Creating a reading habit is not only a great goal; it’s also a life-changing investment. Reading more helps reduce stress, improve vocabulary, strengthen the brain, and even boost social skills and empathy. The idea of building a reading habit may seem challenging at first, especially if you feel short on time. However, there are practical and accessible ways to make reading a daily activity, as natural as brushing your teeth or enjoying a cup of coffee.

In this guide, you’ll find tips to incorporate reading into your daily life, from the types of reads you can choose to some tricks for integrating it into your daily routine, even with a packed schedule. So, let’s dive in!

1. Define your motivation for a reading habit

Why do you want to read more?

Before diving into practical techniques and advice, ask yourself what motivates you to create a reading habit. Do you want to relax, learn about specific topics, improve personal development, or simply enjoy the pleasure of reading? Defining a clear purpose will help you stay focused when motivation dips and will allow you to choose readings that add value.

Quick exercise:

Write down why you want to read more and list some specific goals you’d like to achieve (like reading for at least 15 minutes daily or finishing one book per month).

2. Start with short reads and digital formats

If you’ve been out of the reading world for a while, diving into a long book might not be the best idea. To avoid frustration and increase the likelihood of success, start with shorter reads that you can finish in a single session.

Suggestions for short reads:

• Magazine or blog articles: There are well-structured articles on virtually any topic you can imagine.
• Short stories: This format lets you enjoy a complete story without a long time commitment.
• Poems: If you’re looking for something short yet inspiring, try reading one or two poems daily.
• Short essays: Online, you can find essays under five pages on topics like culture, science, philosophy, and more.

Opting for digital formats also makes integrating reading into your daily life easier since you can read from your phone, tablet, or computer anytime and anywhere.

3. Make reading a small, consistent habit

Creating a reading habit doesn’t mean finishing a book every day. The key to building any habit is consistency, not intensity. Start by dedicating five to ten minutes daily. Although it may seem like a short time, reading every day, even a little, will accumulate, and you’ll gradually find yourself reading for longer without even noticing.

Practical tip:

Establish a “reading moment” each day. It could be when you wake up, during your mid-afternoon break, or before bed. The key is consistency, so choose a time that fits naturally into your routine.

4. Use the two-minute rule

This technique is simple yet powerful: if you’re struggling to get started, commit to reading for just two minutes. This reduces the mental barrier of “I don’t have time” or “it’s hard to concentrate.” Often, those initial two minutes turn into a longer reading session. But even if it doesn’t, at least you’ve met your daily goal.

Example:

If you have a book nearby, open it and start reading for two minutes. No pressure—that’s it! Just two minutes.

5. Keep a book handy (always)

This strategy is fundamental: always have some reading material within reach. You can carry a physical book with you or, for greater convenience, keep e-books or audiobooks on your phone.

Suggested apps and devices:

• Kindle, iBooks, or Google Play Books: Great platforms for having your books in digital format.
• Audible and Storytel: Perfect for audiobooks, especially if you prefer listening while doing other activities like cooking, walking, or working out.
• Libby: A free app that lets you borrow e-books from public libraries.

Having a read readily available lets you make the most of those unexpected moments of free time.

6. Set a reading goal

Goals are an excellent way to stay motivated to maintain your reading habit. You don’t need to set extreme goals; it can be as simple as “read one book per month” or “read five pages daily.”

Starting tip:

Use a reading tracker app like Goodreads or any digital planner to record your progress. Watching your reading grow will motivate you and give you a sense of achievement.

7. Find books you actually enjoy

This is one of the most important tips. If you want to develop a reading habit, it’s essential that you enjoy what you’re reading. Don’t feel pressured to read popular or recommended books if they don’t appeal to you. Take some time to explore different genres and topics until you find those that captivate you.

Ideas of genres and formats to try:

• Graphic novels: A visual and engaging format for those who enjoy stories supported by illustrations.
• Mystery and thriller: Great for maintaining interest through suspense.
• Biographies and autobiographies: Ideal if you’re looking for inspiring life stories.
• Essays and popular science: Perfect for curious minds and educational topics.

Poetry is also a great option. We recommend you the next article in order to lose fear we feel sometimes when we read poetry: Finding your way into poetry: How to approach poetry and make it your own
And: The poetic of the most relevant writers of the XIX and XX century: Dickinson, Woolf, Plath, and Whitman

You can inspire yourself to make your own calendar with your own recommendations or interests. We let you some examples:

8. Create a pleasant reading space

Your environment significantly affects your reading habit. If you have a comfortable, well-lit corner, it’ll be easier to sit down and dedicate time to reading. This doesn’t mean you need an entire home library; a cozy chair, a blanket, and a reading lamp can make a big difference.

Extra tip:

Keep a drink nearby, like coffee or tea, and a healthy snack. Making reading a pleasurable experience will help turn it into a habit.

9. Read in various formats: Physical books, digital, and audiobooks

Experiment with different reading formats to see which suits you best. Some people prefer physical books, while others enjoy the flexibility of digital books or the convenience of audiobooks.

Advantages of each format:

• Physical books: The tactile experience is enjoyable, and some find it easier to retain information.
• Digital books: Perfect for reading anytime, anywhere, plus they allow for bookmarking and note-taking.
• Audiobooks: Ideal if you’re often on the go or want to make the most of everyday activities like exercising or driving.

10. Make reading a social activity

Reading doesn’t have to be a solitary activity. Sharing what you read or joining a book club can be a fun way to reinforce your reading habit. Discussing ideas and sharing opinions about the books you read helps deepen your understanding and makes the process more enjoyable.

Ideas to socialize reading:

• Join a book club: There are many online clubs that let you connect with other readers without leaving home.
• Share on social media: Post brief reviews or thoughts about the books you read on social media. You can inspire others and get recommendations in return.
• Read with friends or family: Setting a monthly book to read in common can be a fun way to stay motivated and share the experience with others.

Don’t beat yourself up if you can’t read every day

Although consistency is key, there will be days when you can’t read, and that’s totally normal. The idea is to be kind to yourself and not over-stress. Building a reading habit is a process that takes time and adjustment. The important thing is to get back on track and continue enjoying it without feeling guilty about taking a few days off.

Conclusion

Developing a reading habit may seem challenging at first, but with a few adjustments in your routine and choosing reads that genuinely interest you, it’ll become a pleasant moment you’ll want to make time for each day. From reading small excerpts to experimenting with audiobooks or digital books, there are many ways to make reading fit seamlessly into your life.

Remember, the most important thing is consistency and enjoying the process. With these tips, you’ll gradually make reading an integral part of your day, helping you grow, relax, and discover new worlds without leaving home. Happy reading!

Remember that we post here some recommendations of books and authors, so as some famous texts. Stay and comment if you have something in mind which I could help you, in themes of reading or books recommendations.