Unnati
- Jul 25

How to Develop a Habit of Reading!

Plus a list of books worth reading & gifting, and book clubs you can join

When I was a child, I considered my school library as the best place for power naps. Covering my face with an open book in one hand while the other hand was a thoughtful version of an uneasy yet most used pillow. We were asked to pick a new novel, every week to develop a habit of reading which I eventually did.

Adultery by Paulo Coelho

Eleven Minutes by Paulo Coelho

Tough Times Never Last But Tough People Do

But it was not the same in my early school days. When I started taking reading as a habit more seriously, it took me a while to get into a routine. I used to carry a book for a week and even a month because I could not finish it. Every time I opened it, I would end up reading a page or two. My love for books and reading, in general, has evolved over the years, and today in spite of a busy life, I find time to read every now and then. There are a few techniques that have helped me to reach here and I thought of sharing them with you today.

Where'd You Go, Bernadette by Maria Semple

1. Find your Corner

I feel more than a book or a genre, it is the ambiance that matters. I prefer to read in that corner of the house where natural light is available (at least whenever possible) and I can look outside in between while reading. It helps me to involve myself with the book by thinking about its characters and understanding them in flashes. It is hard to finish a book unless you feel connected to it. So look for a place where you love to spend most of your time at home and make it your reading spot.

Brida by Paulo Coelho

2. Pick One at a Time

When I started developing reading as a habit, I was so excited that I bought a bunch of books for myself. I had several choices and was so overwhelmed that I could not finish even a single one in a month. One day I would read a few pages of a book and the next day I would pick up another out of curiosity. Eventually, I realized that if I want to develop reading as a habit, I will first have to develop a habit of picking one book at a time.

Girl, Stop Apologizing by Rachel Hollis

3. Don't Rush

Do not consider reading as a task you are bound to do. Firstly, enjoy every bit of it by taking it slow. Once you are into it, fix a target of finishing a few chapters every day as per your suitability.

Sweet Land Stories by El. Doctorow

Mega living by Robin Sharma

4. Start with a Genre you Like the Most

If you are a beginner, I would suggest you start with the genre that you find most compelling. Initially, it can be difficult to adhere to reading. But if you are reading something you like, it becomes easy as it keeps you engaged and you are curious to finish it. Eventually, it helps to develop it into a habit.

The Residence by Kate Andersen Brower

5. Learn while Reading

Over the years, I have learned many new words that have helped me especially today with writing. I believe one way of doing it is through reading. When you come across a new word, find out its meaning, and record it. I do it by jotting down these words in notes application of my phone. And whenever I get some free time or when I travel, I open it and go through them. In the process of learning something new, you eventually read more often.