by Roberta Fabbrocino

Reading more is a classic new year goal and there are plenty of good reasons why. Studies show that reading helps with stress management, improves your vocabulary, and can be a part of a healthy sleep routine. Besides, whether rain or shine, there is nothing as cozy as winding down and curling up with a good book. You can lose yourself in its story and learn something new.

But why are there so many people that cannot read as much as they would like to? Many other activities we enjoy can pose a similar issue of sticking with. Reading may not be the most accessible pastime or easiest to fit into a busy routine. If you want to read more but need help starting a reading habit, here is a little judgment-free guide for you.

1. Keep your books near you, or consider going digital.

Picture this: You are finally back home after a long day out, now you can put your legs up and relax. Even though on paper this sounds like the perfect time to pick up a book, unfortunately for many of us this is not the case. This downtime usually comes after a taxing workday, chores, and all the other not-so-pleasant activities that are a part of an adult life. So, our spare time coincides with when our brain power and general energy levels are at their lowest.

When we feel like this, looking for the book we are trying to read or picking it up from the other side of our place can sound like another chore or slip our minds altogether. The saying "out of sight, out of mind" applies quite well to this situation. Vice versa, if the book you are currently reading is within reach and in sight, you will likely pick it up. Studying your habits is an easy way to ensure the book you are reading is at hand when it is a good time for you to read. Do you like to lay on the couch and watch videos after dinner? Then try putting your book on the coffee table. Do you enjoy getting some reading in before bed? Putting your book on your bedside table could be a good idea for you. 

If you are not a creature of habit or too concerned with your screen time, you could go digital. Physical books' texture and scent make reading a physical copy a genuinely satisfying experience, but the digital ones have their perks too. You can read them anywhere, and in any lighting, as they can be stored on your phone or tablet.

Digital books allow you the opportunity to read at any moment. This way, even on chaotic days, you can easily fit short reading sessions here and there and unwind a little with a captivating story of your choice. 

2. On a tight budget? Give libraries or secondhand books a try.

Many people read less than they would like to for financial reasons or shy away from getting into reading altogether because of them. Though book prices vary around the world, it is clear that reading can be pricier than the other activities we enjoy in our spare time such as scrolling through social media or watching TV shows. 

If this is your current situation, a library card could come in handy. Getting a library card is often free or low-cost with a small yearly fee. Through libraries, you can access hundreds, if not thousands, of books in both print and digital formats. Plus, you do not have to live in a big city with tons of well-stocked libraries to enjoy the perks of a library card. Plenty of libraries issue in-state and out-of-state cards, so if you are willing to go digital with a little online browsing, you can have your pick of libraries. Libraries are the perfect fit for readers on a budget who like to keep up with what is trending on Bookstagram, BookTube, or BookTok, enjoying new releases and planning their reads ahead of time.

Another budget option is buying secondhand books. Once again, prices can differ depending on your location, but on average, buying them second-hand tends to be much cheaper than buying brand-new copies. You can find them in specialized shops or even online. This is a good option for more adventurous readers who like to pick up what catches their eyes on the spot, with no FOMO in sight. 

3. Make reading a part of your daily routine.

This tip is handy for the busy crowd out there. It can be easy to forget to read if the items on your to-do list or a packed social calendar can take up all your time. A way to circumnavigate this issue is to make reading a part of your core daily routine. Our lives may be incredibly different, but we all have certain things we do every day. Depending on your schedule and taste, you can "attach" reading to those daily activities.

You can read while you commute to work or eat your meals. If you have more time to spare, you can do it straight after those daily activities, like brushing your teeth or showering. Combining reading with your un-skippable daily tasks make you less likely to forget about it. This is an easy way to add some whimsy to the most mundane parts of your day.

4. Read what you want, unapologetically.

Whether it is because of residual conditioning from our school days or the judge-y looks of acquaintances, many of us shy away from reading the books we like to steer clear of the so-called, ‘lowbrow literature.’ But one of the best parts of adult life is building a life filled with the things you love. So, what if your books get you quizzical brows on public transport or unrequested comments in the break-room at work?  Some might think romance books are corny, fantasy is childish, and thrillers are commercial, but what you decide to enjoy in your spare time is your business and your business only. So, enjoy your Scandinavian thrillers, light-hearted rom-com, and young adult fantasies if that is what you fancy.

5. Join or create a community of readers.

Fun activities can become even better when you have someone to share them with; that is why joining a community of readers can make reading an even more gratifying experience. Plus, having more structure can help you read more regularly if that's something you'd like to do but cannot stick to on your own. If your friends are avid readers themselves, you can create a micro-book club with them. Create a Discord or WhatsApp group to discuss books, and organize periodic literary meetups. It is okay if the people from your in-person life would not partake in this plan, however the virtual world offers you plenty of communities and book clubs to join. Either way, having someone to discuss your reads with will make reading more enjoyable, establish an occasion for socialization, and even expand your understanding of the text.

Check out 2023 book releases from eco-writers:

• It's Not That Radical by Mikaela Loach

An accessible, hopeful and transformative book on climate justice and liberation by climate justice activist Mikaela Loach. In It's Not That Radical, Loach tackles the topics of capitalism, environmental racism, white supremacy, individualism, and the fossil fuel industry and offers a fresh perspective for climate action. 

• It's Not Just You by Tori Tsui

This intersectional book by climate justice and mental health activist Tori Tsui reframes eco-anxiety, explores the relationship between the climate crisis and mental health, and shares the perspective of activists from marginalized communities. 

• The Climate Book: The Facts and the Solutions by Greta Thunberg

In this book, climate activist Greta Thunberg shares a holistic picture of the climate crisis and climate action, Thunberg's own experiences as an activist, and the knowledge of over one hundred experts.