How To *Actually* Read More in 2019
And no, reading a Buzzfeed post doesn't count.
Reading
is one of these things where you always hear "I wish I had time
to read more." Truth is, like everything else, if you want to
read, you need to shake yourself up and make it happen. I have always
enjoyed reading, but in the last few years and up until a couple
months ago, it just wasn't on my priority list anymore. But recently
I've been craving some reading time again. Picking up a new book or
an old favourite, getting lost in the words, reading a passage over
and over again because it touches you, makes you laugh or cry...
Books are a wonderful thing, and one can never read enough of them.
There are so many benefits to reading, and one that I have found with
myself is that the more I read, the more my focus and concentration
improve - something I had a big problem with last year, as I could
not focus for a long period of time like I used to before. The answer
to my problem was reading! And I want to carry on in 2019 and read as
much as I can. Here are some tips I will use myself, and hopefully
they can help you too. Try it out!
ADD READING TO YOUR TO-DO LIST
I
have started to add "reading' in my to-do list, most days. I
write a to-do list every day, and whenever I can, I put reading as
one of my tasks for the day. It instantly reminds me that it's there
and that I have to make time for it. Whether it's twenty minutes on a
weekday evening, or an hour at the weekend, if it's on my list, I
will always find the time to make it happen because it's right there,
it has its slot on my busy schedule.
If
it means taking away another task to replace it with reading, please
do! Prioritising is important, and sometimes picking up a book is the
best thing you can do, especially because it means that you are
fitting a cosy, relaxing time in your schedule just for your
enjoyment.
ALWAYS READ IN PUBLIC TRANSPORT
A
lot of us take public transport, even if not on a regular basis. I
walk to work, but whenever I take the underground to central London,
you can be sure that I will take a book with me. Even for a short
twenty-minute journey, reading in public transport is the way to go.
Leave your phone in your bag for a while, and get lost in the pages
of a book. You will find that time flies even quicker than when you
mindlessly scroll through Facebook or Instagram during your journey.
If you take public transport every day to work, let's say thirty
minutes one way, that's already one hour a day you can focus on
reading. Soon enough, you'll be finishing plenty of books - and make
your commute mindful time for yourself.
DO A 10 PAN PROJECT, BUT WITH YOUR BOOKS
AVOID STRESSFUL EXPECTATIONS
If
you read beauty blogs, you'll be familiar with 10 Pan Projects. You
pick ten items in your beauty stash that you've had for a while, and
work on using them up. Now, how many of us have dozens of books on
our bookshelves that we've had for ages, but just never got round to
reading? Well, it's time for a little book 10 Pan! Go through your
shelves and pick a few books (doesn't have to be ten, of course) that
you own but have not read yet, and make it your mission to finally
read them one by one! This is good in many ways, because of course
you'll discover new books, but also it will allow you to decide which
books to keep and which ones to give away, if you end up not enjoying
them that much. Because it's good to spring-clean your collection
once in a while.
And
once you have read all these books, why not treat yourself with a
brand new one to keep your new reading habits going?
AVOID STRESSFUL EXPECTATIONS
Although
I want to read more books this year, I haven't set myself a certain
number of books to reach. I know that doing that works for a lot of
people, but I am sure that for me, it would mean a big pressure to go
through books as fast as I can to read loads of them, maybe without
really having the time to appreciate them and appreciate my reading
sessions (which for me, is a big part of the whole reading
experience.) If you fear that giving yourself a goal of how many
books you should read this year will stress you out, then don't do
it. Just read, read ahead, and you'll look back at your book count at
the end of the year. My target is roughly of one book per month, but
I am not strict at all with it - some books are longer than others,
some months I have less time than others, so I use it more as a gauge
than as a rule. In the end, you should read books because you love
it, not because it is another expectation that you ought to set
yourself due to a pressure from yourself of from seeing others read
so many books. Like everything else you do in life, do it for
yourself and with the simple goal of enjoying it!
What book have you read recently? Leave me your recommendations below!
Lots of love,
Julia x
Lots of love,
Julia x
26 commentaires
Awesome tips! I'm definitely trying to read so much more in 2019, my goal is at least 20.
ReplyDeleteAnika | anikamay.co.uk
I hope you'll reach your goal, and most importantly enjoy all the books you'll read! xx
DeleteOooh the pretty books!! Such great advice Julia, I love the point about reading around public transport and when you are waiting for a bus or train :D sadly I am one of those unfortunate people who gets very travel sick haha, but a long journey would be the perfect time to settle down for some reading, I forget how quickly you can go through a book when it gets gripping, sometimes it hardly takes time at all to finish it! :D xx
ReplyDeleteelizabeth ♡ ”Ice Cream” whispers Clara
Oh no, it is true that you can get sick unfortunately... Well, I hope you still manage to find some ways to read loads this year Elizabeth! xx
Deleteoww julia you made me remember I used to read game of thrones on the milan subway. what memories! I am actually looking for a new book ( I was thinking Sylvia plath poems because I heard so much about them nowadays but they are new to me) since I just fnished lily allen's autobiography <3 so intense.
ReplyDeleteCate ღ 35mm in Style
I'm glad this brought back good memories! I used to read in the subway in Paris all the time too when I studied there. Sylvia Plath's poems seem good definitely, at least from the bits I've read online, so maybe you should give them a go! xx
DeleteThe thing is that every time I hear "I wish I had time to read more."... it usually continues with a description of binge watching x or y series. I used to do that, but a few years ago I've stopped. Now I'm picky about the series I watch and I would stop watching one if I find it boring, even after a season or two. But I do spend a lot more time reading. It's just a matter of choice, some feel better reading, others watching movies. :)
ReplyDeleteI also agree with setting up reading goals. In 2017 I've read 60 books, so in 2018 I've set up a reading challenge at 30... I ended up reading 85. This year my goal is to read 75, but I might surpass this goal too, as I've read 14 by now. Anyway, I set my reading goals lower than I think I can, so I don't stress about them. I can read more.
You are right Anca! It's all about making time for it. You can always find time for the things you love! You read so much, well done you. You're probably going to reach your goal early this year :) xx
DeleteI always used to read but now I am so tired after coming home from work that I just watch a bit of TV and fall asleep....I will read more this year! I have so many on my book shelf haha. The last book that I read was 'The Tattooist of Auschwitz'.....an amazing read! xx
ReplyDeletehttps://paulamarieee.blogspot.com
Sometimes you really just can't be in the right mind for reading, I totally get that! Maybe as a winding down activity at the weekend it would work out nicely. I need to read a summary of the book, I've heard about it before - thanks for your recommendation Paula! xx
DeleteGreat tips! I read every night before sleeping one hour. That is perfect way to finish my day! Now I reading The 7 habits of highly effective people!
ReplyDeleteBlog - http://www.exclusivebeautydiary.com/search/label/en
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i9Otnx52aMk
You're doing it right! I should do the same as you. It must be a really cool book - advice is always useful! xx
DeleteI try to make time for it, but I am guilty of spending too much time on my electronics. Not necessarily on social media, but on creating content. That takes up a huge part of my waking hours, at least the ones I am not at work or with the kids. And reading with the kids around doesnt really work either, they want constant attention.
ReplyDeleteI dont stress out about that though, I know that will change once they get older.
Anne - Linda, Libra, Loca
Creating content takes a lot of time - especially with blogging as a hobby/side job. I understand that! xx
DeleteYesss love your idea of taking the opportunity to read while on public transport! I tend to use that time just for scrolling Instagram and so this could be a much better use of that time :)
ReplyDeleteaglassofice.com x
Reading makes the journey time so much quicker than strolling on Instagram actually - trust me, try it out! xx
DeleteI really want to try and read more this year, or at least try audiobooks instead xx
ReplyDeleteGemmaEtc.com ❤️
Audiobooks are a good one too! Although they will never replace the experience of a physical book and seeing the words written on a page for me. It's just a matter of preference I guess! xx
DeleteGorgeous article! I would love to read more this year! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks! I hope these tips help you read more then! xx
DeleteI've got into a habit of giving myself 20-30 mins every night to read in and it's definitely helped me work it into my routine :) reading on public transport is a good shout- it's just dead time anyway!
ReplyDeleteJasmine xx
Jasmine Talks Beauty
It's a great habit to give yourself the exact same time slot for reading - makes it so much easier to do it every day. Great idea Jasmine! xx
DeleteI love reading but sometimes I feel quite lazy. Thanks for the tips, I guess I can do more reading than ever.
ReplyDeleteThe Glossychic
Wonder Cottage
Why not having a lazy reading afternoon,in bed? With snacks and a hot drink of course. That way it doesn't feel like a chore at all! xx
DeleteI use to love reading and get through so many books but it's been a couple of years and I really miss it. I definitely need to just start with a few easy reads to really kick start it. I love this idea of doing a project pan but with books, that's an awesome concept.
ReplyDeletewww.themakeupaficionado.com
Getting back into it little by little is the best way, especially when you've just not read for a while. This happened to me some time ago so I can relate - if you really enjoyed it before, I am sure you'll find the same enjoyment now! xx
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