Stack of Books | Photo by Kayli Thompson | The Wright State Guardian
Reading is proven to have many health benefits, as well as give people the opportunity to escape into a different world. But reading for pleasure can be challenging when you’re in school — especially if you have a job or a family that divides your attention.
It’s important to take some time for yourself, and reading is like any other hobby that should be both relaxing and stimulating. Here are some helpful tips to help you read more!
Picking a book
The first step can sometimes be the hardest. Finding a book can be very overwhelming if you haven’t read in a while and have no idea where to start. Don’t feel ashamed! There are so many books out there that there is something for everyone.
A good place to start is fiction. If you like fantasy, browse the fantasy section! If you like romance, pick up a romance book! This also works for TV shows or movies you like; if you tend to watch a lot of thrillers or sci-fi movies, you can try to pick up a book in a genre you’re already familiar with.
Take your time and browse the selection. If you are hesitant to drop a lot of money on books, libraries in the Dayton area have a huge selection and you can renew a book if you didn’t finish it.
If you’re feeling brave, you can ask the librarian or bookseller what they recommend. They’re very knowledgeable about their catalogues and I promise they won’t find it annoying. They would love nothing more than to talk about books with you– that’s why they are there.
Don’t force it
This may seem like an unnecessary tip, but it’s important to not force yourself to read. Once you have the book, don’t stress about starting it right away if you’re busy.
Reading can be relaxing and fun, but just like anything else, forcing yourself to do it can make it stressful. Also, if you’re not feeling the book you picked, you don’t have to finish it.
Reading just one book can take a lot of your time and if you force yourself to read something you’re not enjoying, it will make it harder for you to pick up another book in the future.
Feel comfortable knowing that just because you picked up a book, that doesn’t mean you’re required to read it. The sooner you drop a book you don’t like, the sooner you can move onto a book you will love.
Get into position
Finding a comfortable space to sit in can help you focus on what you’re reading. Arm yourself with a snack or drink of your choice (PSL season just started!) and curl up in a comfortable, quiet place.
If you’re having trouble finding a quiet spot, you can listen to some lo-fi or orchestral playlists found on Youtube. There are also several apps like Forest or SelfControl that can block your own access to distracting websites so you can focus.
Finding the time
Everybody’s schedule is different, but you would be surprised how many pockets of time there are to pick up a book. Again, don’t stress out by forcing yourself to read, but bringing your current read with you can help you pull out your book.
If you’re listening to an audiobook, try listening to it on your commute to work or school. If you’re reading a physical book, put it in your purse or backpack so that it’s always with you when you have downtime. There are also apps like Kindle or Overdrive that you can use to read on your phone.
Don’t give up
Just because these tips may not help you right now, that doesn’t mean you’ll never have the opportunity to read more. Wait a while and then try again. Schedules change, and while you may not have much time to read now, your books will be there waiting for you.
