How to Cultivate a Reading Habit

Imagine a peaceful day at the park: the sun shines gently, you’re comfortably seated under a tree with a good book in hand, snacks within reach, and completely absorbed in your reading. Yet, reality often doesn’t match this ideal. Interruptions become common, and enthusiasm may dwindle. The book gets closed, and perhaps you turn to easier entertainment like TV. Does this sound familiar?

Embrace Reading in Everyday Moments

Many people expect reading to be a major, almost romantic event in their daily lives, leading to unrealistic expectations. Kevin Nguyen, author of My Documents and New Waves, advocates for reading flexibility. He emphasizes finding opportunities to read anytime and anywhere. According to his popular 2017 GQ article, adopting this mindset can transform your reading habit.

Experts provide additional strategies to either begin or rekindle a reading habit. A neuroscientist, a children’s book festival organizer, and a book podcast host share their insights.

Seek Small Reading Opportunities

Leverage brief moments throughout your day. Waiting at the train platform? Read a few pages. In a long line at a café? Dive into a book. Use free moments at school pickups or laundromats. During the commute, consider audiobooks while driving or printed books when taking public transport, suggests Nguyen.

Have Books Readily Accessible

Juanita Giles, executive director of the Virginia Children’s Book Festival, advises keeping books readily available. “Place books throughout your home and always carry one,” she recommends. This availability encourages spontaneous reading. “I maintain an upstairs book, a downstairs book, a car book, and even bathroom reading,” Giles shares.

Opt for Paper to Avoid Distractions

Maryanne Wolf, a cognitive neuroscientist at UCLA and author of Reader, Come Home: The Reading Brain In A Digital World, advises choosing paper over digital formats. Phones tempt with alerts or entertainment, potentially interrupting deep reading. Even with notifications off, habitual screen behaviors such as skimming can disrupt focus. Thus, for distraction-free reading, physical books are preferable.

Match Books with Available Time

Books vary in complexity and attention requirements. Lighter reads suit brief moments, whereas in-depth texts might need extended focus. For instance, Wolf notes that quick reads like Siddhartha require less time than Narcissus and Goldmund or detailed poetry.

Stop Reading Books You Dislike

Feeling disengaged or drowsy may indicate the current book doesn’t resonate. Traci Thomas, from the book podcast The Stacks, advises setting aside unappealing reads. “Preserving your interest is crucial,” she says, highlighting the abundance of available books. This practice, Thomas notes, helps in “cultivating taste.”

The episode discussing these insights was created by Sylvie Douglis, with visual editing by CJ Riculan. For those interested in more guidance, reach out to Life Kit at [email protected], listen to their podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, and subscribe to their newsletter.