These days, finding the time to get lost in a good book is easier said than done. Busy schedules and constant distractions from screens make it easy to lose the habit.

If this has happened to you, then you’re not alone. According to the Bookseller, 35% of UK adults used to be avid readers but have since stopped.

Reintroducing reading to your life doesn’t have to be difficult. By adopting the right approach, you can get back into the rhythm of regular reading and rediscover the joy of a good book. 

Continue reading to discover five practical ways to make reading a regular habit again.

1. Set aside dedicated time each day

If you haven’t picked up a book in a while, it’s important not to pressure yourself into reading for hours at a time.

Even if you once tore through novels at a rate of knots, attempting to dive back into long reading sessions could quickly feel overwhelming. 

Instead, it might help to start small and carve out 15 or 30 minutes each day purely for reading. This could be before bed, during your daily commute, or with your morning coffee. 

If you make reading a regular part of your day, you can train yourself to see it as a fixed part of your routine.

Consistency is the key to instilling habits back into your life. Over time, you’ll likely find that you want to read for longer without it feeling forced. 

2. Start attainable targets

Setting clear and attainable goals can be incredibly motivating in anything you do, and reading is no exception. 

You may benefit from setting a target of finishing one book a month, or reading for a certain amount of time each evening. 

These smaller and realistic goals can be more effective than ambitious ones, especially if you’re still easing yourself into the habit. 

Granted, it can be tempting to set yourself high targets straight away. However, pushing yourself too much could leave you feeling discouraged.

Don’t forget to celebrate your progress, too. Each time you complete a book or hit your time targets, you should take a moment to acknowledge it.

Doing so could encourage you to keep going while strengthening the habit.

3. Join a local book club

It’s much harder to procrastinate with reading when you know you’ll be required to discuss your thoughts on the book afterwards. 

This is why a book club could be a practical way to hold yourself accountable to your goals.

Whether you meet in person or virtually, a book club can create a sense of community and shared purpose that keeps you focused on reading. 

What’s more, hearing other people’s perspectives on the same book can open your eyes to new ideas and interpretations you might have previously missed. This social element can turn reading from a solitary task to a more communal one. 

4. Carry a book with you when you travel

There are plenty of moments where you find yourself waiting around in modern life. Trains, buses, and even long queues could offer the perfect opportunity to read a book rather than scrolling on your phone.

Carrying a book wherever you go means you can make the most of those moments of downtime. Even short bursts of reading add up over time, and 10 minutes here and there could quickly turn into a finished chapter or two.

If carrying a physical book feels impractical, an e-reader or app can be just as effective, giving you access to what is essentially an entire library in your bag or pocket at all times. 

5. Explore audiobooks as an alternative

Reading doesn’t always have to involve sitting down with a physical book. Instead, audiobooks could offer a more flexible way to enjoy stories while you’re on the move. 

They can be especially useful if you spend a lot of time driving or exercising. Instead of waiting for some quiet time to read, you could listen during activities where holding a book wouldn’t be practical. 

Many are narrated by professional actors or the authors themselves, too, which could help you see the story from an entirely different perspective.

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Please note:

This article is for general information only and does not constitute advice. The information is aimed at retail clients only.

All information is correct at the time of writing and is subject to change in the future.