What have you found helps you read more?
My number one tip is don’t be afraid to DNF. (DNF stands for Did Not Finish.) I used to be someone who wanted to finish every book I started and I always held out hope a book would get better, but I read so much more if I just give up on books I’m not enjoying. Now that I DNF things more quickly it keeps me from getting into reading slumps.
Audiobooks.
I swore them off for a decade and I regret it so much. I’ve been reading for fun for the first time since I started my undergrad, and it’s been amazing.
Say all you want about the “nostalgia of holding a book”, but a book in your ears is better than none at all.
Audiobooks are a weird medium for me where I’m not really sure what to do with my body while listening to them. I get easily distracted if I try to do something else like cooking or knitting, and I get fidgety if I just sit and stare at a wall. My mind just wanders and I can’t lose myself in the story like I can when eyeball reading. I listen to podcasts on my walk to work, no problem, but I need to focus 100% on books or I don’t process them at all.
Obious tip: it helps to have more free time :) I find that when I’m between projects, I go through books really fast.
Other than that: pick a book you enjoy. If you are still struggling after 5% read, throw it out and find a book that interests you more.
I’m not voracious by any means but recently I have been enjoying combining a book with my other hobbies. Sitting outside tending the grill? Grab a few pages. Going on a weekend camping trip? Might as well bring a novel along. Change of pace / scenery from hectic daily life also seems important to this.
I think that’s an excellent tip. That’s how I got back into reading. Instead of trying to set aside an hour or two for reading I just started carrying a book around so I could read 10 pages here or there when I would have otherwise been looking at my phone or staring into space. It’s a really easy way to read more without taking time away from other things. I get reading in when I’m standing in line or in a waiting room or waiting to meet up with a friend.
Climb into bed and read until sleepy. That’ll ensure at least a few pages!