Americans said they read an average of 12.6 books in 2021, according to Gallup, highlighting a decline in reading when compared with data from the past. For those who wish to spend more time enjoying books, however, finding the time to read can be a major challenge — especially for those who are constantly battling a busy schedule. Thankfully, there are a variety of ways in which one can get back to reading, from effectively making books a part of your daily routine to finding your genre and even adapting the hobby to fit your needs and lifestyle.
Getting into a routine
For many, getting into the habit of reading can be as simple as getting into a solid routine with it. Rachel Greenberg of Los Angeles, an avid reader, says “I sit on my porch with coffee and a book and read for a bit each morning either during or right after breakfast,” going on to note, “It can be as short as 10 minutes. I notice a real drop in my mood when I skip this.” With that in mind, the Apartment Therapy post suggests a variety of tips that can help make reading a priority on a day-to-day basis — including going digital with the help of a Kindle, or always having a book on you so that you can read when you do happen to come across time even when not at home.
Finding a favorite genre
Roughly a quarter of American adults don’t read at all, according to the Pew Research Center, which released figures in 2018 suggesting that 24% of American adults say that they hadn’t read a book (in part or whole, in print, electronically or audibly) in the past year. While many may simply not find the time to pick up a book, those that dislike reading or just aren’t drawn to the hobby may have not found the right book. Discovering what genre you enjoy, however, can be a game changer in both allowing you to dive into your interests as well as in getting into a regular reading routine.
While there are an overwhelming abundance of book genres out there (from sci-fi to horror to historical fiction and beyond), figuring out what you’d enjoy reading can be as simple as getting a recommendation from a friend, taking an online quiz, or experimenting by reading a bit of each genre. Starting out with a genre that sounds interesting to you can present as a great starting point when looking to explore what’s out there. For those who are interested in romance novels, trying a few books by Tessa Bailey will allow you to explore an array of different stories. Whether you prefer to dive into a tale of two sisters who go on their own respective romantic adventures (the Bellinger Sisters series), or a feel-good, steamy, and romantic Christmas read about a woman who isn’t a fan of the holiday season (Window Shopping), there’s something for everyone.
Adapting books to your lifestyle
When finding your preferred genre and the time on a daily basis to read doesn’t pan out, adapting books to fit your lifestyle can help immensely when it comes to diminishing your ‘To Be Read’ pile. If you have a busy schedule full of commuting, work, etc., for instance, finding the time to read can be as simple as putting on an audiobook rather than carrying around a physical or digital text copy. Audiobooks have been rising in popularity over the years as a convenient way to get through books — in 2020, publishers experienced a 12% increase in audiobook revenue, making it the ninth consecutive year of double-digit growth, reported by the Audio Publishers Association. From hiking to cleaning to crafting, consuming your next book can be done as easily as listening to a podcast, thus allowing you to never miss out on a read from your favorite author.
Finding time to read can be a major endeavor for many, especially for those who lead busy lives. However, working reading back into your routine can be as easy as integrating it into your day in a way that makes sense to you, discovering a favorite genre, or giving the convenience of audiobooks a try.
