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5 ways you can read more (and enjoy it)

  • Writer: Dr. Fatiha
    Dr. Fatiha
  • Jun 1, 2024
  • 4 min read

Updated: Jun 12, 2024

  • Struggling to read more? Can't seem to find the time? Don't know how to incorporate books into your life and home?

  • This blog will show you practical ways to increase your exposure to books and reap the benefits of reading.

  • Dr. Fatiha is a doctor in London with dedicated interests in productivity and well-being.


Books. I'd be lying if I said I always loved reading. Not many people know this: before I became and doctor, I read English Literature. That degree had me trawling through an ungodly number of essays, poems, literature reviews and novels each month.


In the end I excelled, got my first class honours and my path to med school was open. But my love for reading was broken.


I couldn't bear the thought of opening another novel, or immersing myself into yet another complex plot.


Disillusionment had struck.


A house full of books

I didn't pick up a book for "pleasure" again for almost three years.


A good friend of mine at the time (and an avid reader), recommended, or rather insisted, that I should read the short stories of Etgar Keret.


Since they were brief, bizzare, intelligently crafted narratives, he suggested they might hold my attention and interest for more than five minutes...


Well, I devoured Keret's books. I didn't look back after that.


Some of us read for pleasure, others read to learn, some read to escape, and some - just because.


No matter your motivation, here are five ways you can learn to read more, and actually enjoy it.


1. Keep books where you will find them.

Sounds obvious doesn't it? A great place to start is placing a book by the bedside. Reading last thing before bed, or first thing in the morning is a great way to re-focus the mind and even reduce anxiety.


I like to keep a book in my workbag. Long gone are the days of monotonous train journeys; now I whip out a book and get lost in the pages during my morning commute.


An open book with reading glasses on top and a copy of Pride and Prejudice

2. Choose books you'll actually enjoy.

Don't read books just because other people are reading them, or because they've made the Top 10 Bestsellers list. It's a process of trial and error.


A few easy questions to ask yourself are:


  • Do I like fiction or non-fiction?

  • Do I like long or relatively short texts?

  • Do I prefer novels or short stories? Or do I prefer poetry?

  • Am I interested in biographies?

  • Do I enjoy visuals (in which case magazines and comics are a great choice too).


A bookstore with books stacked in neat piles on a table

3. Decide if you prefer books or digital devices.

The digital age is well and truly here and none of us are immune from it. If you're reading this, you're most likely scrolling over these words on your phone.


Kindles and tablets have revolutionised reading, and making it possible to store thousands of books on one device.


This works brilliantly for those who value the convenience of a minimalist lifestyle. It also benefits those who simply can't lug dozens of books each time they relocate to a new home.


And there are cost advantages too; e-books are often cheaper than paper and hardbacks.


But I've tried. And tried. I just don't enjoy reading books on digital devices. There's something about the tactile experience of turning a page, flicking the text back and forth, and cradling the covers in the palm of my hands - that amplifies the joy for me.


So figure out which medium you prefer. Maybe you don't have a preference at all. There's no right/wrong answer.


An Apple Mac, a Kindle and an iPhone

4. Know that you don't have to finish the book...

I don't know who needs to hear this but: you don't need to finish that book.


If you're not enjoying it, put it down, come back to it, or just leave it. There's nothing to be gained from reading a book you don't enjoy. You absolutely don't have to push through to the final page.


Sounds obvious, but I'm always amazed at how many people torture themselves for the sake of just 'finishing' a text.


There's no rule that says you have to. So sell it, donate it, gift it.


Now you've created space for another.


5. Display your books.

Books are beautiful. They're inspirational. They're a great conversation starter.


You can curate your book collection just as you want it, arranging it alphabetically, by size, by colour, or by any order you like!


A room with a piano and red Persian style rug, and a large bookcase covering the wall, full of books

I absolutely love perusing libraries and homes with large book collections.


There's something mystical about the experience, and seeing a wealth of narratives and knowledge contained within beautiful spines and covers.


Book displays literally offer words, illustrations and creativity. This not only adds an intellectual dimension to the home, but a depth of character too.


Books shelves full of books and stationary

So what do you think? Are there any practical tips you would add? Let us know in the comments!


Disclaimer:

As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

The information provided on this site is for educational and entertainment purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice.





 
 
 

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