How to return reading to your daily routine

To argue about the benefits of reading on the pages of Lifehacker would be a waste of time, because, without a doubt, people have gathered here who know this themselves. However, to know and follow this knowledge in everyday life are completely different things. Reading is very often the same thing as with exercise: no one argues with its health benefits, but not everyone spends at least a few hours a week in the gym. Lack of time, inertia, laziness get in the way of our good intentions. The habit of reading must be purposefully cultivated in yourself, and this article will show you how to do it.

List books to read

Each of us has books, when we look at which we sigh and say: "Well, I'll retire, go on vacation, finish the project … and I will definitely read it." Then the titles of these books happily disappear from memory, and at that happy moment when rest, vacation, retirement really begins, you understand that you have nothing to read. Therefore, make a list of the books you want to read and post them in a prominent place. Let it hang, remind and reproach.

Follow your interests

The main reason for the lack of interest in reading is the wrong choice of books. That is, you sit down to read a terribly popular book that everyone admires and recommends to each other, and you realize that this is not interesting to you at all. But quitting seems to be inconvenient, you have to read it to the end. So you are tormented, falling asleep on the go and looking at the number of pages remaining. As a result, you may be able to master this book, but you will not pick up the next one soon.

Therefore, try to read only what you are really interested in. Ignore fashion trends and lists of "the best books of all time". Reading is a fun and enjoyable activity for your brain, not a continuation of work or study.

Choose the right media

Today, for lovers of reading, a real expanse. You can flip through the pages of a paper book in the old fashioned way, move your finger across the screen of a tablet or e-book, peer at the screens of mobile gadgets. Every way of reading has a right to exist, the main thing is that it suits you personally. It should be not only comfortable for you to read, but also pleasant to take the book in your hands, in whatever form it may be.

Take notes

In developing each habit, it is important to feel progress and be aware of your successes. Therefore, do not be lazy to write down the titles of the books you read, the main conclusions and knowledge that you received, the quotes you liked and your overall impression. When some time has passed, you yourself will be amazed at how much valuable, interesting, new you have learned from the books you have read, and you will continue reading with even greater enthusiasm.

Choose time

One of the main obstacles to reading is lack of time. Indeed, in our crazy times, it is quite difficult to find time to roll around with a book. Difficult but necessary.

Therefore, try to deliberately rake at least half an hour of reading in your schedule. Do not expect that you accidentally have a free space and you pick up a book. Do not appear, do not hope. Only specially allocated and carefully guarded personal time will save a beginner reading lover.

… and the place

For some reason, it is believed that reading is such an activity that you can do while hanging with one hand on the rail of an electric train, sweating on a treadmill in a gym, or sunbathing on a hot beach. Yes, for professional readers and such an environment will not be a hindrance, but novice book lovers should choose less extreme options.

Equip yourself with a comfortable and, most importantly, calm place where no one will distract you. Turn off the TV and the Internet, isolate yourself from extraneous sounds and other irritants. Make yourself a cup of coffee and maybe even treat yourself to a cake. Prove not only to your brain, but to your entire body that reading is truly a pleasure.

Do you manage to read books every day? And how?