IN THIS LESSON

I will be discussing the importance of reading. How it has not only changed my routines but improved them. From reframing your thinking around reading to discussing the possible barriers you have with it to effectively create a habit out of it.

When was the last time you read for you, not for school, or homework, or an email from work, just read for your own enjoyment?

Throughout my years of school I have been forced to read articles, and books for classes. Asked to take notes, to memorize and to use them for preparation on quizzes and exams. All of the required readings caused me to get burnt out from reading in my personal time. Throughout high school and college I maybe picked up one book and finished it front to back. Even then it was probably over a course of months. 

Being post grad I have found myself with a lot of extra time to fill, time I would have normally been doing school work, studying and stressing about my next exam, or researching for a paper. My mom gave me a book called “You Will Remember Me” last Christmas. It has been sitting on my bookshelf collecting dusk along with all my other unopened books. As I laid in my bed the thought occurred to me 

“I should read before I go to bed tonight” 

Now why this thought occurred I haven't the slightest idea but I picked up the book anyways and it started to become my new obsession. I forgot what it was like to actually enjoy reading, to picture the words, and crave going to bed so that I can turn off my phone and curl up with a book. 

Now it’s your turn to try!

Reframe Your Thinking:

Reading doesn’t have to be a chore or homework but rather a form of self-care. 


How It Helps:

  1. I have developed a better night time routine

  2. I have been able to cut down on my screen time 

  3. My sleeping patterns have improved 

  4. Reduces stress

  5. Boosts focus

    Barriers:

    • “I don’t  have enough time”

      • So you have time to doom scroll on your phone?

    • “I can’t focus on reading”

      • You just aren't reading the right books 

    • “I don’t know what to read”

      • What are you interested in?

Now that we have discussed how to reframe your thinking around reading along with how it can help you and the barriers that you have created around it, let's dive into how you can start to build this habit into your life. Now this may not work for everyone, all of us have different schedules and routines but finding different ways to incorporate these small habits can be done even though it may not be easy. 


Lets Build a Habit:

Step 1: Start Small:

Take 5-10 minutes a day to read. This is enough time to build consistency. Building consistency is important and helps build habits. Whether it be 5 minutes in the beginning of your day to 5 minutes before you go to bed, make the time, incorporate it wherever works best in your schedule. (for me I read before bed I find it helps me to clear my mind and fall asleep easier)

Step 2: Make Reading a Ritual:

Do you have routines or habits you perform throughout the day? Well it’s time to start incorporating reading into them. Tie it into your morning coffee, or your nighttime routine. Take that 5-10 minutes of reading you have already been performing and now incorporate it mindfully into your routine. You don’t have routines? Well then make reading a new routine.

Step 3: Set a Goal: 

Now that you have been able to incorporate reading into your day to day life it’s time to set a reading goal. It can be as simple as finishing one book a month. (this is currently mine) it may seem small but it is realistic. Goals give you structure and motivation so set a reading goal for yourself. If you don’t achieve it that’s okay, readjust it to be more realistic or try to achieve it next month. 

Building a reading habit isn’t all about speed, or time – it's about being intensional with your time.. Starting small, mindfully adding it into your routines and setting goals is the path to creating a habit. Over time you will see that this type of habit is benefitting you and though it may never be the perfect time to start, you can start with 5 minutes a day.