[A collaboration post – all thoughts are my own. This article was originally published in January 2022 and has been updated for comprehensiveness.]
I have always enjoyed reading. But this year, I didn’t use to read as much as I should have. Reading is my way to escape from work and unwind. But, it can also increase our knowledge and worldview as human beings. That’s why you need to enjoy reading books (even though you hate it).
Reading is beneficial in both our personal and professional lives. It gives you something interesting to talk about when you’re networking with reading buddies. For translators, it gives you the benefit to expand your vocabulary and knowledge to translate literature projects.
Nowadays, it becomes a challenge to focus on reading when everyone spends a lot of time surfing the internet. Even after knowing the benefits of reading books, still many people fail to create a habit of reading books. Some still don’t know how to enjoy reading books: they want to read books, but they don’t find reading books interesting.
How to enjoy reading books with so many distractions?
I’m very fond of reading books, and it has become my habit. Reading requires concentration and a lot of concentration. I don’t carry books with me all the time (because I mostly work from home), but whenever I get a chance, I start reading a book that I love. At various times, we will need to focus on readings, whether through screens or on paper.
Have you ever thought about doing a final examination without reading anything in-depth? Some situations will require you to read real content, with more intense reading. When you read, you improve your writing and transform the act of reading into something pleasurable.
We have already talked about why you should read every day. But now it’s time for you to know how to enjoy reading. I hope the books and you will be good friends going forward.
Read what you love
Which types and genres of books do you like?
How to enjoy reading books if you pick a book you hate?
It is essential to know which book types appeal to you the most. To enjoy reading, you must read what you like. Start with a book that you love very much and you will be motivated to read.
Most people who don’t like to read have had bad experiences. But, it’s time to move on. Give reading a new chance by picking a book that you like. If you like romance, read novels. Fiction, poetry, newspaper, and magazines. If you’re a fan of YA novels, go for it! You will be motivated to finish a book if you feel happy to read it. Give yourself permission to put a book down if you just aren’t into it.
When you read books that you actually want to read, you’ll find it more difficult to put them down. The important thing is to take the first step. Once you get into the habit of reading, it will be easier to enjoy reading more books.
Start with small books
I prefer to read books with more than 600 pages. Small books are usually finished faster. I could read Harry Potter and Deathly Hallows in a day – because I just don’t want to wait until later to finish it.
However, a good way to enjoy reading books is to start slowly with small books. It is no use picking up a thousand-page book if you can’t read 30 pages at the moment without interruption. Logically, small books take less time to read and will require less effort. This tends to give you more encouragement to persist.
Set aside daily reading time
To create the habit of reading and enjoy reading books, don’t use lack of time as an excuse. You first need to prioritize time for this. Start with 20-30 minutes a day, and you will see that, little by little, you will be motivated to read more and more.
Simply put, you make time for what’s important to you. I could be busy with my blogging and networking stuff, but I’m still going to find time to watch movies every day or meet my friend. Why? Because they are important. The same case for the other things in my life. Reading is important to me, so I’ve made time for it.
If you have difficulty establishing a schedule, use your phone reminder or make a table and place it on the wall of your room. Set aside 20 minutes each day to dive into your book. Don’t let yourself be sabotaged. It doesn’t matter what time of day as long as you are making time for it. Make that commitment to yourself.
This helps make reading a habit. For me, I always set aside 30 minutes during a coffee break to relax. The 30 minutes before I go to bed are my favorite moments. I read more throughout the day, but since some days are more hectic than others, that’s not always guaranteed. At least setting daily reading time ensures that I’m reading around at least an hour every day.
Besides setting daily reading time, you may also set the number of pages you will read daily. This is another strategy that usually works. However, take it easy. Start small, 5-10 pages a day will be great at the start. Because the main goal is to enjoy reading and make it a habit.
Find a suitable place to read
Do you like to read in a quiet place or is it okay for you with noisy environments?
I can’t enjoy reading and working in noisy environments. I always choose a big and cozy spot where I can focus. You can read in a study room, or at home, as long as these environments allow you to concentrate.
In addition, you should avoid distractions. It is no use sitting down to read and continue looking at messages or social networks with your cell phone on. As it is complicated to read with the TV on, music, and side conversations. Well, I’ve seen some people still can focus on reading while music or TV is on; it depends on the person itself.
If you don’t focus on the time spent reading, it will be difficult to establish a habit. Except when reading through screens, leave the electronics off or away from you when you open a book.
These were some techniques to enjoy reading books, do share what tips you use to enjoy reading books and what importance books have in your life.
This was lovely to read and feel motivated to make more time for sitting down with a good book. I am an avid reader when I am in the mood but it comes and goes (the stresses of everyday life get in the way sometimes) so this was really helpful!
Love to hear that! Thank you Molly 😀
Good ideas for getting into reading more. I love smaller books and read novellas a lot.
Thank you, Jamie 😀
From one bookworm to another, these are all great tips! I definitely agree with reading books you enjoy – I remember forcing myself to read classics and romance novels because that’s what everyone else was reading and didn’t pick up the book for months after the first few chapters. Reading books you love in a comfy place absolutely makes for a great reading experience!
Completely agree with you! Thanks for reading, Claire x
Really good article. This year I have read far more than previous, and I am trying my hand at classics. Currently reading Orlando by Virginia Woolf. I’m also mixing up with non-fiction too. You are so right, give yourself time, and read what you love.
I love finding a nice place to read 🙂 this is a lovely post. I’ve always enjoyed reading in my spare time but it’s great when you can add another level of enjoyment x
These are good tips to boost reading hobby. I need to share this post with some of my friends who are having trouble with their imaginations.
I am finding it difficult to manage office work and reading books. Your suggestions are so on point. I am able to read a book because it’s very interesting. I try to read a chapter during my morning commute to work or I read before sleeping at night.
Good post, Merry.