In today’s fast paced world and long working hours, a common complaint that many people have is lack of time for the cherished habit of reading. Sometimes, it may be about finding or creating opportunities for reading. In this article, there are some suggesting to help people find time or create opportunities to read.
1. Carry a book or reading device everywhere
We never know when a pocket of time opens up which can be utilised for reading. May be we are stuck in traffic or waiting for our metros/train etc or we are waiting in a queue- it is always good to pull out a book and get some reading done. I always read during my commute to work.
2. Exchange social media time for reading
I have found exchanging just 5 minutes of my social media time to reading time very rewarding. If one spends 2 hours a day browsing on social media, consider spending 1hour 55mins on social media and use up the remaining 5 mins for reading. The same holds true if you are working on something which is neither urgent nor important- exchange the time you planned to work on such activities/tasks with reading.
3. Setting the Right Reading Goals
I have been setting reading goals for a few years now. I always did it in terms on number of books that I would have liked to read and while I ended up reading up the number of books I had planned or close to it, I always felt something was missing. I realised that the books I was reading were not really something I wanted to read. Since I had this target number of books that I had to read, towards the end of the year, if I was not close to meeting my goal, I would pick smaller books or thinner books and not really books that I wanted to read and developed a bit of aversion towards reading and always found the excuse of “no time today” and guess what- I came across a few other people, who were experiencing the same.
I would encourage everyone to set their reading goals based on time or genres they would like to read, instead of number of books or number of pages. My reading goal for 2020 is reading for a minimum of 5 minutes everyday and I would like to read a book by an Indian writer, a biography/autobiography and a self help book. Since I know how much time I can afford every day and the kinds of books I know I want to read, I feel encouraged and motivated. The motivation itself mysteriously unfolds pockets of time for me to read everyday.
4. Making reading a part of our routine
Making reading a part of our routine gradually cultivates it as a habit and even if we are exhausted, we will at least make it a point to read one line. I love reading in bed just before sleeping at nights. I always have a book or two on my bedside and it is the very last thing I do before sleeping. Some people prefer the quiet of early mornings to read. Whatever suits you, once it is a part of your routine, you will definitely read, as otherwise, the routine feels incomplete and keeps gnawing at you until you read. Reading can also be a part of your "me time" or self care routine.
5. Add reading to To-do list
This suggestion is for those who live by their to-do lists and prioritization and always make it a point to achieve their top 3-5 priorities everyday. If you happen to be one such person, add reading in your top 3-5 priorities and come what may, I am sure you will make the time to read.
6. Time blocking
I know a couple of people who block time in their schedule for reading in their calendars. This creates a dedicated time for reading without any overlaps of other tasks that may need to be done.
7. Join a Book Club
Book clubs usually keep people of their toes as they are compelled to read a book within a specified time as they need to be discussed at the book club meeting. People invariably find the time to read to prepare for the meeting and make reading a part of their daily schedule.
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