So, we're all busy. Be it the day job, kids, you name it. These can really suck up the energy and leave you exhausted. I stopped reading for a few year. A whole three years, in fact. I thought reading wouldn't work if you have young children. I didn't touch a book since I was pregnant my first daughter, until she was about 2 years old. I was overwhelmed with this new responsibilities. There's no word to describe how much I missed reading at that time.
As time goes by, I learned that it's completely possible to read while having young children, I never stop hunting for more books to read. I felt so much better (reading is a way to relax for me), and I am glad I discovered about this book blogging community, because I felt like being supported, though indirectly. Below are some tips that I find helpful in getting the love back, and they do work as long as you're not ready to let go.
Consider switching to different book format
The perks of living in modern era is that you get to pick which stuffs work better for you. Nowadays we're spoiled with paper tomes, audio books, electronic reads. All you need to do is choose which you like the most. In my case, this works wonders. Electronic ones are so much more convenient, I never look back. Who knows this will work for you, too!
Pick the genre/author you used to love
Good memories is good in bringing your reading mood back. What excited you in the past may still work in the present, so find out. Goodreads are good in delivering recommendations and while you're there, why not stalk your favorite authors and look for their latest books? Not in the mood to do online surfing? It's OK. If you still have your old favorite books, reread them. A good reading mood hopefully approach you sooner rather than later.
Join Goodreads
The site is not perfect and it can do better, however I must admit that Goodreads help my reading life significantly. From challenges, tailing authors to this cool newsletter it has, I believe every readers should utilize it. I use it mainly to organize my to-read list. It saves my time because I know what I am going to read in advance. So, whenever I finish reading, I'd just look at the list and pick the next book accordingly. It works more effectively rather than choosing random books as I did in the past. It is available as mobile app, so no extra time needed to turn on your computer!
Make your books easy to access
This should not be a problem for e-book lovers, however, those who cannot be parted with their paper books should consider this : stop placing your books on tall bookshelves that's out of your reach (except if you're not going to read them anymore). You're never going to pick them up. Busy people usually have better things to do (read : don't have enough energy), and well, they don't really feel like climbing bookshelves after a long day of work. Pay attention on which room you usually take a breather in and place your book right there where it is easy to pick up. Love to sip a cup of coffee or tea when relaxing? Place your book on the coffee table. Feel like lying down on a bed to chase the tiredness away? Place a book near your pillow.
...and if you have extra minutes...
Read book blogs
No, you don't need to be a book blogger to enjoy reading book blogs. Book blogs in this case is some kind of indirect support. Who doesn't need support, anyway? Book blogs can remind you that you are not alone, there are many bookworms out there who share the same interest with you. Believe it or not, many of them are busy people, too.
Feeling motivated?
Challenge yourself
...but don't compare to others. It's the #1 motivation killer, and now that you're in a good mood to read, that's the last thing you want in the world. So, challenge your self away and let's see how you do.Goodreads reading challenge is a good place to start. Remember though, the main objective of this is for you to fall in love with reading again. The number of books you read is irrelevant.
So, those are the tips. I am sure you who are reading this are the busy people we're talking about. Tell us about your experience. What's is it that you find effective in getting the reading mood back? Please share!
Pick the genre/author you used to love
Good memories is good in bringing your reading mood back. What excited you in the past may still work in the present, so find out. Goodreads are good in delivering recommendations and while you're there, why not stalk your favorite authors and look for their latest books? Not in the mood to do online surfing? It's OK. If you still have your old favorite books, reread them. A good reading mood hopefully approach you sooner rather than later.
Join Goodreads
The site is not perfect and it can do better, however I must admit that Goodreads help my reading life significantly. From challenges, tailing authors to this cool newsletter it has, I believe every readers should utilize it. I use it mainly to organize my to-read list. It saves my time because I know what I am going to read in advance. So, whenever I finish reading, I'd just look at the list and pick the next book accordingly. It works more effectively rather than choosing random books as I did in the past. It is available as mobile app, so no extra time needed to turn on your computer!
Make your books easy to access
This should not be a problem for e-book lovers, however, those who cannot be parted with their paper books should consider this : stop placing your books on tall bookshelves that's out of your reach (except if you're not going to read them anymore). You're never going to pick them up. Busy people usually have better things to do (read : don't have enough energy), and well, they don't really feel like climbing bookshelves after a long day of work. Pay attention on which room you usually take a breather in and place your book right there where it is easy to pick up. Love to sip a cup of coffee or tea when relaxing? Place your book on the coffee table. Feel like lying down on a bed to chase the tiredness away? Place a book near your pillow.
...and if you have extra minutes...
Read book blogs
No, you don't need to be a book blogger to enjoy reading book blogs. Book blogs in this case is some kind of indirect support. Who doesn't need support, anyway? Book blogs can remind you that you are not alone, there are many bookworms out there who share the same interest with you. Believe it or not, many of them are busy people, too.
Feeling motivated?
Challenge yourself
...but don't compare to others. It's the #1 motivation killer, and now that you're in a good mood to read, that's the last thing you want in the world. So, challenge your self away and let's see how you do.Goodreads reading challenge is a good place to start. Remember though, the main objective of this is for you to fall in love with reading again. The number of books you read is irrelevant.
* * * * *
So, those are the tips. I am sure you who are reading this are the busy people we're talking about. Tell us about your experience. What's is it that you find effective in getting the reading mood back? Please share!
