Have you set a 2022 reading resolution but are struggling to get into it? Falling out of a reading habit is much easier than you might think. With some much constant entertainment available online, maintaining the focus to read can be tough. Which is why we're here to help you reboot your reading habit!
Not sure how to get back into reading again? Below, we'll dive into a few tips to help give your reading habit that much-needed boost.
1. Reboot your reading habit by...trying a new format
We all tend to have this stereotyped image of true bookworms as people who only read physical books. But how you read should never be as important as actually doing it. That's why changing up your reading format is an excellent way to reboot your reading habit!
If you're someone who prefers physical books, try reading on your e-reader or phone to see if it keeps you engaged. Or, for a fresh new approach, switch to audiobooks and see how you like them. Remember, you can go back to your favored format any time you like, but by trying something new you're rebooting your reading habit and making it more exciting.
2. Try the Rule of 50
Life is too short to be wasted on books we don't like. Forcing yourself to slog through a book you hate is a sure way not to reboot your reading habit. You'll just end up avoiding reading because you're not enjoying the experience!
Don't call it quits right away either, instead use the rule of 50 to decide if you will read the book to the end. Give yourself 50 pages to determine if the book is going to pick up, hold your interest, or is simply not for you. At this point, you can choose to set the book aside without a single iota of guilt—or keep reading if you find yourself enjoying it!
3. Reboot your reading habit by...taking it easy
February is the month where many New Year's resolutions start to fail. Our resolve wanes, we get busy, or we simply begin to lose focus. When it comes to rebooting your reading habit this year, remember to go easy on yourself.
If the past two years of craziness has taught us anything, it's that it's okay to let your goals go sometimes. Putting pressure on yourself to reach a certain number on your reading list, then getting upset when you don't achieve that won't help you reboot your reading habit. Instead, it'll make you more likely to give up altogether. So, try to enjoy reading with no strings—personal or otherwise—attached. It makes it so much more fun!
4. Try starting small
If you're looking to reboot your reading habit, the best way is to start by dipping a toe. In other words, start small with 2 pages every day, or 5-10 minutes of reading.
It's kind of like going back to the gym after a really long holiday. You wouldn't hit the heaviest weights, or expect your body to be able to jump into high intensity cardio right away, would you? The same applies to reading. Ease in, and you'll find yourself eventually able to read more and more every day!
5. Reboot your reading habit by...making it fun
At the end of the day, reading should be an enjoyable activity, not a chore! Maybe you've fallen out of love with reading in the last year, or you've never enjoyed it as an adult because of the mandatory reading from your school years. Whatever the case, reading can be something to look forward to when you pair it with something else you enjoy.
Relish that daily cuppa? Read a few pages every morning while savoring your coffee or tea. Like socializing? Find a friend to read with you, and plan weekly cocktail nights where you can talk about the book in a fun environment.
What are your tips for rebooting your reading habit? Share them in the comments below!
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