I started reading when I was in class 5. Like most people, my journey began with reading Enid Blyton, transitioning to R. L. Stine and eventually Jeffrey Archer. I loved it because it helped me visualise different realities, as if I got to live the life of every main character through whose lens I was reading from. I fondly remember going to Old Delhi Daryaganj market and several other book fairs to load all the good books I could find and read them (my friends have been subjected to this too!).
There came a time when I got disconnected with my reading habit. I was still immersed in books, but only those which I was required to study for my degree. Not only did I miss reading, but I felt as if the thrill of my life had been zapped out! Over the years, I rebuilt my reading habit and trust me, I can understand how difficult it can be to get back to reading, or finishing a book for that matter.
Since I have been posting about the books I have been reading on my Instagram Page, I have been getting questions about how to restart the reading habit. Here’s my two cents for what worked for me, I hope they help you too:
- Start small: Pick short reads! When I restarted my reading habit, the first book I picked was a 1000 pages, and I never finished it. Instead of feeling encouraged and inspired, I got further demotivated! Eventually, I tried reading a shorter book. Finishing it helped me feel better about myself (obviously!) and triggered a good rhythm for me to move on to the next.
- Fix your reading time: I underestimated the power of fixing my reading time and having learnt the hard way, I feel that this is one of the best things one can do. Add it to your to-do list so that you make sure you read at least 5-10-20-30-whatever many minutes.
- Start with fiction: Reading non-fiction books can be difficult because they can be quite intense and serious (in my opinion!). My transition from fiction to non-fiction didn’t come easy. Some fiction books can be generally fast paced with cliff hangers at the end of chapters and have a compelling storyline that help you keep turning the pages. Sydney Sheldon titles often came to my rescue.
- Use your travel time: I always carry a book with me wherever I go. Most of my reading has happened in the metro. I know we are still caught up in the work from home routine, but if you are stepping out in a cab or metro for something, you can use your time reading OR fix your reading time in the hours you would have otherwise been travelling– this will come in handy when physical offices resume!
- Pick a good place: Having a reading spot for me works wonders! I generally read on my sofa, where I know I am not going to fall asleep (:P). Jokes aside, pick a nice spot where you’re comfortable and cozy.
This is not an exhaustive list and might not work for every one but it did for me, and I hope a point or two helps you as well, if not all.
Happy reading!
Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash
