7 Ways to Develop a Better Reading Schedule

"That's the thing about books. They let you travel without moving your feet."

- Jhumpa Lahiri

John Green once wrote that books are the ultimate dumpees. You put them down and they wait ever so patiently for you pick them back up. On lonely nights or overworked days, the right book can be your perfect company. If your parents cultivated a reading habit in you as a child or you just grew up loving to read, you would know exactly what we mean.

The newer generation is growing up with social media. With series available at the click of an app. To them, reading could perhaps not be of priority. However, we also know that social media does wonders in promoting books and authors. A lot of times we come across our next good read because of it. It definitely has opened up a lot of people’s eyes to reading. 

Don’t worry if you have not inherited your love for the written word from someone in your family.  Whether you are a teenager or an adult, with these 6 practical ways we can cultivate a reading habit for you!

Set a reading target using GoodReads

Setting a reading goal is always a good idea. It motivates you to read the number of books you’ve chosen. And there is something deeply satisfactory about reaching your goal one book at a time. GoodReads allows you to create a reading target at the beginning of the year. You just have to pick the number. When you are just starting out, we would suggest picking a realistic one. Such as 12 books a year.

Invest in reading apps or Kindle or Nook Book

One of the best ways to start reading is by using the extra time you have. But often times when we travel, we are advised to travel light. Investing in a reading app on your phone such as PocketBooks or Kindle app, works like magic. If you do not mind reading on your phone, you can easily think about switching to a more permanent option such as Kindle or Nook Book. You can load these with multiple books, and you would have a range of stories to choose from.

Start a book blog or bookstagram

Sharing your opinion about the book that you just reading on a book blog or a bookstagram account, would not only bring you in contact with like-minded readers but bring a plethora of reading recommendations to you. Besides, once you tap into a genre you like, you will find more books to read, more author recommendations, and best of all, you can consider becoming a full time book reviewer!

Join a readers’ community online or offline

Finding your kind is also one of the best ways to cultivate a reading habit. If you partner up and read the same book, it makes it even better – because knowing there’s someone who can discuss the plot and the characters with you details once you finish reading the book is truly wonderful feeling. Whether you find your kindred spirits online or offline, they will find you your next best read.

Consider audiobooks by downloading Storytel or Audible

We live extremely busy lives. Sometimes it is hard to just sit down and read a book. It is hard to open an app to read, when 20 different notifications pop up. For times like these, it’s good to have audiobooks as a backup. Apps like Storytel and Audible lets you listen to stories or other books while you go about your day. That definitely does get one interested in books.

Have a specific time dedicated to just reading your book

A designated reading time also helps in cultivating a daily reading habit. Whether reading during a meal break, or in the commute – a fixed time always helps. Reading right before bedtime is one of the most common designated time slots allocated to reading. Turn in an hour earlier than when you plan to sleep and spend the time getting acquainted with the magical world of words.

When you get into the habit of reading books, believe us, it is hard to stop. Reading also helps put you in a better mood. Of course, the stories too would have to play a part in that. Even today, we find new readers discovering old classics like Jane Austen’s novels and Lord of the Rings – and of course, a host of new authors as well.

Of course there are many other guidelines or tips for cultivating a reading habit. It is famously believe that there is no such thing is a non-reader. Only people who have not found the right book yet. If you are just beginning or wonderful journey into reading, we highly recommend these six methods.