The simple pleasure of reading often gets forgotten in the daily grind.
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I’ve done many things to become a better person over the years, but reading has been the most influential self-improvement tool in my life. Besides the fact that I find reading and learning enjoyable, it has allowed me to transcend any knowledge I could have obtained from my immediate surroundings. A book contains thoughts and ideas from experts all around the world in any field imaginable. Opening up a book is like opening up a whole new world.
As technology makes reading materials more readily available, my reading list is continuously expanding. My Facebook newsfeed is filled with interesting articles from friends and liked pages. I usually don’t have time to read these on the spot and end up bookmarking them.
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Reading is like so many other simple pleasures we enjoyed when we were children, but don’t make the time for as adults.
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I’m also a lover of YouTube videos and podcasts. A day doesn’t go by when I don’t get a book referral from one of these sources as well. Since most of the material I read is non-fiction, there are also recommended reading resources available in these as well!
While I’m not complaining about this abundance of reading material, it is a challenge to even make a dent in it. However, it is important to me to do so. Reading keeps me growing, learning, and enjoying life.
Here are some of the ways I’m trying to incorporate reading into my life as much as possible on a daily basis. This is not meant to be another task on your endless to-do list. It’s another way to add enjoyable moments to our busy lifestyles.
Read while you wait.
I have a habit of automatically picking up my phone and scrolling through my Facebook feed whenever I have to wait, whether it’s at the doctor’s office or in line at Chipotle. I periodically delete the Facebook app from my phone to remove the temptation and have started using this time to read instead. I’ll either continue reading a book from my iBooks app or read one of the articles from my bookmarked reading list. It’s usually just enough time to get a few pages or an article in. It always feels like time well spent!
Read on the go.
I personally cannot listen to audiobooks. I’m easily distracted enough as it is. However, if audiobooks work for you, you’re in luck! You have even more opportunities to enjoy your extensive reading list. Try “reading” while you exercise or drive, but only if it’s an audiobook! Many online articles are starting to use audio so people can “read” even on the go. If you’re not sure if this will work for you, why not give it a try?
Read with your people.
Most of us are in the habit of gathering around the television with our family and friends. We are not interacting, but we still consider this quality time together. Why not do the same thing with books? We can sit around and read together on evenings and weekends. We can spread a blanket at the park and read together on a sunny day. This can easily become an enjoyable part of your family’s recreational time.
Read on the regular.
I am a creature of habit. If I want to do something regularly, I need to make it a part of my routine. This is why I decided to incorporate reading into my daily schedule. I spend the first half an hour or so of the day reading articles on my reading list. I look forward to this time each day.
Before bed, I try to read a book. If possible, I opt for an actual book instead of my iPad. I usually zone out after a few pages, but it’s a relaxing way to end the day and a few pages is better than none at all.
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Reading is like so many other simple pleasures we enjoyed when we were children, but don’t make the time for as adults. If your busy life has gotten in the way of your reading pleasure, why not give one of these a try? Play with these suggestions and see what works for you. You might end up coming up with your own reading time ideas. You deserve the pleasure of a good read!
How do you make reading a part of your lifestyle?
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Photo: Flickr/I a walsh
