1) Break your 'to-be-read' list down to a manageable level.
I do this by picking out three or four books that I want to read next and sometimes, books are replaced on a whim depending on what mood I'm in. An example is the picture below where I went on a book-buying spree on Amazon (well, to be fair, I was taking advantage of a 3 for £10 deal - it would've been rude not to) and so these books were bumped to the top of my pile. Later on, I moved Persuasion lower down the list as my thinking was that I'd want to read something more modern after The Book Thief - but then I found myself putting down The Book Thief after a few chapters because it was just too heavy for my brain at the time (it was revision time!).
By breaking down your list into 'immediate reads', 'want to read soon' and 'will read when I feel like it', these mini-lists can make reading less daunting. And also more exciting too if you put a book you've been super eager to read in your 'immediate reads' pile!

2) Budget some time for reading.
Every morning, I read for half an hour while I'm eating breakfast (this is a kind of 'me time'). It doesn't take me half an hour to eat my breakfast but this allows me a chunk of the day where I will definitely have a chance to read. I also try and read at least one chapter (or two/three if the book is shorter) before bed as a way to unwind.
3) Invest in a Kindle/phone which has an eReader app.
My parents gifted me a Kindle when I graduated from my first degree, way back in June 2012 and it has seen so much use. It is super light, durable and I can't believe I've almost had it for three years. Ever since getting it, the number of books I've read each year has increased exponentially. Electronic versions of books aren't the same, I'll concede that, but the portability and ease of use is unrivalled.
The next best thing is an eReader app for your iPad/tablet/phone!
4) Read a variety of books from different genres.
I'm a chick-lit/young adult book reader at heart but that doesn't mean I don't move out of my comfort zone from time to time. Non-fiction can be educating (my favourite non-fiction book is Mutants - a book on genetic mutations and other interesting things) and doesn't have to be boring!
5) Don't feel guilty for taking an hour or two out of your daily schedule to read.
This one is easier said than done - especially during times of high stress, such as exam time or deadline time! However, reading is a great way to relax and lose yourself from this world for a small portion of your time. And put it this way - nothing is more important than your health, and this includes your mental health. No one can work for 24 hours a day, seven days a week without going a bit crazy so whether you read/exercise/watch TV for that hour or two every day, it's definitely not wasted time!
To finish off, here's a picture of my copy of Fangirl. I couldn't help myself and bought the special edition cover because I just loved the book so much (I'd only had the Kindle version previously!).

I also like to read before bed, but have to make sure I give myself enough time to get a few chapters in before I'm too tired and have to sleep! I like to use Goodreads too as a great way to find new books for my TBR pile and to 'mark' where I've got to in my books so I don't need a bookmark!
ReplyDeleteTotally agree - sometimes i leave it too late and I'm sleepy as soon as my head hits the pillow! x
DeleteLove this post!! Although a part of me thinks that nothing can be better than a beautiful hardcover, I also love my Kindle! I'd always try to devote my 30 minute bus ride to campus as reading time, and having my Kindle or the app on my phone made sure that I always had a book with me.
ReplyDeletewhateverbrightthings.blogspot.com
Thanks Haley :) That commute sounds like perfect reading time x
DeleteGreat tips! I read in the car when my husband is driving and I read a little before bed. Sometimes I read on my lunch break and sometimes I bring an audiobook so I can go for walks during my lunch break from work!
ReplyDeleteI've never thought of using an audiobook during walks! I think you've inspired me to give that a go :) x
DeleteGreat post! I was given a Kindle last year and have found myself reading so much more ever since. I have a 45min commute to campus every day so try to read on my way to class.
ReplyDeleteObiter Darling
That's exactly what happened when I got my Kindle too :-) Kindle's aren't loved by every bookworm in the world but I think they are great for making people read more than they used to (definitely the case with me!) x
DeleteSorry if I'm double posting, not sure if my first attempt at leaving a comment went through.
ReplyDeleteLoved this post! Do you have a Goodreads account? And what are some of your favourite chick-lit? I've been looking for some good recommendations. Thanks Angela!!
I do have a Goodreads but I'm not as active on it as I used to be - and I can't remember my username either haha. My favourite chick-lit... That's quite a hard question as at the moment, I'm trying to get through my Bookbridgr TBR pile hehe. A good place to start for chicklit reviews is Zoe's blog: Zoe Bee :) x
DeleteI always do a good chunk of reading when travelling. If I have to get a bus/train then I'll take a book. I also listen to audiobooks when walking to uni as it's 30 minutes each way.
ReplyDeleteA long time ago, before I had always-on, high-speed internet service in my apartment, I read all the time. But for years the computer has eaten up my reading time. Several times a year, a good book grabs and holds my attention and I read for a few hours a day for a few weeks. I love it. But then I slip back into the digital world, which is far less satisfying but for some reason my ADD-afflicted brain seems to be addicted to it. I will try the 30 minutes of reading over breakfast as a place to start back with reading regularly. Thanks!
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