How to Make Reading a Habit

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     If you want to have a better reading life, odds are you want to make it more of a habit.

     You want it to be your lifestyle.

     And as my good friend *not really, but roll with it* Lemony Snicket said, "Live the bookish life. There is nothing to lose but boredom and nothing to fear except papercuts."

     When we're creating habits, repetition is key. Reminding yourself daily is also essential, so what we need to do is create reminders. Some great ones are:

     Books on your bedside table, desk, by your computer, in your tv cabinet, by your phone-charging station. If you see a book, you're more likely to remember you want to return to the story. Put them in strategic places, so you will choose to read over doing something else.

     More books in places where you'll remember to take them with you on the road. Put a book in your purse, backpack, and suitcase. Keep one in your car and your carry-on. Never leave home without a book. :)

Reading prevents boredom.

     Signs, art, and post-its around the house. I have a "read" wooden art piece in my room and a sign on the back of my bedroom door proclaiming the mantra "read instead." Whenever I leave my room, I see it and recall that reading is more important (and, let's be honest, a lot more fun!) than whatever I was leaving to do.

     Friends who read! Get friends who constantly talk about books, who post on social media about books, and who shove books into your hands with a fervent "READ THIS NOW." (*cue Veggie Tales song* I CAN BE YOUR FRIEND, BAH BAH BAH!)

     With all those reminders, all you need to do is pick up a book. When you're making reading a habit, you're also going to want to consider your best places to read and times to read. For example, don't read at night in a cozy chair if it means you're going to fall asleep. :)

     Whenever I am creating a daily habit, I just don't let myself go to bed until I have done that habit for the day. Try it. Read sometime during the day, even if it's just a few pages.

     Challenge for today: Read today, before going to bed. The best time to start your habit is today!

     How do you remind yourself to read? Is reading a habit for you yet? How often do you want to read? Let me know in the comments below!

~Madeline

This post is part of my 31 Days to a Better Reading Life series.