Have you ever bought a book but could never finish it? Does that book stay in the pile of your other unread books? Hmm… you are not the only one. The world right now is so busy with work, constant notifications, and new entertainment services that it can feel impossible to sit down and read a book. But in a sea of all these new entertainment services, many of us long to reconnect with ourselves while being in the quiet and getting a grip on a good book. Start reading books too, it has benefits too!

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Whether you have not touched a book since forever or are a book lover wanting to make some time for your hobby, this guide is for you! Reading books is not reaching your how many books read goal, but a hobby that can be about spending time with yourself.

Why Start Reading Books?

Reading books can be a door to a range of emotional, mental, and even physical benefits. Reading is a great habit that has been told to us since our school days, and they were right!

First, reading sharpens your focus and boosts your memory. Over time, it can improve your vocabulary and even improve your writing skills. When you start reading books, it can help you communicate even better. Reading can bring you to clarity, too, as it can help you understand your thoughts.

When you start reading books, it helps reduce stress and offers a peaceful break from your everyday life. When I read a good book, I end up finishing it within 2 days because I get invested in it. It is like stepping into someone else’s shoes; it just makes you aware of yourself and maybe helps you find your new hobbies. We humans love a routine.

The main benefit of reading books is when you are on a self-growth journey, start reading books that inspire, educate, and motivate. Reading can be the simplest and a simple tool to become the best version of yourself. [1]

Overcoming the Fear of Reading

Starting anything new can feel scary because you are scared to grow. Many people hesitate to start reading books because the length of it looks big. They think they might be too slow, too distracted, or maybe “not smart enough” to finish one book. Well, there is no right way to do it!

It is okay not to have read in years, and it is okay if you struggle to focus, even if it is not able to read more than a page.

Forget the pressure to finish thick novels or classic novels or the TikTok novels; you don’t need to join a book club right away. Focus on impressing you, reading is for you. Let go of the idea that you must read fast or remember every detail. Your journey is unique, and your progress matters to you. Your progress is about you, so even on days you don’t read, it is fine!!

It is much easier to start reading books when you actually enjoy the experience for yourself.

Start with a Reading Environment

When you start reading books, you cannot do that in a loud, messy, and noisy space. Reading books requires a space that allows you to relax and also be focused so you can dwell in the story more easily. Here are a few tips that you can use to create a good reading environment for yourself.

• Find a quiet and comfortable space, for many, it might be their own room.
• Lighting matters; pick a space where you can comfortably see the book, and do not dim out the whole room.
• You can also listen to books via eBooks or audiobooks.
• Make sure to keep a book nearby to read a few pages.
• Light a scented candle to indulge more in your book’s world and to relax.

How to Start Reading Books

Well, it is a habit that you need to form if you want to be a reader. It is a great habit for some even greater benefits, like having a better vocabulary, communication, and building a new hobby. Let’s look at some tips that make reading a book much easier and approachable.

1. Start with just 5 minutes each day, or just 5 pages each day.

2. Pair your book with another habit, reading while having breakfast or just before bed.

3. Keep one goal per day, it can be from reading 2 pages a day or 10, or any number, it is solely your choice.

4. You can join reading clubs, book clubs, or read with your partner.

5. Use tools like habit trackers to see your progress each day!

How to Deal with Distractions

Distractions are a friend to no one. You are there with a cup of coffee, enjoying your favorite book, and a notification comes on your phone. Another example can be someone visiting you out of nowhere. In today’s world, it can be hard to start reading books consistently. So, what can you do?

1. Have a book-time-only space in your day, separated for books.

2. Turn off notifications or use the focus mode on your phone.

3. Set a timer as a beginner; 10-15 minutes each day is also more than enough.

4. Take breaks if it feels too overwhelming, you know you can do it!

5. Don’t feel guilty if you miss a few days; it is okay to just enjoy the process rather than being perfect in it.

The goal is not perfection; it is about building a rhythm. It becomes easier to start reading books when you truly enjoy what you are reading, not to win the race.

Final Thoughts

Trying to start a new hobby can always be scary and hard, but it doesn’t have to be that complicated. You are learning how to start reading books, which is growth in your own way. It is a way to find yourself, your likes and dislikes, what inspires you, and more!

This journey is about you, so read in your pace, read in your time, you are doing more than enough!

References

Skills for Learning. (2018). Guide to effective reading. University of Wolverhampton.

http://www.wlv.ac.uk/skills