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In this post I’m sharing 7 excellent ways to create a daily reading habit which naturally follows on from my previous post where I answered the question: is reading good for you? I was unsurprised to discover that there are a good deal of health benefits, both physical and mental to a daily reading habit. If you want to read the full article, you can find it here.
In summary, there were 11 health benefits:-
- Improved memory and concentration
- Increased empathy
- Builds vocabulary and improves life chances
- Builds strong familial connections
- Excellent preparation for sleep
- Reduces stress
- Treatment for depression
- Strengthens and builds new brain connections
- Reduces age-related mental decline.
- A protective factor against dementia
- Correlates to an overall healthy lifestyle and living longer
Who wouldn’t want all of those benefits? The considerable scientific research concluded that reading for 30 minutes a day, preferably books, can measurably improve quality and longevity of life.
So, the next question to answer is: how to find a free 30 minutes in your busy schedule?
I’m sure that the craziness of the last twelve months has meant that many people have had more time and more of an inclination to transport themselves to anywhere but here, but as the World opens up again trying to hold on to those changes might be difficult. Information coming at us from the gadgets we have learned to depend on continually bombards our lives, so switching off the noise to read is a great way to jump off the treadmill of day-to-day life.
In short, you need a plan to ensure that your reading habit sticks or anything else you need to carve out for yourself (insert preferred activity here!).
Here are some suggestions:
- Schedule it! – If I really want or need to do something, the only way to make sure it gets done is to put it in the diary. I run the diary on my phone and I set alarms for key to-do’s. When the alarm goes off, it’s time to read!
- Build a habit – Commit to the schedule for 30 days. After 30 days, your reading habit will be as natural as brushing your teeth.
- Forget the guilt – I think this one’s especially for parents! Everyone needs to set aside time for the activities that give them joy. Every time you feel guilty, look at the list of health benefits and push through it. Don’t forget you’ll be doing your kids a massive favour by demonstrating your reading habit. Even better, make it a family activity.
- Throw out anything that won’t go in the dishwasher (if you have one)! – Think how much time you could free up if you never had to do the washing up!
- Plan your meals in advance and cook in batches – if you plan you save time thinking about what you’re going to cook each day and also on the shopping. Then, every time you cook a meal, cook double and freeze the extra for another day.
- Get up 30 minutes earlier! – I have to admit I’m personally not a fan of this one as I’m allergic to mornings but this might be perfect for you.
- Make a ‘Do Not Disturb’ sign and use it! – this is my personal favourite and again particularly relevant to parents. Turn all the gadgets off for 30 minutes and find a private space (the shed/the toilet/your car? – though I am not advocating leaving small children unattended!). Shut the door – even better, lock it! You may need to teach your household that this is your reading time or make yourself a sign!
Final thoughts…
It’s important to note that reading the same sentence every night for months just as you pass out does not make up a reading habit 😉.
Reading longer works, particularly books, correlates to better life prospects, reduced stress, reduction in age related mental decline and a longer lifespan. Carve out time for yourself by following some, or all, of these suggestions and make reading for 30 minutes or more a part of your everyday routine.
How do you make time for reading? Let me know in the comments.
