Reading more books is a goal I set for myself earlier this year. But it’s one that I’m just now focusing on in the 2nd half of the year. I read to my kids all of the time. But reading to myself, not so much. I have the worst habit (as I bet many of you reading this do too) of playing on my phone before bed. I know it’s not healthy for my mind, so I decided to start reading 10 pages a night. Actually flipping pages in a book and using a bookmark. And it has felt really good! I’m sharing five simple tips that have helped me start reading more! Try one, or try them all!
Grab a few books to help you improve on something
This category spans far and wide, and is different for everyone. I think of this in terms of career or how you can improve on something in your own life. For some reason this category has me naturally gravitating toward an actual book where I can flip pages before falling asleep at night. It forces me to put down my phone. I am currently reading Can I Have Your Attention? It centers around how to focus more and get things done in a constantly connected society. Whether you work in an office, or for yourself this is a must read. Next on my list for a page turner is The Road Back to You: An Enneagram Journey to Self Discovery by Ian Morgan Cron. If you’re not familiar with enneagram, it is a personality typing system that consists of nine different types.
Try reading books that are just for fun
I haven’t actually read the Crazy Rich Asians series yet (despite what these pics might imply), but everyone keeps telling me they are a must read! I haven’t seen the movie yet either, but aren’t books always better anyways? You can grab the entire trilogy for under $30 too!
Join a Book Club
Another simple tip to get you in the habit of reading more…JOIN A BOOK CLUB! A group of my friends started one last year, but I didn’t join because I felt too busy at the time. I recently joined it though, and it’s such a great way to get together and have a sense of community! I find that being a part of a club helps hold me to reading. This month our book is The Silent Patient, which is a psychological thriller. It also leads me to my next tip . . .
Listen to books while commuting or working
Audio books! These are great if you spend a lot of time in the car, or if you sit at a desk for work for long periods of time. I’m listening to The Silent Patient via Audible right now. An Audible subscription is $15 a month, but you can try your first one for FREE! Also, if you know someone with an Audible subscription they can send a book to you and you can listen to it for free if you haven’t received a book from anyone yet. If you have, then you would receive the recommendation and be prompted to purchase the book.
Brush up on your parenting skills
Have kids? Perhaps picking up a book to hone in on your parenting skills, and how to deal with the various phases of childhood might be helpful. I don’t often get sucked into parenting books, but there are two on my list that I’d like to read soon.
Wild Things: The Art of Nurturing Boys
Raising Worry-Free Girls: Helping Your Daughter Feel Braver, Stronger, Smarter in an Anxious World
Share your favorite recent book you’ve read in the comments below, and I’ll pick one winner to receive a Starbuck’s on me! Valid to US residents only. Winner will be drawn on 10/15!
Photos by the talented Liz Olson Photography.
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3 Comments
Get the Bookreads app to keep up with all the books you want to read. It’s a great app. Also, non-fiction my rec is Genius Foods, Fiction Rec Where the Crawdads Sing, so good.
I love You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero! It’s one that I pick up and read random chapters of whenever I need a pick me up. Also, the city and county public libraries have a Hoopla app where you can check out free audiobooks!
Ohhh that sounds like one I need to read! And thanks for the tip about Hoopla!
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