While the idea that anyone might not enjoy reading seems unthinkable to die-hard book lovers, many of us have unpleasant experiences associated with books.
Maybe you were forced to read books you didn’t like in high school, or your boss asks you to read certain books as part of your ongoing training.
But reading doesn’t have to involve lengthy book reports and detailed literary analysis. You can read in any way you choose, and with the millions of books that are out there, the possibilities are pretty endless.
In this post, we’ll show you how to make reading a more enjoyable activity, whether you want to read more for work, school, or just as a personal goal.
How to Enjoy Reading
Here are 8 tips that will help you to actually enjoy reading and perhaps make it one of your favorite new habits.
1. Schedule time.
Maybe you actually want to read that book that’s been sitting on your nightstand for the last two months, but just haven’t found the time.
We get it. Life gets busy between work, family, and any number of obligations throughout the day. And as soon as you’re done with one task, there are probably dozens of others vying for your attention.
Don’t expect free time to just magically appear in your schedule—you’ll need to carve some out.
Choose a time slot that you can relax undisturbed and focus on what you’re reading, even if it’s just 20 minutes a day. For example, you might cut back on TV time before bed, get up a little early to have some time to yourself, or bring a book to your lunch break. Find what works with your schedule.
2. Find your ideal medium.
Yes, this post is entitled “How to Enjoy Reading,” but your options actually include listening to audiobooks and scrolling through ebooks, in addition to reading print books.
Don’t think that you’re limited to just traditional methods. Learn to enjoy books and make it easier for yourself by choosing the media that works for you.
If your schedule is really packed, for example, you might listen to audiobooks during your commute to work. You’ll get the same story or information, and many of the same benefits.
3. Join a book club.
Ok, this one isn’t for everyone looking to enjoy reading. While joining a book club is a great motivator for reading, having a deadline and being forced to discuss it with other people might suck the fun out of it for the more introverted readers who are simply looking for a personal reading experience.
But on the other hand, if you’re looking to make new friends, engage in thoughtful discussions, and participate in fun meetings, joining or starting a book club can make reading a more enjoyable, social activity. Check out these book club questions that can help you get your meetings started.
4. Find a comfortable spot.
If you’re trying to enjoy reading, you need to make sure you have a pleasant environment and a comfortable position, especially if you’re planning to read for more than 15 minutes.
Make sure you have an adequate reading light to avoid straining your eyes. You might also want to invest in a reading chair for maximum comfort.
Take some time to build some ambience and create an environment where you can actually enjoy reading. Light some candles, play some soft background music, or pour your favorite beverage. Whether you’re reading for pleasure or for study, it can always be made more enjoyable.
5. Turn off distractions
Avoid reading with the TV on, with loud music playing, or with your phone’s notifications blowing up nearby.
To enjoy whatever you’re reading, whether it’s a riveting novel or informative nonfiction, you should give your full attention to the literature to really appreciate what you’re consuming.
6. Know how to find the right books.
Perhaps you think reading isn’t enjoyable because you haven’t found the right books for you. At school, and sometimes at work, there are books you have to read; but when you’re reading for enjoyment, you get to decide!
Don’t worry about what everyone else is reading, or what will make you look “cool” or “smart.” Read the genres you like!
If you have no idea where to start or what your taste is like, you can of course ask for recommendations from friends who share similar interests. Book clubs and book blogs, such as Goodreads, are other excellent places to search for suggestions.
And don’t underestimate your local librarian or bookseller! They can serve as knowledgeable resources and can point you in the right direction.
Check out our post for more tips on how to find a good book.
7. Keep a reading journal.
Keeping a reading journal is a great way to make reading more engaging. Whether you read fiction or nonfiction, reading journals offer you a space to reflect on what you’ve read and process the information on a deeper level.
You might also keep lists of what you’ve read and what you’d like to read next. This is a great way to track both your progress and your goals.
You can also try annotating within the actual book itself. Underline, highlight, or flag certain passages that stand out to you, or write notes and questions in the margins (you can use sticky notes if you don’t want to write on the pages).
8. Toss out the rules.
Here’s a secret: unless you’re in school, there aren’t really any rules to reading. It all depends on what your goals are.
If you just want to absorb some information from a nonfiction book, you can skim the pages. You don’t even have to start on page one!
And if you find that you and a certain book just aren’t a good fit, just stop. Life is too short to read bad books or books you just don’t like.
Make Reading Fun
Reading doesn’t have to be a chore. If you haven’t cracked open a book since high school or college, why not give it another chance?
You have the freedom to choose what you want to read, as well as when, where, and how. And if you find the right books, I think you’ll discover that reading can be a fun way to relax, learn, and discover new worlds.
How do you make the most of your reading time? Share your tips in the comments below!
If you enjoyed this post, then you might also like:
- Speed Reading Techniques: How to Triple Your Reading Speed and Improve Your Comprehension
- 13 Best Reading Lights for a More Comfortable Reading Experience
- How to Find a Good Book: 10 Ways to Find Your Next Read
- 25 Fun Reading Goals to Challenge You This Year
As a blog writer for TCK Publishing, Kaelyn loves crafting fun and helpful content for writers, readers, and creative minds alike. She has a degree in International Affairs with a minor in Italian Studies, but her true passion has always been writing. Working remotely allows her to do even more of the things she loves, like traveling, cooking, and spending time with her family.
