I’ve always loved digital and social media for the entertainment it provides. It’s been a great way to unwind, stay connected with loved ones, and enjoy some passive leisure time. But recently, I started thinking about how much it shifted my habits, especially when it came to reading. If you’re wondering how to love reading again after falling out of the habit, you’re definitely not alone.
Over the past few years, especially after graduating, I realized I hadn’t been reading books like I used to. Back in school, reading was a huge part of my life because it was required for classwork. But after graduation and stepping into my “adult-ish” life, I pretty much said sayonara to reading altogether.
Instead, my free time slowly became filled with video content. Whether it was watching something during a lunch break, binging TV shows after work, or endlessly scrolling on TikTok and YouTube. Eventually, my attention span shrank to just a few seconds. If you can relate, this post is for you. I’m sharing the tips that helped me fall back in love with reading, and I hope they’ll help you too!
Why Is Reading Important?
Before we dive in, I want to highlight why reading is so important. To explain it, I have to take it back to elementary school and childhood, where there was such a strong emphasis on reading. And honestly, those lessons still hold true today.
Reading is important because it helps us build our vocabulary, strengthen our focus and concentration, and exercise our comprehension skills. That’s why the first step in learning how to love reading again is identifying why you believe reading matters to you personally. Having this awareness will help shift your mindset, keep you motivated when it gets challenging, and serve as your personal “why.”
Your “why” could be wanting to expand your vocabulary, improve your ability to think creatively (something I believe many of us have lost with constant screen time), or simply to spark your imagination again. Whatever your reason is, keeping it in mind will make a big difference as you reconnect with the joy of reading.
How to Love Reading
Read Based on Questions and Concerns That You Have
A simple way to start reading more is to focus on reading materials that help you solve a problem or answer a question that you currently have. For example, if you’re looking for a chicken alfredo pasta recipe; instead of immediately watching a video, you could opt for a written recipe. Read through it carefully and follow along step-by-step to help you create the dish.
Another easy switch is choosing to read news articles instead of watching news videos. By turning to reading as a way to find answers in your everyday life, it can naturally become a more useful and enjoyable habit.
Read for Fun
Reading doesn’t always have to feel serious or like a chore. From fun blogs and articles to books in genres you actually enjoy; reading can be an exciting way to learn new things, expand your imagination, and get lost in a story.
Don’t feel like you only have to stick to personal development books or nonfiction. Reading for pure enjoyment, choosing something that sparks your inner child or stimulates your curiosity, can make it hard to put the book down because you’ll be eager to see what happens next.
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Make Reading Convenient and Accessible
Just like how you may have social media and games easily accessible on your phone, try making reading just as convenient. There are so many reading apps like Kindle, Libby, and Hoopla that allow you to read anytime, anywhere. Libby and Hoopla even partner with local publicc libraries so you can access books for FREE. Overall, using apps like these, can make it easier to fit reading into your day, especially if you don’t want to carry a physical book around.
Read Physical Books
On the flip side, sometimes it’s really refreshing to pick up a good old-fashioned physical book. There’s just something about physically holding a book and flipping through the pages that can help you focus better. Plus, when you’re reading a physical book instead of using a device, there’s less temptation to get distracted and switch over to another app.
Read with Others
Oftentimes two (or more) really is better than one. Especially when it comes to staying motivated and disciplined. One great way to build the habit of reading and actually enjoy it more is to read with others. You could start a book club and pick a book to read together.
Meeting up to discuss the chapters, sharing your thoughts, and checking in on each other (“Hey, did you read today?” or “What chapter are you on?”) can help keep you accountable and make reading feel like a fun and shared experience.
Get Comfortable
When trying to read, it could be really helpful finding a comfortable and cozy spot. From reading in bed to the couch, get situated somewhere that’s comfortable so that your body is at ease and your mind can also be at ease. You can even read at the beach or at the park. Simply kick back… and let yourself forget about the time pressures of the world. Because trust me, time flies once you get lost in a good book.
Give Yourself Grace
Lastly, when it comes to cultivating a love for reading, it’s important to give yourself grace. Don’t set unrealistic expectations, like promising yourself you’ll read five books by next month. Especially when you’re just starting to build the habit. Instead, take your time. Begin by reading a chapter or two each day, and choose books that genuinely interest you. This way, it’ll be easier to stay motivated and keep turning the pages.
