Some of you may already be aware that one of my goals for this year, 2022, was to read more, as I realized that I didn’t read many novels in 2021. It’s not that I ever stopped loving to read, but I was busy with school, clubs, my blog, and family time. The time by so quickly, and before I knew it the year was over.

I have a sneaking suspicion that I’m not the only one that wants to begin to read more. What I love about every day is that each one gives you a chance to improve and set goals to support a more productive lifestyle with the activities that we love.

So here’s a few tips on how to read more. ✨

Be realistic. While wanting to read more is a wonderful resolution, it is important that we be realistic with how many books we can fit into our schedule. Consider all the duties that you have and how much time of leisure you have every week. This will make your goal for how much you want to read more possible and reachable.

Take baby steps. Just because you want to step up your reading game doesn’t mean you didn’t read at all last year. It’s possible that you read 3 books last year. This year, you might want to read 5. What I’m trying to say is, increase your goal in baby steps to avoid getting overwhelmed. Reading is fun, but its important that you also make time for family, friends, your other hobbies and rest.

Keep books in the rooms you spend the most time in. Sometimes it may be harder to read more when there are no books within arm’s reach. Try to add a bookshelf in your room or office and constantly keep a book on your desk, during the day. It will be easier to finish books more often if you keep one in front of you, at all times.

Consider replacing some phone time with reading time. After school, it’s only natural to want to check your phone. However, instead of spending the multitude of your time off of work/school on electronics, use some of that time to read.

Join a group or club of other readers. Personally, I am in a book club where we read one book a month. At the end of the month, we come together to discuss how we felt about it. It can be a great experience to surround yourself with a community of peers who have similar interests and hobbies.

Read works of your favorite genre(s). I find it much easier to get through a book quickly when it is of the genres that I favor. When reading your preferred genre, it will likely be right up your alley. Books that are the most relatable, memorable, and appeal to our emotions and likes tend to be the ones that we can read in just a couple of days.

Don’t be afraid to try audiobooks. Truly, life can occasionally get too busy for us to sit down and read. If you happen to be someone who is always on the go but would still like to get engaged in literature, then consider purchasing audiobooks (a recording of a book that is read aloud to you.) Not only are audiobooks very convenient, but you may also find some book recordings (specifically for classic books) for free on YouTube. Awesome, am I right?

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Finding time for reading may be a little bit of a challenge. But one of the many benefits of the constant technological advances is that we now have so many options for how we can read–there’s no one way. I hope you enjoyed this fairly quick read and that you will reach all of your reading goals. All it takes is some faith, effort and time, and we can–and will–succeed.

Have a beautiful and blessed day everyone! ✨