How to Read More: 5 Friendly Tips to Get You Turning Pages
- Natasha Ololade
- Oct 15
- 3 min read
Want to read more but can't seem to find the time or motivation? We've got you covered! This article provides five simple, actionable tips to help you build a reading habit and fall in love with books all over again.
Hey friend!
We've all been there: staring at a pile of books we’ve been meaning to read, feeling a mix of guilt and overwhelm. Life gets busy, screens get more tempting, and somehow, the time for a good book just disappears. But what if it's not about finding time, but making it? Getting back into reading doesn't have to be a monumental task. It can be a simple, enjoyable part of your daily routine.
Here are five friendly tips to help you get started and turn more pages than you ever thought possible.
1. Start Small and Be Consistent.
Don't feel pressured to read a hundred pages a day. Instead, set a manageable, daily goal. This could be just 15 minutes a day, or even just 10 pages. The key is consistency. By making reading a daily habit, even a small one, you're building a routine that's easy to stick to. You’ll be surprised at how quickly those minutes and pages add up. Once you're comfortable, you can gradually increase your goal.
2. Always Have a Book Handy.
Life is full of small pockets of downtime—waiting for your coffee, in line at the grocery store, or during your commute. Instead of mindlessly scrolling through your phone, pull out a book. Carry a physical copy in your bag or, even easier, download a reading app on your phone. This makes it super convenient to get a few extra pages in whenever you have a spare moment.
3. Read What You Actually Enjoy.
This might sound obvious, but it's crucial. If you're slogging through a classic novel you feel obligated to read, you're likely to get discouraged. Life's too short to read books you don't like. Give yourself permission to read what excites you, whether it's a thrilling sci-fi novel, a juicy celebrity biography, a graphic novel, or a collection of poetry. The goal is to make reading a pleasure, not a chore.
4. Find Your Perfect Reading Spot.
Create a cozy, dedicated space just for reading. This could be a comfy chair with a soft blanket, a quiet corner of a café, or even just a spot on your porch. Make sure it's a place free from distractions like your TV or laptop. By creating a physical space dedicated to reading, you're mentally training yourself to relax and focus on your book.
5. Don’t Be Afraid to DNF (Did Not Finish).
This is perhaps the most freeing tip of all. If you’re a quarter of the way through a book and you just can't get into it, it's okay to put it down. There are millions of books out there, and not every one is going to be for you. Give yourself permission to move on. Finishing a book you don't enjoy can kill your reading momentum faster than anything. Instead, find a new book that sparks your curiosity and makes you excited to pick it up.
Reading isn't about being a "serious" reader or getting through the "right" books. It's about finding joy and escape in stories and knowledge. By incorporating these tips into your life, you'll find yourself reaching for a book more often and rediscovering the simple pleasure of reading.
For more information, check out these sources:
The National Education Association (NEA): They offer resources on the importance of reading for all ages.
The New York Public Library: Their website is a treasure trove of book recommendations and reading challenges.
What’s the one book you’ve been meaning to read? Let us know in the comments below.
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