Making reading a book part of your everyday life can seem totally impossible - I have gone through periods of time where I just have not read a word in months, either because I had no time, I felt uninspired by my bookshelf and it just altogether felt easier to do something else... like watch TV!
I can definitely say, though, that the times when I have been into reading, and I have been engrossed in a book, have been my happiest. I love to feel invested in characters, to be inspired, to discover new ideas, and I think books are IMPORTANT. So I wanted to jot down a few thoughts here in the nook, about ways in which reading really can easily be part of your everyday.
I think the number one reason why the book gets pushed aside in a person's everyday life is a lack of time. I understand this can be tricky - that by the time you finish work and all the errands and jobs you had to do, all you want to do is put your feet up and not do ANYTHING. But there are some small ways to get around that ever ticking clock.
- Reading on the train. Or bus or any other transport you can. Similarly, while you are waiting on the platform for said train.
- Audiobooks. These can be great for listening to while you are doing something else, for example, walking around town/walking the dog, cooking, ironing, cleaning, doing paperwork...
- Keep book handy in handbag or car. Maybe you showed up 10 minutes early to your doctors/hairdressers appointment and need to kill a bit of time.
- Reading over your morning coffee. I know scrolling through facebook and emails might be tempting, but make your morning coffee a lovely 10 minute break and grab some reading time.
Another reason why people don't feel the motivation to get their book out on an everyday basis is simply that they haven't really got a good book to read! Or one that they are interested in. So go for a browse, pick something that really lights that spark and don't be forcing yourself to keep going with that 1000 page melodrama from the middle ages if it's not really what you want to read. Life is just too short. Just put it down and move on. You will probably find that once you have a book that you are dying to read, it will work it's way into your day wherever it can!
Similarly, I think sometimes pressure to plow on through books and through that (constantly) building pile of 'to read' books, can often be overwhelming and uninspiring. Most of us do have a huge number of titles that we want to read, maybe lots of us also have a goal of reading a certain number this month or this year. My advice would be to put the books on your bookshelf and just focus on the one at hand. Don't let the pressure get to you, just enjoy it!
For all you students out there, or just people like me - with not many spare pennies - perhaps you simply don't have the money to spend on new books all the time. Totally understandable. Here are my money-saving tips so your everyday reading can survive the crunch:
- Libraries. Seems obvious I know, but they are amazing places!
- Trade In websites or shops. I have seen a few places online that do this - I know that the US Amazon does, for example - where you can trade in your old books and get some new ones. Some cities also have a free book exchange system, where you can take a book in exchange for one of yours.
- Project Gutenberg. I recently found out about this website where you can download loads of books for free and read them online. I definitely recommend checking it out.
- Borrow from friends. See a book at your friend's house that you want to borrow? Organise a book borrowing party!
So there you go. I think there is this romantic idea that often comes with reading - that you have to be snuggled up by the fire, under a blanket, while it snows outside. Of course that's all very lovely, but reading can be a normal, everyday activity too and will hopefully brighten your day! Happy Monday!
Labels: Culture