5 Easy Ways to Build a Reading Habit

2020 was absolutely the year of reading for me. I mean, I’m a fairly voracious reader in most years, but being stuck at home for most of the year (with no end in sight) meant I powered through even more books. (I read a record 160 books in 2020!) Realistically, I’m probably more dedicated than most when it comes to reading. However, I am asked a lot on how to develop a reading habit, to introduce it into daily life. After leaving formal education, it can be difficult to read regularly. So, these are my best tips to help you with a regular reading habit, and enjoy your books again! 

1) Allow Yourself to Read What You Want to Read

My number one recommendation when it comes to developing a reading habit is to read what you want to read. That seems quite obvious, but many people struggle with it. Many people get caught up in the books that they should read, rather than the books they want to read. You aren’t in school, you don’t have to read anything. It doesn’t matter if it has been deemed a classic, or that Oprah or Reese Witherspoon deems it a good book. Allow yourself to read whatever strikes your fancy! 

Don’t be embarrassed by the books you want to read. If you want to read YA novels or erotica or cookbooks (and never cook) or westerns or whatever genre, read it. It doesn’t matter what other people think- they aren’t the ones reading these books. And if you are really concerned about people seeing the books that you are reading, you can always get an ereader (no one knows what you are reading anyways). 

2) Join a Book Group 

Please note: I didn’t say “join a book CLUB”. Book clubs can be a lot of fun and I am a big fan myself, but if you are struggling to read, book clubs can be hard. You have to read a book that you normally haven’t picked in a specific amount of time, and that can put a cramp in many people’s reading. 

You can find different book groups on Facebook, reddit, and other social media networks, where people share what they are reading, what they are looking forward to, and if they want recommendations! It can be a wonderful way to find new books. I’ve often posted with “I loved X book, do you have any recommendations”, even with very niche books. Even with just scrolling through the groups I’m in for a few moments, I come away with several books to add to my to-read list. You will find books you otherwise may never have! 

(I do know of a few rare book clubs that do this rather than reading the same book, but that is a rarity.)

3) You can DNF a Book

For those new to book lingo, DNF is “Did Not Finish”. A lot of people are unwilling to DNF a book and don’t want to “waste” the time they’ve already spent reading it. However, why would you waste your time reading a book you don’t like? That to me is the real reading crime! There is always another author to discover, another book to read- don’t waste your precious reading time on one that doesn’t work for you. Feel okay to DNF that book and move onto one that does work for you!
And don’t feel bad if you aren’t connecting with a book. You enjoy reading what you enjoy reading, and that is all there is to it. I often feel like I’m “letting the author down” by DNF their book but it helps to remember that there will absolutely be others who will love it. 

4) Schedule Yourself Reading Time

This varies person to person, but if you are a scheduler, schedule yourself reading time. Maybe you want to schedule 15 minutes in the morning while you drink your coffee, or an hour in the afternoon on Saturday. (I would recommend setting aside time at least once a week- it would be difficult to make it a habit if it is incredibly sporadic, like anything else.) 

Specifically setting time aside to read can be difficult. If you have children or people depending on you for things, finding uninterrupted time can feel like climbing a mountain. If this is the case for you, maybe see if there is a regular time that they do something that you can take advantage of. It isn’t the end of the world if you miss your scheduled reading time, but putting it on your calendar can help you mentally with making it a priority.

Note: If you aren’t a “schedule” person, this won’t help you- you know if you are….

5) Accept That Sometimes You Don’t Want to Read

Although this post is tips on how to develop a reading habit, it is important to realise that sometimes you just don’t feel like reading. There are some evenings where I just feel like watching a tv show or a movie or going for a walk or whatever. And that’s okay. If you aren’t in the mood for reading, don’t make it into yet another chore that you have to get done. And definitely do not judge yourself for not feeling like reading. Wait until you are actually in the mood to pick up your book!

If you are looking for your next book, I’ve got some wonderful reading lists to help you get started… 

The Best Royal Historical Fiction– if you love reading about the royals and their glamorous lives, this list of the best royal and royal-ish fiction will keep you reading for months! 

V&A Fashion Perspectives– Perhaps fashion history is more your style; these designer autobiographies are a fascinating look into their own design careers and the history of the industry. 

4 Cozy Series to Make You Fall in Love With Mysteries– Maybe you are a mystery person, in which case I will leave you with some of my favourite cozies! 

Do you have a regular reading habit? 

Cheers,
The Historian
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