Wondering how to start a habit of reading? These simple, realistic tips will help you read more books and make reading part of daily life. this year!
How to Start a Habit of Reading (Even If You Think You’re Too Busy)
For years, I had a very rigid view of what reading was supposed to look like. I thought I could only read one book at a time, and that I wasn’t allowed to start another book, listen to an audiobook, or pick up anything else until I had finished the book I was currently reading.As I’ve gotten older, I’ve become much more relaxed about reading, and honestly, it’s helped me read so many more books. If you’re wondering how to start a habit of reading, my biggest piece of advice is to stop thinking that reading has to happen in one specific way.
Over the last few years, I’ve found ways to fit books into little corners of my day, and because of that, I’ve become a much more consistent reader than I ever was before.
Reading One Chapter Before Bed
One of the easiest ways I’ve found to start a reading habit is to read one chapter of a physical book before bed each night.Not only does this help me read more books throughout the year, but it also helps me wind down before sleep. Instead of scrolling social media or staring at another screen, I’m ending my day with a book.
The best part is that it doesn’t feel overwhelming. Anyone can read one chapter. Most books have fewer than 15 chapters, which means even this small habit can help you finish multiple books each month.
If you’re trying to figure out how to start a habit of reading, start small. One chapter a night is much easier to stick with than telling yourself you’re going to read for an hour every evening.
Listening to a Book While Exercising
A few years ago I purchased several audiobooks about professional endurance athletes and then completely forgot about them.One day I got tired of listening to the same playlist during my treadmill runs and decided to give them a try. I was shocked by how much I could listen to during a simple 30-minute workout.
Not only did the time pass more quickly, but listening to stories from professional athletes actually motivated me to run harder.
If you struggle to find time to read, audiobooks can be a game changer. They allow you to enjoy books while doing something you’re already doing anyway.
Listening to Audiobooks in the Car
Another way I’ve developed a reading habit is by listening to audiobooks in the car.Whether I’m driving to school pickup, running errands, or heading across town, those little pockets of time add up quickly. Instead of turning on the radio, I often turn on an audiobook.
It’s amazing how much of a book you can get through just by using your drive time. If you’re wondering how to start a habit of reading when life feels busy, this might be one of the easiest places to start.
Monthly Read-Aloud With the Kids
One of my favorite reading habits is reading chapter books aloud with my kids.Over the years we’ve read books that I already loved as a child, and I’ve found that I’m much more excited to stick with the habit when it’s a story I genuinely enjoy.
Reading aloud together creates memories, encourages a love of books, and gives us quality time together without screens competing for our attention.
Even if you only read a chapter at a time, you’ll be surprised how quickly you work your way through a great book together.
Joining a Book Club
One thing that has helped me continue reading consistently is joining a book club.There’s something motivating about knowing other people are reading the same book and that you’ll have a chance to discuss it together. It creates a natural deadline, introduces you to books you may never have picked up on your own, and makes reading feel more social.
If you’ve struggled to maintain a reading habit in the past, a book club can provide the accountability you need to keep turning pages.
Setting a Reading Goal
Setting reading goals has always motivated me to read more.Whether it’s a yearly reading challenge, a monthly goal, or simply keeping a list of books I want to read, having a target helps me stay excited about reading.
I also love keeping a running list of books I’m looking forward to. When I finish one book, I already know what I want to pick up next, which makes it easier to stay in the habit.
The key is making your goal realistic. Reading should feel enjoyable, not stressful.
Monthly Book Totals
When I used to think reading could only happen after the kids went to bed, I felt like I never had enough time.Realistically, I might have finished four books in a month if I really pushed myself.
But once I started fitting reading into multiple parts of my day, everything changed.
Reading one chapter before bed, listening to audiobooks while exercising, enjoying audiobooks in the car, reading aloud with my kids, and participating in a book club all helped me make reading a natural part of my life instead of something I had to squeeze in.
Those small habits add up.
Maybe you read two extra books each month. That might not sound like much, but over the course of a year that’s 24 additional books you wouldn’t have read otherwise.
And honestly, that’s the secret to how to start a habit of reading: don’t wait until you have more time. Find small opportunities throughout your day and let those little moments build into a reading life you love.
Final Thoughts on How to Start a Habit of Reading
If you’re trying to start a habit of reading, remember that it doesn’t have to look perfect.You don’t have to finish a book every week. You don’t have to read for hours every day. You don’t even have to read only physical books.
Start with one small habit. Read a chapter before bed. Listen to an audiobook on your commute. Join a book club. Read a chapter aloud with your kids.
The goal isn’t to become the world’s fastest reader. The goal is simply to make reading a regular part of your life.
How are you making time for reading in your life? Are there any books you’re really loving right now? I’d love to hear about them in the comments below!
I am a monogamous book reader and I never do audiobooks. The old soul in me just has to have the physical copies. Right now I’m reading Michelle Obama’s autobiography. We have our political differences, but i have gained so much respect for her and the amazing things she has done in her life.
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