You love to read. Yet, somehow, it’s taken a backseat to other activities in your life. But you also know how few afternoons (or evenings or mornings) feel as relaxing and enriching as those spent with a good book. Plus, time and again, science shows that reading is truly good for us!
Research has found reading books can lower stress levels[1], combat depression[2], and help you sleep better[3]. Regular reading protects older adults from cognitive decline.[4] Studies have even shown that reading can help you live longer![5]
So, how to get back into the reading groove? These simple strategies make it easy.
1. Start short. Revive your reading habit with short, easy-to-get-into books or articles that will help you quickly gain momentum. Maybe it’s a favorite mystery or a beautiful design book that you’ll love leafing through. When it’s fun and approachable, you’ll keep coming back.
2. Set realistic goals. There is a time and place for War and Peace. It may not be now. Instead, challenge yourself with attainable milestones, like reading 20 minutes a day, five pages before bed, or one book this season. If you meet your goal and want to keep going, amazing! But bite-size pieces are where it all begins.
3. Join the club. A book club, that is. Gather together a crew of fellow booklovers, and you’ll guarantee compelling conversation, inspiring reading material, good company, and accountability. Also, possibly snacks. What’s not to love?
4. Make it a family affair. These days, you’re not the only one having trouble picking up a book. In recent years, the percentage of kids who say they like to read for fun “almost every day" has steeply declined, according to data from the U.S. Department of Education.[6] So, remind the whole family of the magic of reading. Have regular read-alouds during holiday or family vacations. Give books as presents. Put books on nightstands when the grandkids come to stay.
5. Find affordable books. Buying books online can save the day, especially if it’s tricky to get to the library or bookstore. ThriftBooks.com is the largest online independent used and new bookseller, offering millions of affordable used and new titles. Search bestsellers and trending titles, get personalized recommendations, and more.
Spark that familiar, comforting joy of reading once again. ThriftBooks.com makes it easy to quickly get the titles you want with millions of books from every genre, priced low, and hand-graded for quality. ThriftBooks also partners with libraries, schools, and nonprofits to get books into the hands of those in need. Give the gift of reading to you and your family.
Click here to find your new favorite book at ThriftBooks.com.
Sources:
1. For the love of reading
2. A study of the effects of four reading styles
3. Does reading a book in bed make a difference to sleep in comparison to not reading a book in bed?
4. Reading activity prevents long-term cognitive decline and Cognitive health and older adults
5. Reading for life-long health.
6. https://www.arts.gov/stories/blog/2024/federal-data-reading-pleasure-all-signs-show-slump#:~:text=The%20ability%20to%20read%20well,to%2027%20percent%20in%202022.
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