Reading is one of the most accessible hobbies a person can pick up. It is something that can be done at home but also during traveling. All you have to do is pick up a book. If you do not have a book at home that you want to read, find the closest book shop, ask a friend or check out the nearest shelf book exchange. There are so many amazing books roaming the planet – its mind blowing.

Some people can feel intimidated about getting into reading again after a long break since the days of mandatory reading at school or university.

But when you’re reading just for pleasure, you get to enjoy a sense of freedom. There are no rules about what you have to read or what sort of books you’re supposed to like.

Instead, your journey is entirely your own, and you can explore whatever interests you at whatever speed works for you.

Not only will you expand your mind with new stories and new perspectives, but reading can also help you:

• Develop a healthy attention span
• Find a good and healthy way to stay away from Netflix, TikTok, Facebook & Co.
• Find better sleep
• Improve your vocabulary
• Learn something new
• Reduce Stress
• Start your day more centered
• Stick to a routine
• Strengthen your own writing skills

If you are worried that reading is a solitary activity, then you might find a book club or a reading group. Believe it or not but there are plenty, either offline or online.

Here 3 more tips for you to cultivate your recreational reading 

Add reading to your schedule  

A lot of people who struggle to incorporate more reading into their lives say they can’t “find” the time. Instead of waiting for spare moments to appear throughout your day, I suggest to create a dedicated space for reading.

For some, starting the day with 15 to 30 minutes of reading is part of cultivating a healthy morning routine. So grab your book instead of stuffing up your brain in the morning with random social media stuff or (bad) news.

You may find that reading before bed is instead best for you. It can truly help you wind down and maintain your sleep schedule. You might fall asleep much faster than watching a series or scrolling on your phone.

With audio books, you can plan to “read” every time you commute to work, go for a walk or exercise, cook or clean. I do love long drives across any country as it gives me extra time and I am listening to audiobooks.

I mostly purchase my audiobooks on audible which belongs to amazon. They do have a trial period with no charge if you want to give it a try. There is an immense variety of audiobooks out there in all different languages:

The possibilities are endless—just make sure your reading routine is something you can repeat consistently. Try it out and you’ll see: reading for just 10 minutes per day will have you flying through books already.

Find a reading community to motivate you

Finding a reading community might also increase your commitment into recreational reading. Because joining a book club is one of the best ways to develop a reading habit that actually sticks. It’s easier to put off reading when you are only accountable to yourself. When you are part of an active reading community, you feel much more motivated to pick up your book so that you can participate in the next discussion. And over time, as you get closer with your book buddies, you’ll find yourself really looking forward to reading. Reading can be a bridge to friendship.

Whenever you choose a book or a book club make sure the material is sparking a genuine interest in you. Reading shouldn’t feel like homework or an unwanted obligation.

Get connected with readers like you

Once you joined a book club that grabs your interest or started your own book club, attend or organise an event.

With your new reading habits, you are fully prepared to take an active role in the conversation.

A great way to further connect with likeminded people is by asking someone to share book recommendations with you. You will be exposed to stories you may never have come across on your own, and learn more about the kinds of books you enjoy reading. Eventually, talking about books will evolve into deeper conversations about anything and everything, either related to the book or something completely different.

Especially if you find someone’s comments on the book really align with your own comments you should get in contact with that person. You are having something in common.

Follow these simple tips, and you’ll be surprised how easy it is to incorporate more recreational reading into your life.

There are no limits to what you can read. Whether you want to nurture your passion for the good old classics, learning new skills, work on your personal development or just chat about the latest bestsellers, you will enjoy it.

HAPPY READING

Did you know?