How do I start reading again? Here are my 5 tips.

Most of us today spend a lot of time on our phones, on social media, online shopping or randomly browsing through the internet. Even if you want to read, chances are you never actually have time and you don’t read. So, How do you start reading? How do you make it a habit?

The same question was lingering at the back of my head around 6 months ago. Before that, I would read 4 books a year at most. I wanted to read more but like everyone else, I never had the time. However, this year I have read 15 books so far and it’s just mid-year. Here are some tips that worked for me to start and embrace the reading journey.

Follow book-related groups/accounts on social media

If you spend most of your time on particular social media, this might be helpful. I recommend following a book group if you are on Facebook. So, whenever you are scrolling you come across these posts from book accounts with amazing recommendations, and it will trigger that thought you are having about reading from time to time. I have found and read amazing books from recommendations from the group I follow BOOK RECOMENDATION .

Start with a novel or thriller

Especially if you are just starting to read, a novel or a thriller can be a great start. The reason is, that they are designed to keep you hooked up. These books are basically like watching a suspense movie, and trust me if you have the right book, you don’t want to stop reading until the end. Try a novel from any genre you prefer. Here are some that I recommend Hunger Games, Crooked House, The Chalk Pit, The Judge’s List and The Harry Potter Series .

Keep track of your reading habits

Keeping track of your reading journey can be a motivator. You can keep track of books you want to read, are reading, and books you have read so far. I keep track of my reading habits using apps. Goodreads and The StoryGraph are two apps that I am currently using and would recommend. In addition to tracking, you can look for book recommendations, set reading goals, and a lot more with these apps. This helps you to stay competitive and keeps you accountable.

Join a library

If you are just starting to read, don’t know what to read or what you would like, or if money is holding you back, I highly recommend you start by joining a library. You can join for free, browse through a ton of books, get recommendations, and find and read what you like. In Sydney, there are libraries near all suburbs and you can join for free. Although libraries sound like things of the past and many people avoid it, they are worth it.

Try audiobooks

If you are really busy or find it hard to concentrate while reading but still want to read, audiobook might be the right option for you. Try a service like Audible which has a wide range of book collections. You can find the exact information from the book just in audio form. The great part about audiobooks is, that you can listen to one while traveling, during lunch break, walking, cooking, or doing dishes.

I know starting a new habit can be hard and overwhelming at times. But, if you start, you already have taken a big step. Don’t take the pressure of reading many books at the beginning. Don’t create a huge to-be-read list that overwhelms you. It doesn’t matter if it is just a few pages every day. Just start, take your time and enjoy the journey. Focus on developing the habit of reading. Always remember, consistency is the key to developing and keeping a new habit