Building a Reading Routine
Struggling to keep a consistent reading routine? Look no further. Creating a reading routine doesn’t need to be complicated, and it also doesn’t need to look like everyone else’s routine. Here are five tips to keep you motivated, and consistent with your reading routine.
Tip #1
Time of Day
What time of day are you most alert, motivated and or just generally functional? Asking yourself this question will help you determine what time of day will be best fit your reading time. This will most likely take you some trial and error, but give yourself some time and grace, you will eventually figure it out. You might already know when the best time for you to read is. I know for myself it’s right before bed. I light up some candles, turn on some soft instrumental music, get a hot cup of tea, my book and I am ready to go. Which leads me into my next point. Atmosphere.
Tip #2
Atmosphere
Decide how you like your surroundings to be when you are reading. Do you enjoy listening to music at the same time? If so, create a playlist or find one on your favorite music platform. Do you like to light a candle and cuddle up with a blanket while you’re reading? Do you like to drink some tea or have a snack? Perhaps you enjoy getting out of the house to read? Try going to a coffee shop, the library, or a park. Sometimes going to a different space than you’re used to can help you focus more on your reading.
Tip #3
Make it a Priority
We tend to put aside what we want to do for things we “need” to do. If we want to make reading a priority, though, we will need to change our mindset. What if you made reading to be just as important as your need to do the laundry? There are many articles with backed scientific research on reading that it helps your emotional and mental health. Shouldn’t that be taken more seriously? It’s worth carving out the time, even if it’s only 5 minutes a day to read. It will change the way you view your reading life and your life in general.
Tip #4
Choose Wisely
Make sure you have plenty of options when you sit down to read. I don’t know about you, but when I don’t have some options lined up, I tend to take too much time deciding what I want to read—or get distracted and end up not reading at all! On the other hand, make sure you also don’t overwhelm yourself by bringing a whole library-worth of books with you either. Bring only a few.
Tip #5
Stock Up
Prepare to have the supplies you would like to have while reading beforehand. If you like to drink tea or have a snack while reading make sure you have enough in your kitchen or add it to your next grocery list. Having a stationary bag is really helpful if you like to annotate, like myself, so purchasing or finding in your own home a bag that has your reading essentials inside is super helpful to have ready to go at all times. Both these options are really helpful too if you want to go out quickly, you can throw your snacks and essential bag in your purse and head out.
Please leave me a comment on what is essential to you for your reading habits. I hope to talk with you soon and as always, happy reading!