Let’s face it: the last thing you read was probably an online menu or tweet. I’ve been there, endlessly scrolling through TikTok while my “to-read” pile gathers dust.
But here’s the thing: part of you misses getting lost in a good book, right? That feeling of being transported to another world, learning something mind-blowing, or just escaping the constant ping of notifications for a while.
It’s not too late to become a reader again. And no, I don’t mean the kind who brags about speed-reading “War and Peace” over a weekend (seriously, who are those people?). I’m talking about finding a way to consistently enjoy books.
In this post, I’m going to share some actually doable tips for reading books consistently.
No guilt trips, no unrealistic goals – just practical advice from someone who’s slowly crawling out of a reading rut. Trust me, if I can do it, there’s hope for all of us.
So, let’s figure out how to make reading a part of our lives again. Ready to turn the page on your reading habits?
Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
- Why You Should Read Books Consistently
- How to Read Books Consistently (12 Practical Tips)
- 1. Read Short and Easy Books
- 2. Read Books That Interest You
- 3. Set a Goal
- 4. Create a Schedule
- 5. Join a Book Club
- 6. Don’t Finish Books You Hate
- 7. Record Your Progress
- 8. Use Distraction-Free Tools
- 9. Set Up a Reading Environment
- 10. Try Different Genres
- 11. Always Bring a Book with You
- 12. Reread Books You Love
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why You Should Read Books Consistently
In a world where you can learn pretty much anything in a 30-second video, why bother with books? Well, let me tell you why reading consistently is SO worth it.
- Depth
Sure, social media is great for quick hits of information. But have you ever tried to find life-changing words in 280 characters?
Books, on the other hand, give you the space to really dive deep. They’re like the long, meandering conversations you have with a friend over coffee – the kind where you actually learn something about yourself.
- Your brain’s personal gym membership
Reading consistently is like mental yoga. It stretches your imagination, builds your vocabulary, and keeps your mind sharp.
- A much-needed escape hatch
The world can be a bit much sometimes. Books offer a beautiful escape without the hangover of a doomscrolling session.
- A better attention span
In a world designed to fracture our focus, consistently reading books is like giving the middle finger to algorithms everywhere. It’s proof that you can still concentrate on something for more than 15 seconds.
Reading consistently isn’t just about ticking off a New Year’s resolution or pretending to be intellectual. It’s about giving your brain a chance to slow down, explore, and maybe even grow a little.
How to Read Books Consistently (12 Practical Tips)
Ready to give it a shot? I’ll show you how to read books consistently without it feeling like a chore.
1. Read Short and Easy Books
Who says size matters?
Some of the most mind-blowing books I’ve read barely hit 100 pages. Think of short books as literary espresso shots — all the punch, none of the bloat.
Try this: Pick up a novella or a book of short stories.
Here are a few I recommend.
2. Read Books That Interest You
Life’s too short for books that feel like homework.
Pick up a book that makes your heart beat a little faster. Whether it’s steamy romance, gory true crime, or a deep dive into the life of sea slugs — if it gets you interested, it counts.
If a book summary doesn’t at least make you go “huh, interesting,” it’s probably not for you. Move on. There are too many good books out there to waste time on the ones that bore you.
3. Set a Goal
“Read all the books” is not a goal, it’s a cry for help. Let’s start smaller.
How about one book a month? That’s more than the average person reads in a year.
Make it even easier: Aim for 10 pages a day. Any goal is a good goal!
4. Create a Schedule
If we wait for the perfect moment to read, we’ll be waiting forever. It’s time to get intentional, people.
Find your reading sweet spot. Maybe it’s those precious 15 minutes before the kids wake up or during your lunch break.
My golden hour? Right when I wake up in the morning. I grab breakfast and an energy drink and read until I have to get ready for the day.
Start small: Commit to 10 minutes a day.
Use your phone for good, not evil. Set a daily alarm labeled “Read.”
Pro tip: Pair reading with something you already do daily. Like your morning coffee or a mid-afternoon snack.
5. Join a Book Club
If you have a common goal with other people, you’re more likely to complete it. For reading, book clubs are a great way to develop consistent habits.
Your local library probably has many in-person book clubs you can join. Just be sure to check the age range.
After the pandemic, a lot of these went online. I know my library has some online book clubs, which may be less scary for you to join as a first-timer.
You can also look for clubs on apps like Meetup or even TikTok. Search for a book club in your area and I guarantee you there’s at least one.
6. Don’t Finish Books You Hate
Life’s too short for bad books. It’s not giving up, it’s giving more time to the books you’ll love.
Give a book 50 pages. If it hasn’t hooked you by then, set it free. There are plenty of other books in the sea.
7. Record Your Progress
A lot of people love using Goodreads, but I transitioned to Storygraph a few years ago. It has a much better user experience and it’s a black-owned small business.
With Storygraph, you can set reading goals. As you read, it’ll give you lovely pie charts with stats about the books you like.
Plus, you can invite a friend to Storygraph and do a buddy read on the platform. If you really loved a certain book, the app can generate similar books in that genre.
It’s much better than Goodreads! Because it’s so fun to use, it’ll keep you reading.
8. Use Distraction-Free Tools
Some days, I read one page and then I immediately go back to my phone. Unfortunately, apps like TikTok give us so much immediate serotonin that it’s hard to do anything else.
To solve this problem, I like to use an app called Forest. To “plant a tree”, it puts your entire phone on lockdown. If you cancel the goal, the tree will die.
You can exclude certain apps from being blocked. So, you can still get text messages or other important information.
The best part about Forest is it plants real trees. It partners with Trees For the Future and will plant real trees once you use the app enough.
9. Set Up a Reading Environment
Design a space that screams “read here!” Whenever you’re in that spot, you’re reading.
Mine is a very comfy chair in my crafting room. It has good lighting, and I read there every morning.
Find a spot away from your usual distractions. Add plants, candles, or whatever makes you feel cozy.
10. Try Different Genres
Stuck in a reading rut? Time to play the field, book-style. You might discover a new favorite genre.
Go to a different section in the bookstore/library. Historical romance about time-traveling pirates? Sure, why not!
Pick a different genre each month. January: Sci-fi. February: Cookbooks (it counts!). March: Fantasy. And so on.
If you need recommendations, ask a bookstore employee or librarian. It’s their job, and they know what they’re talking about.
11. Always Bring a Book with You
Remember when you used to go on your phone while waiting for… well, anything? Those days are over.
Stash books in your bag, car, and maybe that weird pocket in your jacket you never use. You can now read anywhere.
You have more spare time than you think you do. Don’t believe me? Take a quick glance at your screen time.
Your phone can be used for good, not evil. Download your library app and load it up with e-books. Read them instead of going on social media all the time.
Audiobooks count too. If you have a long commute or take a walk every day, this can be a great opportunity to listen to a book.
12. Reread Books You Love
Sometimes, you just need the literary equivalent of mac and cheese.
Revisit books you loved as a kid. Turns out, “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” is still a masterpiece.
You could make it a tradition. Every Christmas, I try to read Little Women. It’s just cozy and makes me feel good over the holidays.
Ultimately, it’s your reading journey. If you want to read Junie B. Jones for the 17th time instead of tackling that intimidating new bestseller, go for it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many hours should I read a book per day?
Quality over quantity, folks. Even 15 minutes can make a difference. Start small and work your way up. Remember, we’re aiming for consistency, not a reading marathon.
How do I make myself read every day?
Start small and make it easy. Leave a book on your nightstand or your breakfast table. The key is to reduce friction. Make it easier to pick up a book than to reach for your phone.
And if you miss a day? No biggie. Just pick it up again tomorrow.
How do I rebuild my reading habits?
To rebuild your reading habits, start with easy, engaging books. Set tiny goals. Celebrate small wins. Before you know it, you’ll be devouring books just like you used to.
What causes a lack of reading habits?
People aren’t reading as much because of social media, streaming services, and the general chaos of modern life. It’s often a combination of distractions, lack of time, and not finding the right books.
The good news? All of these are fixable with a little effort and maybe some noise-cancelling headphones.
Can I count audiobooks as reading?
Absolutely! Anyone who says otherwise is elitist and wrong. Audiobooks are a great way to fit more stories into your life. Plus, they make cleaning and commuting so much more bearable.
Conclusion
Remember, there’s no “right” way to read. If you’re enjoying yourself, you’re doing it right. And if you’re not? Well, there are plenty of other books in the sea. Keep reading until you find the perfect one.
While you’re here, check out some more (amazing?) insights from a chronically online 25-year-old:
- Top 6 Books Under 100 Pages
- How to Read Online Books For Free
- 7 Novels Everyone Should Read
- Two Weeks Notice Movie Review: Ruining My Favorite Rom-Com
Do you have a favorite way to encourage yourself to read more? Tell me in the comments!