7 Reading Tips for the Budding Bookworm đź“š
Make the most of your reading habit with pointers I learned from experience.
Over the last year, I rediscovered my love of reading. Before I had the excuse of “Oh I’m busy” or “Only nerds read books.” Boy, was I wrong. There are soooo much cool things you can learn from books and soooo many stories to enjoy. And yes, the book is usually better than the movie lol.
You can easily pick up a book anywhere and start reading. To really make the most of your reading habit though, here are some helpful tips that I learned along the way.
(1) Get to Know Your Local Library
Dig up the card from your wallet or go to the library and get one. Just walk around the library and explore! Librarians are more than willing to point you in the direction of a good book, even if you only have a vague idea.
Plus the library has many other media such as DVDs of old movies and TV series as well as music CDs to listen while driving.
Visit in person to just browse and get a sense of what you want. Once you’ve found a genre, author, or subject you like, then it’s time to get specific.
Download the library’s app to search their full catalog. You can request books that are at other locations in your area. They’ll automatically transfer the book to your local branch where you can easily pick it up for free!
(2) Ask Your Boss to Reimburse You
Are your books work related, even tangentially? Ask your boss if they can pay for it. Many employees have a budget for continuing education, but they don’t know about it nor do they take full advantage of it.
Now you might be subject to some review (“we won’t reimburse you for that book!”) or something cheesy like giving a verbal book report later. But compared to other forms of continuing education (courses, certifications, conferences, etc), books are the cheapest.
(3) Read While Exercising
Ellipticals, stationary bicycles, and even treadmills are a great time to read. Get both a mental and a physical workout. It will also make the time go by much faster.
Some things to watch for though. It can be tough to position/hold the book or to physically turn the pages. Magazines or thin books tend to fit better on the reading stands.
For very intense workouts, you should be entirely focused on the workout and not be able to read at all. But if you’re doing a low or medium intensity workout, then a book is a great addition.
(4) Bring a Book When Going Out
You never know when the opportunity will arise. Standing in line at the grocery store waiting to check out? Waiting outside while your spouse shops at the clothing store? Going to the beach? Take a book with you. You never know when you’ll have a bored moment.
(5) Invest in a Good Bookmark
Almost anything can be used as a bookmark. But if you’re going to be reading a lot, a good quality bookmark will go a long way. Opt for something more durable, like fabric or metal (not plastic or paper). Go for a solid color or a geometric design that’s applicable for all genres.
(6) Establish a Nighttime Habit
I always read at night right before bed. Night is when I have the most free time, as all my personal and professional things are done. Plus, it’s become a habit for me. Good habits, once set, are hard to break.
Reading is also a way to decompress from the stresses of the day. It’s a nice transition off of my other electronic devices. And of course, reading can bore you and help you go to sleep.
Night time is also the time in which I can most control the environment, which leads into the next tip…
(7) Set the Mood
The reading experience is more than just looking at words on a page. The more you can control your atmosphere and your other senses, the more enjoyable the experience will be.
Dim the lighting
Turn off all lights except for your reading light. Preferably a natural, orange, incandescent-like light.
Get comfortable
Set the temperature as desired. Kick off your shoes and grab a blanket. Turn on the fan for a light breeze and fresh air.
Engage your other senses
Set a candle or an air diffuser. Get a healthy snack and drink. Turn on some light background music or a sound machine.
Wrap Up
In summary, here are the tips all at once:
- Get to know your local library
- Ask your boss to reimburse you
- Read while exercising
- Bring a book when going out
- Invest in a good bookmark
- Establish a nighttime habit
- Set the mood
Feel free to make this list your own! Did I miss any tips that you use while reading? Add in the comments below :D
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