If that’s one of your goals, read on to share tips on how to do so.
Hello friends! I hope you have a wonderful weekend! What were you doing? We met up with friends for sushi, celebrated Pilot and P’s birthdays with family (we plan to be out of town on their actual birthdays), and enjoyed the usual combination of ballet and basketball. I also have some time sauna blanket – Last weekend it was 105, this weekend it froze.
In today’s post, I would like to talk a little about reading. A few years ago, I set a goal to read more often. Reading is one of my favorite hobbies, but I didn’t spend much time reading. I probably read one book every month, but I was so busy with work, motherhood, and housework that I couldn’t imagine reading any more. I started making a conscious effort to spend more time achieving my goals and was able to read 3-5 books a month.
Maybe someday I’ll take a photo of my reading while wearing mismatched kungfwi and weird buns 😉
Lately, I’ve been going back to my old ways. I’m feeling a little tense and overwhelmed overall, and I’m spending my *downtime* mindlessly scrolling instead of reading (not really relaxing) . So this post is a bit of a memo to myself, but also to my friends who might be interested in reading more.
How to read more
Why reading is important for mothers
Reading is very important for personal growth, relaxation and mental health, but the truth is that many of us don’t have the time or can’t find the time. Mothers in their 30s and 40s can have a particularly hard time reading, especially since they spend so much of their day juggling child care, work, and household chores that they don’t have a lot of time for most things. If you love reading, I think it’s important to think of reading as a form of self-care. It’s worth your time!
Below are some tips and things I learned.
1. Set realistic reading goals
Set a realistic goal, even if it’s just 10 minutes a day. This can make a huge difference.
Also, start with a small goal, such as one book a month.
2. Get the most out of audiobooks
Audiobooks are great for multitasking. You can listen to audiobooks while doing housework, driving, exercising, or taking a walk.
I’m a big fan of Audible and they also have a free library app.
Listening to a book while cooking or folding laundry will make housework much more enjoyable and make your reading time more fulfilling.
3. Create a morning or evening reading habit.
Set aside 10 to 15 minutes of reading time in the morning or evening as part of your daily routine.
Like any other habit, developing a reading habit can help you become more consistent. I’m also a big fan of habit stacking. Read at about the same time each day, such as when you wake up or for 10 minutes before bed.
I definitely prefer reading before scrolling through social media because it has a calming effect on my mind. Blue light from your phone can also interfere with melttonin production, which can make it difficult to relax and get enough sleep.
4. Take your books with you wherever you go
physical book (or Kindle (or a phone app) allows you to read in your spare time, such as while waiting to pick up your child from school or waiting for a doctor’s appointment. A portable reading habit allows you to turn your free time into productive reading time.
i am a big fan of mine Kindle I like that it’s separate from my phone. My phone distracts me and makes me want to scroll through Instagram instead. My Kindle is only for reading.
5. Utilize digital reading apps and e-books
If you’re the type of person who can concentrate on reading on your phone, apps like Kindle and Libby allow you to read on your phone or tablet whenever you want. You can also sync between devices, making it easy to pick up where you left off.
It’s also nice to be able to adjust the brightness and font size to suit your tired eyes.
6. Turn TV time into reading time
The reality is that everyone can read more books by replacing reading time with TV and social media time.
Try replacing an episode of a TV show with a chapter of a book. This is an easy way to fit in more reading time without making major changes to your schedule.
7. Set a reading challenge or join a book club
Online reading challenges (like Goodreads) and mom-centered book clubs can help make reading a fun and social activity. This will help keep you accountable and motivate you to read regularly.
8. Read short stories and novellas.
If time is limited, try short books or novellas.
Finishing a short book gives you a sense of accomplishment and motivates you to read more often.
If you have a favorite short book or novella, please let us know in the comments.
9. Follow book recommendations and reviews on social media
Book influencers and Instagram accounts can help you find books that match your interests. I always think that all reading is good reading for children, even if it’s a graphic novel or something that doesn’t have much content. So are we! If you like murder mysteries, please enjoy! If you like the sleaziest fairies, live your life. If you want to read Harry Potter again as an adult, give it a read! Read anything fun that makes you happy.
I like that my online account gives me quick information about the book so I can decide whether to read it or not. (I love book huddle and nicole pierce But I think there are probably a million people in this world who have influence over books. )
10. Get the kids involved and make it a family activity.
Try reading the book with your children. That way, this becomes family time. This is also a good example. For a long time, I avoided reading in front of my children. That’s because I always felt the need to do something active. I realized that No. 1 it would be good for them to see me relaxing and No. 2 as an adult they would make time to read. I want them both, but I won’t do it unless they see it as an example.
It’s important for younger children to have a little “quiet time” each day, even if they’re not old enough to nap. The best reading time is when children are reading, coloring, and doing homework.
11. Try this month’s book
This has encouraged me to read more books and introduced me to authors and genres that I’m not normally interested in. Check it out from my referral link here!
This is a friendly reminder that small steps can make a big difference in your reading habits. It’s a lovely act of self-care, and I feel like I’m a happier, more balanced person when I take the time to read.
So tell me, friend, when do you read books every day? What are you reading now? ?
Shit
Gina
