I’m often asked how I read so much. The answer: I have no social life.
Okay, that’s not really the answer — although I really am a major introvert and quite happily a homebody. My idea of a good time is getting cozied up in my favorite chair or on the porch listening to the birds, with a cup of tea in one hand and a book in the other.
Besides my lack of a jam-packed social calendar, I believe the following factors make the biggest difference in how frequently I read.
5 habits to make reading often easy.
1) I don’t watch much TV.
Usually only a few hours a week. We recently discovered This is Us and my reading life took a hit as we caught up on the seasons we’d missed! And no, this doesn’t count when my husband is watching something like Forged in Fire and I glance up to see cool knives and swords. “It will kiiill.”
2) I don’t play games.
My younger kids don’t have their own phones or iPads and they never even ask to borrow my phone if they’re bored because they know I have ZERO game apps. I’ve just never gotten into games like CandyCrush or Words with Friends. (I don’t like board games either.)
3) I keep books within reach.
I have a rather giant stack by my chair in the living room, a small stack on my desk in the bedroom, and my current in-progress read usually follows me around so that if I’ve got a little time to spare, reading is my go-to thing.
4) I take a book with me.
If I’m going to be spending time in a doctor or dentist’s waiting room, or for an oil change, etc., I’ll usually spend that time reading.
5) I choose books I like.
Even more importantly that choosing books I think I’ll like, I also give myself permission NOT to finish the book if I’m not feeling it. Seriously — I think this is HUGE. Doing this keeps reading enjoyable and therefore, something I keep wanting to do.
What about you? Any tips to add?
Wife, mom, grandma. Introvert who finds joy in good books, sunshine, and authentic conversation. Fitness enthusiast and personal trainer. Often seen with a steaming mug of tea in hand.
