8 Ways to Read More this Year

This past year has been difficult in so many ways, but one positive for me (and so many others) has been having a lot more time to read.

But now that things are (slowly) returning to normal, how can we keep up the momentum to read more in the new year (whilst balancing that with work, family and other commitments)?

Read little and often

We’ve all done it: set a monthly reading goal and then left the bulk of it to catch up in the last weekend. Spending a weekend reading sounds amazing but it’s a luxury, and not a consistent way to keep up with reading goals.

Instead, spend 15-30 minutes reading every day- the pages will quickly build up and reading won’t feel like a task.

An easy way to do this is to make a daily habit of reading at a certain time. I keep a book on my bedside table so I can read for a few minutes before bed every night. This is also a great way to unwind and a much better alternative to scrolling on your phone.

READ MORE: How to Find Time for Reading

Set goals and tick them off

I don’t know about you, but having something to physically tick off really helps me to feel like I’m moving forward with my goals.

And that’s just the same with reading!

I always make a broad yearly goal and then monthly tbrs with the specific books I’m hoping to read that month. As I tick off each book, I feel even more motivated to keep onto the next.

Read some shorter books

Now I’m not just saying only read 100-page novellas all year.

But if you choose to read some shorter books (short stories, comics, animes), you’ll not only complete more books in the year, but also get that sense of achievement that comes with finishing a book more often.

There are so many amazing short stories you could pick up. And they’re amazing in their own right, not just to get ahead with your reading goal!

Share what you’re reading

One of my favourite things about being on Bookstagram is being able to share my current read and chat about the books I’m enjoying (and hating).

But social media isn’t the only place to share your reading. You could chat to friends or family about your goals or ask them to recommend you some books they think you’ll enjoy.

Read what you enjoy

If you’re just reading books you think you’re ‘supposed to’, it’s no wonder you might not be going at the rate you’d like.

There’s so much expectation to read the ‘right’ thing, whether that’s classics, non-fiction, longer epics, but really, the right thing is just what you enjoy.

If you love romance but feel like it’s an inferior genre, read it! 1. No genre or style of reading is better than any other, 2. Reading is for enjoyment above all else and 3. You’ll read a lot more if it’s books you’re actually getting something out of.

READ MORE: Why Reading is the Best Self-Care

Choose a style of reading that suits you

This could look like a lot of things.

If you find yourself consistently busy, why not try audiobooks whilst you cook or commute?

Alternatively, if you get bored easily, you could try reading multiple books at once (or vice versa if you can’t seem to keep up with all the different plots).

READ MORE: 7 Atmospheric Books to Read This Winter

Prioritise

You have to prioritise the things that are important to you if you want to fit them in. Reading is no different.

Look for where you can free up space in a day and actively plan in some time for reading. Treat it like any other task you want to do- that way you won’t just brush it aside if you’re tired or busy.

Take part in reading sprints

You might have heard of writing sprints but you can do the exact same thing with reading!

Set a 10, 20 or 30 minute timer and for that time, focus solely on reading. This is a great way to get a short burst of reading without getting bored or distracted.

Are you trying to read more this year? Are these tips helpful? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below or you can connect with me directly on any of my social medias.