Reading Tips

Saturday, January 25, 2020
I'm often asked on my monthly reading wrap-up posts, how I read so much so I thought I'd dedicate today's post to my reading tips, especially as some of you may have new year goals to read more books. Before January 2017, I barely read anything other than assigned reading for university and journal articles but in January 2017, I set a goal for the first time ever to read a set number of books in that year. I set the goal at 30 but more than doubled my goal at the end of the year and I haven't looked back since!

I read for escapism and because it helps my anxiety so much and I think that's one of the reasons I manage to read so much each month - because it helps my mental health. Reading has become an enjoyable past time that has replaced watching TV or movies (for the most part) now and I would rather read a book than mindlessly watch TV or scroll through my phone.

Take Books On The Go 
My first tip is to always have a book with you, whether it's a physical book, audiobook via a subscription service such as BookBeat or as a Ebook on your phone, iPad or kindle. I don't leave the house without taking a book with me as I tend to read whenever I have a spare moment, whether I'm waiting in the car, reading as a passenger or if I'm waiting for an appointment. I would much rather spend my time reading than scrolling through my phone, if I can.

DNF Books 
This is a relatively new tip I've started to do and it's to stop reading books I'm not enjoying. Before the end of last year, I would force myself to read books I'm not really enjoying because I don't like giving up on a book, especially if I've paid for it but I don't want to spend my time reading a book I don't like when I could be reading another book I might enjoy much more which in turns means I'll probably read it quicker - making time for more books afterwards.

Audiobooks & Ebooks
Back in 2018, I was very kindly gifted an audiobook subscription from Bookbeat and I fell in love with audiobooks. Before then I hadn't ever listened to an audiobook but they are fantastic options for those who commute to work, at the gym, for long journeys or as you complete household chores. I always see comments on my blog or generally on social media about individuals not having enough time to read and if that's the case then give audiobooks a go as you can listen to them as you do other tasks.

I also find that when I read ebooks, I tend to go through them quicker than physical books. I think that's because it's easier to read ebooks in bed and on the go as they are all on one device. I use my iPad mini to read via the Kindle app and I cannot recommend it enough as you can have so many books in one place. Also if you don't know what genre of books you like, get a trial of Kindle Unlimited as then you can try as many ebooks in their library as you want.

Time Management 
Lastly, this point also relates to those comments about not having enough time to read and as with most things, it all comes down to time management. I personally cut down on the amount of TV I watch so that I could use that time to read. I also don't spend nearly as much time scrolling through my phone because reading is always another option. I think that if you want to read a certain number of books in 2020 or if there are a few specific titles you want to read, then figure out how you can manage your time differently to make room for reading such as less time on your phone or watching TV.

Are you following me on GoodReadsDo you have any reading tips? 

15 comments

  1. Sadly I do not read as much as I use to b/c I have a blog so all my down time is spent on social media. I read before I go to bed. Right now I am reading the Buy Side about insider training and the like on Wall Street.

    Allie of
    www.allienyc.com

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  2. I always feel bad DNF-ing books because I feel like I'm being disrespectful to the author. Though I am learning (like you) to not force myself to finish if I'm not enjoying! Amazing tips! I have to double check if I'm following you or not! xD

    Daisy xoxo | TheDeeWhoLived

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  3. Your jumper is SO cute! I love it! I love reading - I need to read more!

    Erin || MakeErinOver

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  4. I always get asked this and because I have a child too it's like I shouldn't be reading as much as I should 😩 yawn. I don't count audio books though, I don't know why xx

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  5. I've always got a book in my bag and makes the world of difference!

    Love, Amie ❤
    The Curvaceous Vegan

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  6. I'm prioritizing reading much more this year as I want to read more books x

    Jenny
    http://www.jennyinneverland.com

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  7. These are all great tips. I try to read whenever I get moments of spare time now rather than just watching tv or scrolling x

    Tiffany x www.foodandotherloves.co.uk

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  8. I am fully on board with DNF books, like you I used to force myself to finish a book I wasn't enjoying and it would take weeks, sometimes months to do.

    www.beautyqueenuk.co.uk

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  9. Thanks so much for these tips! I definitely need to cut down screen time and read more.


    Candice

    natalyaamour.com

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  10. I really want to try audiobooks this year, I just don't have time to read but I think I could get onboard with audiobooks xx

    Gemma • GemmaEtc.com ❤️

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  11. I always seem to forget my book when I get stuck waiting somewhere and when I do take it, I don’t get a minute haha. I need to do better!

    Jasmine xx

    Jasmine Talks Beauty

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  12. I always have a book on the go and I always make sure I read every day, even if its just a page or two.
    Em x

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  13. I've started jotting down work stuff on a note pad, is that classed as reading? X

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  14. I'm not a fan of reading on the go but I always cut back on TV when I'm wanting to read more. I also find reading e-books so much quicker. I'm not a fan of audio books but I love my kindle unlimited x

    Sophie
    www.glowsteady.co.uk

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  15. I’ve never take a book out with me but it’s such a good idea rather than scrolling.

    https://littlemissmelanie.com/

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