If you’re like 27% of US adults, you haven’t even read part of a book in the past year. This is understandable. After all, people have never been busier than they are today. Between work, social, and personal commitments, most people feel they simply don’t have the time for a hobby like reading. In addition, some people may claim that they don’t enjoy reading. Yet, reading is an extremely beneficial practice that can improve your life in a myriad of ways. Here, we’ll explain how anyone can incorporate reading into their life and reap the many benefits of increased literacy:
Follow Your Interests
It’s very difficult to focus on a subject that doesn’t interest you. Yet, for one reason or another, people may feel compelled to read a book –– often because of external pressures. This is a bad way to go about reading. Don’t read books for pleasure that are boring or that cover boring subjects. Rather, look for books that appeal to your interests. Thankfully, you can find great reading material on just about any topic, from French press cell lysis to ancient Rome, to spiritual growth, and more.
Set a Reading Time
It’s extremely beneficial to unplug from tech devices for an hour or so every day. Use this time to read a book and to get away from the stress of the world for a bit. It’s typically a good idea to designate a period during which you’ll be able to read without fear of distraction. This will help you get in the practice of reading every day.
Partner Up
Reading with others is a great way to get back into the world of books. Not only will book groups help you stay on track and ensure accountability, but other readers can offer insights into plot points or characters that you might’ve missed. You may also want to consider reading a book with your significant other or a close friend.
Listen
Thanks to innovative companies, many books are now available in an audio format. So instead of reading, you can listen to a book in the car, at the gym, or while running errands. No one is too busy to read.
Share Your Thoughts
The best readers engage with the material closely. One of the most effective ways to absorb a book and enjoy it is to take notes while you’re reading. Ask yourself questions about the text and study how and why an author chose to write as they did. Lastly, don’t be afraid to share your thoughts about a book on social media or with your friends. This will help you retain more info and have more fun reading books!
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