While reading is an incredibly rewarding activity, it can also be a demanding one.
Last month, you may have read our blog sharing five investing books that will both inform and fascinate, yet these books can often feel intimidating, especially if you’ve fallen out of the habit of reading regularly.
If you’re someone who used to consume books at a staggering rate but find yourself struggling to get back into reading, you’re not alone. According to the Bookseller, 35% of UK adults used to be avid readers but have since stopped.
Fortunately, as is the case with any other habit, reading is something you can ease yourself back into. There exist several simple strategies to help you rediscover the joy of getting lost in a great book – read on for seven of these.
1. Start small
If you haven’t picked up a book in a while, it’s vital not to expect yourself to start reading for hours every day right from the start.
Even if you have previously been able to fill your days with reading, diving straight into long sessions could quickly overwhelm you.
A more realistic approach could be to start small. Simply setting aside 15 or 30 minutes each day could help ease you back into the habit without making it feel like a chore.
Then, as you find yourself getting back into the groove of reading, you can gradually increase the amount of time you spend with a book. The main thing to focus on is consistency – making reading a regular part of your day, even if just in short bursts, could help you get back into it.
2. Set attainable goals
Setting yourself attainable goals can be incredibly motivating, and it’s no different when it comes to reading.
Whether you aim to read a certain number of books each month or simply dedicate a set amount of time, having clear and achievable goals could give you something to work towards.
If you used to read a book every few days, it can be tempting to set similar goals. Though, if you’re out of practice, it’s essential to be realistic.
Smaller goals at first could help you work your way up as you get back into the habit. Don’t forget to celebrate your milestones, too, as recognising your progress can help keep you motivated.
3. Choose the right book
One of the more considerable obstacles to getting back into reading could be the book you choose. It’s understandable that you might want to dive into a complex novel or a piece of non-fiction that’s been collecting dust on your shelf for months.
Though, it’s important to remember that the contents of the book play a significant role in helping you get back into the habit.
For instance, you might feel tempted to start reading a history book, yet these tend to be dense and challenging, especially if you’re just easing yourself back into reading.
Instead, you may want to consider starting with something more accessible, whether that’s a light novel or a collection of short stories.
Then, when you’ve reaffirmed your habit, you can gradually work your way back up towards more complex books that scratch your itch.
4. Create a suitable environment
Finding the right environment to read in can make a significant difference. Of course, some people can read books on busy trains filled with loud sports fans, yet others often need a cosy corner to focus. Though, the key is to find out what works best for you.
It’s essential to be mindful of these distractions, as there’s no point in picking up a book if you aren’t going to remember all of the details or forget important plot points.
The more you immerse yourself in your book, the easier it may be to pick the habit of regular reading back up. As such, you may want to find a space where you can focus fully on your book without any distractions.
5. Join a book club
A book club can be a practical way to hold yourself accountable to your reading goals. After all, it’s much harder to procrastinate your reading when you know you’ll need to discuss your thoughts on the book with a group of like-minded readers.
Whether you meet in person or virtually, a book club can create a sense of community and shared purpose that keeps you focused on reading.
What’s more, hearing other people’s perspectives on the same book can open your eyes to new ideas and interpretations that you might have previously missed. This social element of book clubs can turn reading from a solitary task to a more shared one.
You might even make some new friends along the way!
6. Keep a log
Keeping track of the books you’ve read can be an incredibly motivating practice. Not only could this help you remember which books you’ve completed, but a log can also provide a record of your thoughts and reflections.
Make sure you keep track of the title, author, and your impression of the book, as this will later become a valuable resource that you can look back on.
Your log could also give you insight into your reading preferences, helping you discover the type of books you enjoy the most. Over time, it can serve as a more tangible reminder of how much you’ve accomplished, ultimately encouraging you to keep reading.
7. Try your hand at different genres
If you stopped reading because you found yourself losing interest in the books you were picking up, it might be worth stepping outside of your comfort zone and trying something new.
For instance, if you’ve stuck to one genre over the years and the predictability of the stories caused you to lose your reading habit, it might be time to experiment with different genres.
If you have always read thrillers, a historical fiction novel might spark your interest once again, making reading far more exciting and varied.
Get in touch
While we can’t help you get back into the habit of reading, we can support you in managing your finances so it’s one less thing to worry about.
To find out what we can do for you, please contact us by email at info@investmentsense.co.uk or call 0115 933 8433.
Please note
This article is for general information only and does not constitute advice. The information is aimed at retail clients only.
