Wanna know how to build a reading habit? Ok before that let’s be real – reading sounds amazing in theory, right? Imagine yourself reading your favorite book with tea/coffee, feeling all intellectual and stuff. But then reality kicks in. You’re busy and tired, somehow scrolling social media feels a lot easier than reading a 300-page novel. So how do we change our habits? How do we come out of our comfort zone and build a reading habit? If you’re ready to ditch the excuses and finally make reading a part of your day, let’s talk about how to build a reading habit.
Tips on How to Build a Reading Habit
If you don’t read daily or you hardly read then there are some ways and if you follow those, you can build a reading habit. Here’s the thing: building a reading habit isn’t about suddenly transforming yourself into a bookworm overnight. It’s about making small and simple changes that fit into your life. Although in the end, it’s up to you, but I am pretty sure these tips will help you. So let’s not waste time and check out how to build a reading habit-
You’re Not Too Busy
Before we start to discuss how to build a reading habit, let’s be honest – you do have time to read. Yes, even if you have 3 jobs, a side hustle, or more than that. The real issue isn’t lack of time – it’s what you prioritize.
Think about the hours you have spent scrolling Instagram or watching the same TikTok trend. Couldn’t you use 15 minutes of that to read instead? Start thinking of reading as a non-negotiable part of your day. If you can make time to brush your teeth or binge a TV series, you can find time for a book.
Start Small
Building any kind of habit takes time and reading is no different. If you haven’t touched a book in years then don’t try to read a 500-page novel in a day. It will take time and most of the time you will lose interest mid-way. That’s why start with something short and engaging—you can choose a novella, a collection of essays, or even a graphic novel.
The goal here is simple: get back into the habit of picking up a book regularly. Once you build the habit, you can tackle longer or more challenging reads.
Create a Routine
If reading isn’t part of your daily routine then it will always feel like an afterthought. So you have to integrate it into your existing schedule.
In the Morning: Instead of reaching for your phone first thing, read a few pages while sipping your coffee.
During Lunch: You can spend a part of your lunch break with a book instead of checking emails or scrolling your phone.
Before Bed: You can read a novel instead of watching it on Netflix.
Pick any time that works best for you and stick to it. Over time, it will become your habit.
Keep Books Handy
You may hear something like “Out of sight, out of mind.” The same thing applies to reading. The less likely you are to pick up your book, the more likely it will be buried under a pile of laundry, or lost somewhere in your Kindle library.
Make your current read as accessible as possible:
Have physical books on your nightstand, your desk, or your bag.
You can download e-books to your phone, so you can slide in a few pages here and there during lonely moments.
Or you can use audiobooks for commutes, workouts or cooking sessions.
The more accessible your book, the more likely you are to read.
Set Simple Goals
There are no trophies for reading 52 books a year. Therefore, we should begin with something small. Try to get one chapter a day or a book per month.
You can also track your progress. Use apps like Goodreads or StoryGraph to get a clear idea of what you’ve read and see how far you’ve come. Just don’t turn it into a stressful competition, it’s about enjoyment, not numbers.
Don’t Feel Guilty
Here is a game-changer: you don’t have to finish every book you start. If a book feels boring, permit yourself to quit. Life’s too short to waste on stories that don’t engage you.
Instead, move on to something that excites you. Reading should be a pleasure, not a punishment.
Join a Group
Reading doesn’t have to be solitary. To keep yourself motivated and make it more enjoyable, you can join a book club or online community.
Discussing books with either an official group or a few friends who swap recommendations can make you appreciate those books more. Plus, it’s a fun way to stay on track for reading goals.
Say No to Distractions
Building a reading habit means reducing other distractions. Miss an episode of your favorite show, or cut down on your nightly scroll through social media. When you start, it will be really hard and you will want to get back to your previous comfort zone.
Establishing reading time boundaries and keeping anything else out of it isn’t selfish, it’s self-care.
Try Different Genres
Variety is the spice of life. When you get caught up in a particular genre, it’s time to branch out. Explore mysteries, memoirs, fantasy, or even poetry.
Perhaps you’ll find something you didn’t know you needed or will once again find the joy of reading something that surprises you.
Reward Yourself
A little incentive sometimes goes a long way. If you finish a book or stay on track for a week, treat yourself for hitting reading milestones.
Finished a book? Buy a new one guilt-free.
Completed a challenging read? Enjoy with your favorite dessert.
Bribery can work for anyone, even grown up.
My Personal Journey to Building a Reading Habit
Years ago, I was that person who bought books with great enthusiasm and then they collected dust on the shelf. Life was always “too busy” and I told myself that someday, I would read. But that someday never came.
One day, I was scrolling endlessly through social media for two hours doing nothing meaningful. Well, that’s when it suddenly hit me. Then I realized that maybe instead of wasting the entire 30 minutes I could use that 30 minutes to read.
That’s why I started small, just one chapter before bed. It took me a while to make myself used to it and then within 2 weeks it became my daily routine.
Soon, I started reading during lunch breaks and choosing books over TV. It wasn’t an overnight thing, but it was those small steps that took me from a person who didn’t read to a person who does—in fact, a person who finishes books daily.
If I can do it, trust me, so can you. Start small, stay consistent, and let the habit grow naturally.
Final Thoughts
Ok let’s be clear- building a reading habit is not easy. Nowadays most people choose social media over reading. Trust me, endless social media scrolling is meaningless. You will forget what you saw 5 minutes ago. With time social media addiction will destroy your attention span.
But on the other hand, reading a meaningful book will make you more creative and thoughtful. It will increase your attention span. I know building a new habit is not very easy. But this how to build a reading habit guide will help to be a little bit interested in reading.
One thing I’ve been saying from the beginning is that start small, stay consistent, and enjoy the process. And this is the key. If you follow this then you don’t have to search “How to Build a Reading Habit” on the internet.
Also, remember that the goal isn’t to impress anyone with the number of books you have read—it’s to enrich your life and find joy in stories. So, put down your phone and grab a book. You might be surprised at how quickly it becomes your favorite part of the day. You can start with – Best Fiction Books of All Time
Leave a Reply