if you don't want to, especially if it's a story you're not interested in. I find that if I make myself read or if I've been reading too long, I start thinking about other things. I'll be reading the words, but my brain isn't following along with what's being said because I'm too busy thinking about watching another episode of Miraculous Ladybug, or a totally embarrassing moment I had over 5 years ago, or sometime even food! Read when you want to read.

2. Try Reading Multiple Books at Once!

This can be very difficult for some, so don't beat yourself up if you can't juggle more than one book at a time! Some people have one book they read throughout the day and a book that have set on their nightstand for reading before they go to sleep. Or some have a book they read only on their commute to work and a book for when they're home. Give this method a shot, but don't stress if it's too much to handle! I'm defiantly not one of the people. If I read more than one book at a time, I'll start blending the two stories together, which is not a good thing.

3 Always Carry a Book With You!

Keep a book in your car or bag for when there's an opportunity to read, even if it's for only 5 minutes! I always bring my book with me when I'm sitting in my car, waiting for the child I babysit to get out of school for the day. By doing that, I have 20 minutes or so to read, instead of just fooling around on my phone. If you take public transport to and from work or school, defiantly bring a book to pass the time. I seriously envy those who can read in the car because sadly, I get horrible motion sickness even if I look down at my hands for longer than a second when I'm in a moving vehicle!

In High School, I used to have a book in my bag for when I found the time that I had nothing to do. For example, when you finish all your work for the day, but there's still a good portion of class left. If you have nothing to do in your study hall or even lunch, you have a great opportunity to get some reading in.

4. Read Before Bed, Instead of Looking at Your Phone!

This is pretty self-explanatory, I think. Studies have shown that you shouldn't be on your phone up to an hour before bedtime as the light from the screen prevents our brain from releasing Melatonin, which is a hormone that helps us sleep at night. The bright lights from our devices trick our noggin into thinking it's still daytime and we need to stay up longer! By reading before bed, not only are you setting some time to read, you are also helping your body to unwind and get ready for slumber. Your body will thank you... unless you pull an all-nighter because you couldn't put the book down.. Can't say I've never been there before. Ops!

5. Read (or Listen) Whenever, Wherever!

Read in the bath, the shower, or when you're brushing your teeth. Even try out audio books for when you'r out running, driving, or doing homework!

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Do any of you have weird ways of getting reading done?

I defiantly can spend a good hour or more in the bath when I bring a book in with me!

#bookish