Photo: (c) graur razvan ionut
Most of us wish we read more books but we all reckon we don't have time. A major reason is because you can't multitask while reading as you can while watching TV and playing on the web. Reading usually requires more of your attention and reading for pleasure sounds so decadent in our busy lives. But you don’t find time to read; you make it. We all know about time management and reading needs to be scheduled when you can dedicate time.
Audiobooks
If multi-tasking is still vital to you, then consider downloading an audio version of a book onto your phone or computer, or buy on CD. This is a good option if your commute is long but you can't actually read a book as you're the driver. Other great times to listen include while cooking or cleaning or doing other mindless chores. Some public libraries offer free audiobook downloads so check and start listening.
Schedule That Time
Bedtime is a common time to read so simply head up 15 minutes earlier and get in the routine of a few pages before going to sleep. For many, bedtime is one of the quieter times of the day so a good opportunity but you might prefer over breakfast, between meetings, etc.
Audiobooks
If multi-tasking is still vital to you, then consider downloading an audio version of a book onto your phone or computer, or buy on CD. This is a good option if your commute is long but you can't actually read a book as you're the driver. Other great times to listen include while cooking or cleaning or doing other mindless chores. Some public libraries offer free audiobook downloads so check and start listening.
Schedule That Time
Bedtime is a common time to read so simply head up 15 minutes earlier and get in the routine of a few pages before going to sleep. For many, bedtime is one of the quieter times of the day so a good opportunity but you might prefer over breakfast, between meetings, etc.
(c) David Castillo Dominici
Read During Lunch
If you normally eat at your desk then don't work too. Move away from the PC and get the book out.
Carry Your Book Everywhere
Time to read can present itself throughout the day: standing in line at the supermarket, waiting for a friend, while dinner cooks, etc. and if your book is always there you can use those minutes to read more.
Read at the Gym
If you find the time to workout you can find the time to read and some exercise equipment has a book holder, especially exercise bikes.
If you normally eat at your desk then don't work too. Move away from the PC and get the book out.
Carry Your Book Everywhere
Time to read can present itself throughout the day: standing in line at the supermarket, waiting for a friend, while dinner cooks, etc. and if your book is always there you can use those minutes to read more.
Read at the Gym
If you find the time to workout you can find the time to read and some exercise equipment has a book holder, especially exercise bikes.
(c) Ambro
Read What You Enjoy
There's no reason to read the book everyone's talking about if the subject doesn't interest you. And you don't have to read 'the classics' just because you think everyone else has. You want to enjoy reading so choose what appeals to you.
eReaders
If you're embarrassed by your choice of reading material then download it as an ebook as all books look the same on a Kindle.
Read More Than One Book at a Time
This may sound crazy when you feel you can't find the time to finish one book but having a book at bedtime, another in the kitchen for while the kettle boils, another for your commute, etc. soon makes sense and you'll be surprised how well this 'reading in context works'.
Abandon Bad Books
Don't battle on if a book is too much hard work. Sometimes it takes a few pages, or chapters, for it to really grip you, but if it doesn't don't suffer. Put it on the shelf for another day and choose a new book.
There's no reason to read the book everyone's talking about if the subject doesn't interest you. And you don't have to read 'the classics' just because you think everyone else has. You want to enjoy reading so choose what appeals to you.
eReaders
If you're embarrassed by your choice of reading material then download it as an ebook as all books look the same on a Kindle.
Read More Than One Book at a Time
This may sound crazy when you feel you can't find the time to finish one book but having a book at bedtime, another in the kitchen for while the kettle boils, another for your commute, etc. soon makes sense and you'll be surprised how well this 'reading in context works'.
Abandon Bad Books
Don't battle on if a book is too much hard work. Sometimes it takes a few pages, or chapters, for it to really grip you, but if it doesn't don't suffer. Put it on the shelf for another day and choose a new book.
(c) chainat
Take a Book Where You Can't Take a Computer
Popular choices are sitting on a park bench, while walking – yes, you can read and walk, just be careful where you step, or in the bathroom. Yep, reading in the bath or on the toilet is your 'alone time' so why not read while you've got the peace?
Use Reading as a Reward
By being kind to yourself and allowing yourself to take a break to read you can reduce stress levels as while reading you can forget your problems. Then look at it the other way and use reading as the motivation to get a job done faster so you can read more of your book.
Popular choices are sitting on a park bench, while walking – yes, you can read and walk, just be careful where you step, or in the bathroom. Yep, reading in the bath or on the toilet is your 'alone time' so why not read while you've got the peace?
Use Reading as a Reward
By being kind to yourself and allowing yourself to take a break to read you can reduce stress levels as while reading you can forget your problems. Then look at it the other way and use reading as the motivation to get a job done faster so you can read more of your book.
(c) Stuart MIles
While you need to strike a balance between being social and fitting in reading it can be done. Stop being dictated to by a television schedule and take control of your time. No-one is saying you can't watch your favourite shows but you could record them and watch them at a more convenient time.
Books are hugely entertaining as well as offering a wealth of learning. They also help us gain perspective – especially biographies – and reading more improves your writing too.
Do you have more tips that have worked for you? Please let us know below.
Books are hugely entertaining as well as offering a wealth of learning. They also help us gain perspective – especially biographies – and reading more improves your writing too.
Do you have more tips that have worked for you? Please let us know below.
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