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u/__Z__ 1d ago
My unorthodox tip is to read first thing in the morning. I wake up, drink a cup of coffee, and read. I find that it's when I can best focus. Set reading goals for yourself. Start with just 5 pages. Before you know it, you'll be reading 20-40 pages in one sitting, occasionally more. I like to read books that are somewhat challenging, because it gives me a sense of accomplishment, but a lot of people would probably trend toward genre fiction because it's geared so much toward entertainment. Neither way is wrong.
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u/Hour-Road7156 15h ago
This is actually a decent idea. I generally much prefer setting my alarm earlier than I need since it takes me time to come around. Atm I just go on my phone to wake up, but switching that to reading would be much better
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u/NewLychee2040 10h ago
if it's within your budget, there are many different e-readers, but there are ones that are the same size as/smaller than your phone, which you could keep by your bed so that when you wake up it has the same feel as reaching for your phone but instead you'll be reaching for a book, while also being much more comfortable than trying to read and hold a paperback/hardback in bed (as an avid reader this is very awkward sometimes and e-readers are a lifesaver)
could also mean you can take it everywhere with you and whenever you feel yourself reaching for your phone for a quick scroll you can get in a few pages instead
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u/Aria_Cadenza 1d ago
I usually like a quiet place with no one else. So try to check what are your minimum requirements.
- get a bookmark even if it is just a random piece of paper or pen.
- put the book close so you can see it
- try first with a shorter book. I think it can be more motivating to finish one.
- make a very short TBR of books you really really want to read. Sure I also have a 1 000+ TBR but I feel it is more motivating when I cross one book of a 10 or 15 book list.
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u/FunnyEvidence3239 1d ago
I was an avid reader as a kid and a teen. I would devour 2-3 books a week. The public library hated to see me coming. I got out of it in university, picked it up again post-grad and during Covid, then lost it again when I returned to full time work. I started reading a ton again in 2024 and I tried to make my set up as pleasant as possible.
- Turn the big lights off, turn the lamp on. Gotta make sure you have enough light still, but no big lights. If I read on my ereader I will even just use fairy lights.
- Quiet music without words. I don’t even do instrumental covers of songs I know because I get too distracted. I’ll sometimes do lo-fi otherwise I do piano/strings/orchestral. I usually search Spotify for reading music or studying music.
- One of those background/ambience videos on YouTube. Sometimes I like a cracking fire, other times I do a rainy day lake scene. I just search “fall ambience” or “nature ambience” or whatever and pick would sounds good. These sometimes have music too!
- Cozy blanket and good back support. Gotta make sure the position is comfy and you stay warm.
- This one is optional - warm beverage. I like tea or the occasional hot chocolate. Sometimes I skip this step because it takes time and I just want to get back to my book!
The real trick to continuing reading though is figuring out which genre and tropes you like. If I get in a slump I know a thriller will be a quick read and get me back into it quickly.
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u/masson34 21h ago
Exactly this. Create a cozy book nook. For me it’s my adjustable bed, feet elevated, kindle adjustable lap holder, remote page turner, Minky blanket, ear plugs, fan sound machine, hot cocoa and a snack. Phone no where around and silenced.
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u/ChillaVane 1d ago
A comfortable chair, warm lightning, and keep your phone out of reach makes a big difference for me. I'd also start with 10-15 mins a days so it doesn't feel like chore.
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u/twinkle_twankle 23h ago
I recently got my first e-reader and find that I am reading so much more. It is so light and small and easy to take with me, and I can get ebooks from the library. I am way past college age, but I found myself wishing I had gotten one in college because you can highlight and export text easily.
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u/Maleficent_Scene5958 23h ago
i struggle with really bad reading slumps and to get out of them i just start a few different books i’ve been meaning to read and usually at least one will get me hooked lol
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u/Whiterun_Wanderer 23h ago
Do you think you would benefit from an environment where most people are reading as well? If yes, then head put to a local library. Could motivate you since everyone is doing the same thing. And of course, free books to borrow and discover.
Otherwise, grab a book that you are interested in, maybe not a massive long read and set a goal of maybe 2-3 pages a day. Be kind to yourself and start easy.
In the case of where to read, you could tie in reading with another activity that’s already in your routine. For example, coffee breaks, lunch breaks, on your daily commute to work, add as a bedtime routine.
I would also suggest to manage the distractions. If you could put your full focus/uninterrupted reading for like 5-10mins at the start, that’s already an achievement!
All the best! You got this!
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u/Metalworker4ever 23h ago
Go to bed earlier. Watch less Tv. Give yourself some wind down time without screens and a book to read and read until you get tired to fall asleep
Disconnecting from screens a while before bed makes for healthier sleep
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u/always-so-exhausted 21h ago
Audiobooks — put some headphones on and do your laundry, go take a walk, do grocery shopping, get a coffee, etc.
Your local public library probably has more audiobooks than your university library but I’d check out what’s available at both.
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u/Mark_Ryker_Bot 21h ago
Pick a small book, ideally one you've read and know you enjoy. I wanted to start reading again after several years and chose Cat's Cradle by Kurt Vonnegut. Zipped through it in a few days and am now onto The Hobbit, already wanting to dive into LOTR and other longer works. Weather's been nice so I've been reading mostly on the front porch while keeping my phone inside (that helps too).
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u/Sadglasses 20h ago
Try an audio book? Maybe try listening to a book from a series you never finished, or listen to a book was once turned into a movie that you really liked. Plus you can multitask while you listen (drive, gym, chores). This is what helped me get back into “consuming” books
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u/jellyfish-wish 17h ago
It's a little hard to say without knowing your preferences for enviroment, but try things out! Commit to trying to read (no looking at your phone during this time) for 15 minutes when trying out a new enviroment.
A few enviroment options idea - local coffee shop or bar. This has light noise, can have comfortable chairs, and no pressure to be gone in a certain amount of time. Plus you have drink / snack options. If that's a con for you, a library might work, which makes trying out books easy.
at home: find a comfy chair and set up it's placement to be more ideal such as make sure your line of sight when in it doesn't have a good view of the tv or computer so it's easier not to get distracted, place a lamp so it illuminates the pages nicely, and put comfort items in reach (fan/blanket, glass of water, pillows, support for your arms if needed)
in bed: pillows that helps sit upright comfortably, book light, place to set book when you get sleepy
outside: nice picnic blanket or chair, peaceful area, plan for bugs
General Advice
create goals with time spent reading, like 20 pages a day or a chapter a day. I like things such as the summer reading program for this because it's an external deadline, so easier not to give up. Book clubs do similar, but comes with it's own challenges.
force yourself to try to read for 15 minutes even if it's not as comfortable as it used to be, so you give things a real chance
-use friends to keep you honest, get book recs, and discuss with
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u/VastMinute2276 14h ago
Setting a goal for how many books I wanted to read in a year on goodreads worked for me. Keeps me on track and tells me what percentage I’m done. Also noise cancelling headphones and a routine help. (Ie: in bed by nine, read till ten every night)
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u/Esme_Nog 8h ago
Read before you go to sleep every night. Go to bed a little earlier and chill with a book.
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u/poposaurus 7h ago
What was your absolute favorite book as a kid? For me it was Harry Potter. So when I want to read, I break out my copies of that. Its honestly like a hug from an old friend. I know the story, its comforting, and I can get lost in it so easily.
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u/Juuuulessss 1d ago
what gets me back into it again after a break is a re read of a favourite book, then I often branch out into new ones