Four summers ago, I made a pledge to read 55 books by Fall 2016. I love books and I cannot deny it. Not only did I beat the challenge but completed 67 books. This is the only achievement I am proud of! Just like everyone else, I had a busy work life from 9-5, family obligation etc. Everyone I meet says ‘Hey, I want to make time for reading but I simply cannot. I’m too busy!’ For those busybodies who thinks that there is no time for reading, these tips may help you to kindle your love for reading. Now that fall is here, what could be the best thing than to curl up with a book with a steaming cup of tea by your side?
- Just Read anything
A general trend among the Bhutanese is they prefer nonfiction books particularly self-help and management books. Well, there is nothing wrong in reading these genre but these books lets you lose off your track very easily. What I would rather suggest is go for the books that you actually enjoy. Be it a trashy romance, a thriller, a cookbook or a history, read something that interests you. What I normally do is I read several books at a time. If I am at work and I want to relax a bit or take my mind off something, I read a light fiction. If it is to wind down at the end of the day, I pick up some biographies or history.
- Cut down your time in front of the TV screen or scrolling through Facebook & Instagram
Most of the time, we sit infront of the tv screen for hours and hours and spends hours scrolling through facebook and Instagram newsfeed. There is no value addition. I’m equally guilty of this. Time is not invested wisely here. So make a pact with yourself to read at least 20 pages which you would rather lose it watching tv or scrolling though facebook. Reading goes a long way towards increasing your intelligence level. It reduces stress, helps you to experience multiple emotions and teaches you a lot about many subjects.
- Set a reading goal
Setting a goal and tracking your progress online helps you to track your reading progress. My personal favorite is Goodreads.com, an online account in which you keep your overview of the books you are reading. It helps you set reading challenge and helps you focus on your reading. Give yourself a specific challenge to hold yourself accountable and motivate yourself to reach that goal. You can find a plethora of book recommendations you have ever imagined to find here.
I hope these small tips will help you pick up a book immediately and start reading.
Happy reading!
By Rekha Monger
The writer describes herself as a twenty something from the tiny Himalayan country, Bhutan who loves to celebrate life through the art of writing. She writes at www.irelatetothat.com where she says you will find short book reviews, some love notes, few funny stuffs and mostly the mundane ramblings.