Hey all, I need your advise and experience on how to make a habit of reading with my situation.
I really like to read novels, and from time to time a good popular science book, or psychology.
The issue is that given my job (I am an PhD candidate and my work involves lots of reading and writing on my topic (engineering)), I struggle to read or keep reading a book since it does not feel like resting. Also, I have difficulty to find books in my native language so I read in English which sometimes it’s not easy and I can’t read as fast.
Now I bought so many books, and around 7 books that I started and want to finish at some point :/ I always feel like I am missing out by not reading books and it’s a feeling that I don’t want.
So…. Pls any advice? Suggestion?
by Purple_sandpiper
6 Comments
My only suggestion is to figure out a time of day where you almost always have time to read, and then read consistently at that time. Even if it’s just a few minutes each day it will become a habit. It could be after you wake up while drinking coffee/tea, or during a lunch break, or right before bed. The key is consistency.
You can make a habit out of reading the book by placing it at where you would most feel like reading it, e.g. your bed. Also, maybe try finding a reading buddy, so you guys can keep each other motivated and discuss every few chapters.
If reading is really important to someone they will find the time. It doesn’t sound like it’s that important to you right now, more a kind of vague aspiration that you’re half-heartedly trying to talk yourself into. That’s fine, don’t fret over it, come back to reading when you actually want to do it.
I don’t know how you feel about e-readers/e-books/audio books, but if you don’t mind them, it might help to have books on your phone via Kindle or Libby and just open them up and sneak some reading in lieu of social media or constantly checking email (I remember my grad school days doing this!). English is my husband’s 3rd language and he’s had better luck finding books in his language in ebook format, so he’s embraced e-readers for this purpose. I think everyone else has better suggestions for physical/paper books!
Keep your book with your phone so that you carry out around with you, and any time you feel like picking up your phone for anything unimportant (like Reddit!), think about whether you’d actually like to read instead.
My solution was deciding to read before bed. Even if it’s just a page. Sometimes it is just a page, but most days, I get into it and read more (sometimes too much😅). If there’s a book I really can’t get into, after a few days I put it aside and start something different. It really helped me get back to reading for fun. You can also start with an old favourite to get you into the habit.