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Squeeze Reading into Your Busy Life: Six Strategies for Incorporating Literature in Your Daily Routine

Tips for Slipping in Some Reading during Your Hectic Day on Drop Everything, Read Day!

Squeeze Reading into Your Hectic Schedule: Six Strategies for Slipping in Page-Turning During Daily...
Squeeze Reading into Your Hectic Schedule: Six Strategies for Slipping in Page-Turning During Daily Chaos

Squeeze Reading into Your Busy Life: Six Strategies for Incorporating Literature in Your Daily Routine

In today's fast-paced world, finding time for leisure activities like reading can be a challenge. However, incorporating reading into a busy day doesn't have to be a daunting task. Here are some strategies to help you make reading a manageable and enjoyable part of your routine.

Making Reading a Daily Habit

To start, set aside a dedicated reading time of about 20-30 minutes each day. This could be during your morning coffee, lunch break, or before bedtime. Linking reading to a habit you already have can make it easier to stick to.

Create a quiet, distraction-free space for reading. This could mean silencing notifications, turning off the TV, or asking for some alone time. Starting your reading session early in the day, when your mind is fresh and less distracted, can also help.

Breaking reading into smaller chunks with short breaks can prevent burnout and maintain motivation. For instance, reading 75 pages with 15-minute rests for a longer book can make the task seem less daunting.

Mixing reading genres or formats can keep the habit interesting and engaging. Whether you prefer novels, short stories, essays, or magazines, there's something for everyone.

Tracking your reading progress can help build consistency. Methods like the "Don’t Break the Chain" technique, where you mark a calendar for each day you read, can be effective.

Exploring Book Summary Apps and Libby

For those with busy lifestyles, book summary apps like Headway can provide bite-sized insights in minutes. These apps can inspire deeper reading later.

Libby, an ebook and audiobook library app by OverDrive for public libraries, offers a wide range of content. You can find eBooks across genres, audiobooks, and magazines on topics like lifestyle, health, news, culture, and hobbies. Libby supports simultaneous reading and listening for many titles, making it convenient for exercise enthusiasts who want to read while on a treadmill or for those who want to listen during commutes or while doing household chores.

Reading Anytime, Anywhere

Reading doesn't always have to be a sit-down activity. It can be done while waiting in doctor's waiting rooms, sports practices, or school pickup lines. Audiobooks are perfect for these situations, as they allow you to listen rather than read.

Schools worldwide have incorporated D.E.A.R. Day into their curriculum on April 12. This dedicated reading period, lasting at least thirty minutes, with no interruptions, encourages students to prioritise reading in their busy schedules. D.E.A.R. Day was established on Beverly Cleary's 90th birthday in 2006.

In summary, balancing small, intentional daily reading sessions with the convenience of audiobooks and magazines on apps like Libby can help busy adults cultivate enjoyable, sustainable reading habits. So, instead of mindless doom scrolling during lunch breaks or watching one less episode of a binge show, consider picking up a book instead. Happy reading!

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