Rekindle Your Love for Reading: Small Steps to Rediscover Joy
Do you remember those nights when you couldn’t put a book down, or the mornings when reading felt more rewarding than scrolling through your phone? For many, reading was once an escape, a source of wonder and inspiration. However, amidst the chaos of adulting, deadlines, and digital distractions, that love for books might have dimmed. If you find yourself struggling to finish a book or even pick one up, know that you’re not alone—and you can reignite that passion.
Start Small and Stay Consistent
One of the main reasons people drift away from reading is the pressure to read for hours or complete a book quickly. Instead, start with just a few pages a day or dedicate 10 minutes before bed. This removes the pressure and allows the habit to grow naturally.
- Keep a short story collection or poetry book by your bedside.
- Read one poem or a single page each night—focus on presence, not pressure.
Create a Reading Ritual
Reading becomes easier when it’s part of a cozy, repeatable ritual. Whether it’s enjoying a few chapters with your morning coffee or curling up with a book at night, associating reading with comfort can make you look forward to it.
- Light a candle, brew some tea, and read with soft music playing.
- Treat reading as a mini escape, not a task to check off your list.
Revisit Old Favorites
Revisiting a book that once captivated you can rekindle your love for reading. It can bring back the original joy and remind you why you started reading in the first place.
- Think of a book from your past that moved you deeply.
- Read it again without expectations, purely for the joy of rediscovery.
Let Go of Guilt
You don’t have to finish every book you start. If a book doesn’t engage you, it’s okay to stop. Life is too short for books that don’t resonate with you. Dropping a book isn’t quitting; it’s making space for something that truly connects.
- Use the "Rule of 50": if you’re not hooked by page 50, move on.
- Keep a "did not finish" list to remind yourself it’s okay to let go.
Make Reading Social
Books are more enjoyable when shared. Whether it’s discussing a recent read with a friend or joining an online book club, talking about books can breathe new life into the experience and motivate you to keep going.
- Start a mini book club with friends, even if it’s just one person.
- Engage with communities like Bookstagram or BookTok for recommendations and discussions.
Explore Different Formats
Reading doesn’t have to be limited to paper. If your schedule is tight or your eyes are tired, try audiobooks or ebooks. Listening to stories while commuting or doing chores can reintroduce reading into your daily routine.
- Use apps like Audible, Libby, or Storytel.
- Choose narrators who enhance the experience—some can make a story truly magical.
Read for Joy, Not Prestige
You don’t need to read prize-winning novels to be a "real reader." Graphic novels, thrillers, rom-coms, and fantasy sagas all count. Choose what excites you.
- Ask yourself what kind of stories you’re craving now.
- Pick a book purely for joy, not for its prestige.
Rediscovering the Joy of Reading
Your love for reading isn’t lost; it’s just buried under life’s clutter. With small, mindful steps, that joy can return. Reading is not a race or competition; it’s a personal, healing act. Take your time, find your flow, and let books become a refuge once more. Sometimes, all it takes is one good story to remind you of the joy reading can bring.
Engage with Your Reading Journey
As you embark on this journey to rekindle your love for reading, consider what stories have shaped you and what new narratives await. How can reading become a more integral part of your life? Reflecting on these questions can enhance your reading experience and make it more meaningful.
By following these steps, you can transform reading from a chore back into a cherished pastime. So, pick up a book, find a cozy spot, and let yourself get lost in a story again.