Many of us today find we spend too much time using technology. With phones, laptops, Netflix and consoles constantly within reach, a break certainly wouldn’t go amiss.
I loved reading when I was a kid. I finished all the Harry Potter, Eragon and Hunger Games books, yet somewhere along the way I lost this passion I had for reading. Only in the last three years have I rediscovered a love for new genres and authors that I had never even heard of!
In this week’s Wellness Matters, I’ll share some tips that I’ve found over the last few years that helped me to regain a passion for reading.
Consider Starting Short
The ability to read for longer periods of time is a genuine skill that must be trained and practiced. By starting small, you will not be overwhelmed by a War and Peace type story. You can feel the satisfaction and accomplishment that comes along with finishing a book, and feel ready to move onto the next.
One book I found excellent to start off with was I, Robot by Isaac Asimov. If you love classic Science Fiction (and the classics in general), this is the book for you. Populated with several fantastically-written short stories, I, Robot explores ideas of artificial intelligence and the integration of robots into human society.
Test Out Different Genres and Formats
It can feel comforting to stay within the genre(s) you’re familiar with, yet variety is the spice of life. To prevent yourself becoming bored, try out some new genres! This year I’ve made a goal to read more history books. I’ve picked up Sapiens and SPQR to learn more about our human ancestry and the Roman Empire respectively.
While I prefer to read the classic paperback, thanks to technology there are now several different types of formats out there to help everyone enjoy a book. If you travel a lot, consider purchasing a Kindle so you can read on the go without having to lug around a library of heavy books. If you’re time-poor, try out an audiobook! You can listen to a story while doing the dishes, driving to work or exercising.
Set Aside Time to Read
As mentioned, the more you read, the better at it you will become. You will be able to read faster, lose yourself in a book and put away hundreds of pages. That’s why it’s important to set aside dedicated reading time, especially in the beginning.
Read when you first wake up, during your lunch break, on the train or before you turn on the TV! Get into a routine where the wheels are constantly greased and you can jump into a book at any moment.
Furthermore, try to read a chapter before bed. Not only will this likely be a time where you can read uninterrupted, also it will also help to give you a better sleep by staying away from technology!
It’s Okay to Put a Book Down
Many of us feel as though we have to finish a book once we start it. I felt this way with The War of the Worlds. I forced myself to read the H.G. Wells classic upon a recommendation, and I didn’t read another book afterwards for three months. Some books just don’t work for everyone.
A general rule is if you can’t see yourself enjoying it within the first three chapters, it may be time to put it down. Try out a different author, genre or style – something that interests you.
And remember, you can always come back to it if you feel the inclination!
If you’re interested, I’m currently reading Endurance by Alfred Lansing. It’s the captivating story of Ernest Shackleton and his crew who attempted to be the first to cross Antarctica in 1915. Their ship sunk in the freezing waters, and the men faced an 850-mile journey to reach safety. Lansing tells the story of their fight for survival.
Hopefully these tips have given you some guidance and inspiration to pick up a book and get back into reading. Get in touch and let us know your thoughts!
Sam Ford-Bennetts
Content and Accounts Coordinator
