I remember when I was you there was a TV commercial that had the message of “Reading is fundamental.” I’ve always been an avid reader, always liked to consume knowledge since I was a little kid. Today, I read at least 3 books per month; I aim for 4. How? I prioritize learning, and reading books is one way I learn.

What are the benefits of reading books?

Reading books has a wide range of benefits for both the mind and body. It’s a highly beneficial activity that can improve a wide range of mental and emotional skills, as well as provide a source of entertainment and relaxation. Some of the benefits of reading include:

• Improving vocabulary and language skills: Reading exposes you to new words and sentence structures, which can improve your vocabulary and language skills.
• Increasing knowledge and understanding: Reading provides access to information and perspectives that can broaden your understanding of the world and the issues that impact it.
• Enhancing brain function: Reading stimulates the brain, improves focus, and helps maintain cognitive function as you age.
• Reducing stress: Reading can be a relaxing and calming activity that helps reduce stress and improve mental well-being.
• Improving empathy and emotional intelligence: Reading can help you better understand different perspectives, cultures, and emotions, which can improve empathy and emotional intelligence.
• Expanding your imagination: Reading can transport you to new and exciting worlds, sparking creativity and imagination.
• Improving memory: Reading requires the brain to process and store information, which can improve memory and recall abilities.
• Encouraging critical thinking and problem-solving: Reading can challenge your beliefs and perspectives, and help you develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Reading is part of what we do on a daily basis, a habit, tor those of us who are extremely curious. Personally, I don’t have reading goals; I have a need to learn anything and everything. How do you develop the habit of reading if you’re not that intellectually curious?

7 Tips To Develop the Habit of Reading

Developing the habit of reading can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience. Here are some tips that will help you develop the habit of reading:

1. Set aside dedicated reading time: Choose a specific time each day to read, whether it be in the morning, during your lunch break, or before bed. Make reading a priority during this designated time.
2. Choose books that interest you: Start with books that you’re genuinely interested in. This will make reading more enjoyable and help you look forward to your dedicated reading time.
3. Start small: If you’re not used to reading, start with short books or articles and gradually work your way up to longer works.
4. Read in different formats: Mix things up by reading physical books, e-books, and audiobooks. This will keep you engaged and prevent boredom.
5. Make reading a social activity: Join a book club or discuss books with friends. Talking about what you’ve read can deepen your understanding and appreciation of the material.
6. Reward yourself: Reward yourself after each book or set of books you complete. This will help create a positive association with reading and motivate you to continue.
7. Get into a routine: Make reading a routine by setting aside a specific time and place each day. Your brain will eventually associate this time and place with reading, making it easier to get into the habit.

Remember, developing the habit of reading takes time and practice, so be patient and persistent.

To become an avid reader you have to prioritize it

When you develop the habit of reading, then you’ll start getting more advanced and demanding. Here are 8 tips to make it easier for you to continue and expand your reading habit.

1. Set a reading goal: Start by setting a goal for the number of books you want to read in a month or year. This will help you stay motivated and on track.
2. Make reading a daily habit: Set aside a specific time each day for reading, whether it be before bed, during your lunch break, or on the commute to work; again, what matters is that you do it.
3. Find a comfortable and quiet spot: Create a space that is comfortable and conducive to reading, whether it be a cozy chair, a quiet room, or a park bench.
4. Keep a reading list: Keep a list of books that you want to read, including recommendations from friends and family, bestseller lists, and books that have caught your eye.
5. Read widely: Don’t limit yourself to just one genre or type of book. Read widely across fiction, non-fiction, science, literature, and more to expose yourself to new ideas and perspectives.
6. Join a book club: Joining a book club can be a great way to stay motivated and to discuss the books you’re reading with others.
7. Use reading tools: Use tools such as e-readers, apps, and online libraries to access a wide variety of books and make reading more convenient.
8. Be consistent: The key to becoming an avid reader is consistency. Try to read a little bit every day, and over time, it will become a habit that you look forward to.

Bottom line: To become an avid reader you have to prioritize it. Whether it’s 10 minutes, 30 minutes; the important thing is to do it.