How to get into the habit of reading again

[Anonymous]

I asked everyone for recommendations and started a list of books I really wanted to read. Then I requested several from my local library. I would start one and give myself permission to drop it if I didn’t like it. I read between 5-6pm each day, as though it was my own happy hour. Poured a special drink and sat in my favorite chair and just read. Sometimes I’d only read for about 30 minutes of the hour and other times I’d read longer, depending on the book. I tracked books on Goodreads just to have a sense of accomplishment when I finished each book. Now I read other times of day too. It’s been very rewarding to get back into reading.

[Anonymous]

I was in a similar place and adopted a number of the ideas mentioned above. Key things that worked for me:

1. Always have a book available (the “frictionless” access someone else noted); it helped to have the same book in multiple formats (eg, audio, ebook, and/or paper).
—> block 15 min on your calendar to download/update Libby/Hoopla
—> move the app to the first screen of your phone (perhaps next to your biggest temptation app) so that it’s highly visible when you’re choosing how to spend time

2. Read something fun/easy/compelling; consider the first few books like the first weeks of a “couch to 5k” program. You’re building your stamina sustainably.
—> search for easy/light/fun reads in your genre here, or search “books like” for something along the lines of an old favorite
—> request on Libby / Hoopla / library site

3. Create a commitment device—this is highly personal. It could be…
- joining a bookclub
- sharing what you’re reading here and reporting on progress
- holding yourself to a goal of reading 15 min a day (helps of you can identify a specific time, like “during my commute” or “while doing dishes” or “after brushing teeth”)
- tracking on a chart or putting a check on the calendar if “don’t break the chain” habit building is motivating for you
- setting a goal of 10 pp/day (sets you up to read 12 ~300 pp books each year)

YMMV. Good luck—and keep us posted!

[Anonymous]

For me having the Libby and Kindle apps on my phone is key. I can open my book exactly as easily as the news or DCUM. I do still read junk sometimes but if I have a book going it’s way less and I feel so much better.