Many of us were once bookworms, noses always buried deep in a book. Now we struggle to allocate time to read. Are you even reading one book a year anymore?
Reading books is important so you actually have a reading life, of books and on subjects you have chosen, uninfluenced by what social media is trying to serve up to you.
It improves vocabulary and widens the mind. Reading sets an example to your children, so it becomes their habit it too.
Set yourself a definite timeline for reading a certain number of books, like one a week or 10 minutes a day or a chapter a night, based on your schedule. Choose the books in advance -- an interesting mix that will keep you engaged and reading!
Pick books that align with your hobbies, passions, or current events to reignite your enthusiasm for reading. There is always the right book/s out there written for you.
If you don't drive to work, use the commuting time to read. Leave earlier so you get a seat on a bus or train or metro to read. When going out of town, take a book along.
Try audiobooks, e-books, or graphic novels, if print books aren't holding your attention or are not convenient. It might boost your reading capacity. Many podcasts have as much length and variety as books.
Discussing books with others can richen your reading experience, provide motivation, and offer new perspectives. Books clubs are fun -- an occasion to entertain, dress up, share good thoughts over good food, meet people or even a potential date.
Scrolling Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and reels likely consumes most of your time these days. A good start to reading is setting limits for social media consumption. Switch off your phone, silence it or turn it over to reduce distractions.
Begin with short stories, essays, poetry, serious magazines and newspapers to get back into reading and build momentum before tackling fatter books.