I have been thinking of writing out this post for quite sometime and this situation right now is probably a good time to get to the TBR (to be read) pile. Its probably a good idea to get off social media and stop scrolling the news and go back to good old fashioned books, if for nothing else, just for our general well being at this incredibly stressful time. I also know this is a good time readers who have fallen off the reading bandwagon to get back into it – its the perfect time to do this. New year, new you and so on. Lets get back into the lost art of reading.
I was a intense reader as a child and teenager, I read all the time. Had so many fights with my mum about reading at the table, reading instead of studying, reading instead of even meeting friends or sleeping!
When I lived in Bombay, travelling in the local train to work everyday gave me more than an hour in the morning to just read. I read a lot. Somehow this habit was lost after I moved to London, started studying and then working. A few years ago I actually had to make an effort to go back to reading the way I used to. And I realise it makes a big difference to my life, mental well being and stress levels. Some people meditate, I read.
This post gives you all the tips and tricks to how to start reading again if reading is a hobby you have lost sight of as an adult due to work or otherwise. But this would also help someone who wants to pick up reading and has never been a reader.
Outfit details: leather shorts, knee-high boots, vintage red blazer and patterned tights.
Carry A Book All the Time
I carry a book with me all the time. Now days its usually one on my phone but if there isn’t one, I have a real (physical?) book in my bag. Half of reading is access. Think about it – we are always on our phone since its so accessible. Make your book just as accessible and thats half the battle won.
Don’t Take Your Phone with You Into the Bathroom
This should be self-explanatory but do you realise the amount of time we now spend in the toilet just scrolling? Take a book instead so if you are in there anyway you are almost forced to read your book instead of going through social media.
One Thick and One Thin Book
I know this sounds ridiculous and might not work for people who prefer to read just one book at a time. I am not one of those people. I have a travel book – a thin volume I can slip into my bag. The bedside reading book – a thick one, probably hard bound which should not be terribly exciting to ensure I actually get some sleep. General sofa reading – a normal size paperback, maybe a thriller. And then the book I am reading on my phone – mostly ones I was unable to get in a physical book at the library. Summary: make sure you have a book thin enough you can slip a bag when travelling so you are never without a book!
Delete your time pass applications
I would usually include social media in this but honestly, I cannot survive without Instagram and Twitter. When I say the time-pass apps I literally mean those without any other purpose other than helping you pass time – the Candy Crush.
Don’t be Snobbish About What You are Reading
I dislike people who are snobbish about what people read (or what movies they watch and music they hear). (Except when its DJ and his fantasy books which I tease him about a lot). Reading is not only Kafka. Please read what you like. Read what you enjoy. Read something that will make you want to read more. But yes, if you can, do read the classics. The lyrical efficiency in the writing is definitely something that is hard to find in modern books.
Branch Out to Other Genres
Also don’t limit yourself to books you believe are ‘meant for you’. I am probably not one to give this advice since I live upto the stereotype and detest reading most fantasy. But yes, do branch out of the genre that is marketed to you. At least try.
So if you are a woman, read the spy novels and the science fiction however, silly you find them. If you are a man, read the ‘chick lit’ – I mean, Jane Austen and Charlotte Bronte were ‘chick lit’ by those standards so why not?
Don’t be Snobbish About What Reading Means
This one is again advise I don’t follow myself so follow what I say, not what I do!
If listening to an audio book puts your mind to ease and relaxes you – its good enough. Thats reading for you. I personally like listening to podcasts and can’t really follow a narration as such if I am listening to it, so audio books are not my thing. But if it works for you please check out some audio books. Some people are not fans of electronic reading devices. I was in the same boat till I realised that means I won’t be able to read some of the books I wanted to if I didn’t read them on my phone. So I went along with it.
Research the Books You Want to Read
This might be a second step but look into the books you want to read. It gives you something to look forward to the same way movie buffs look out for the next big release. Great places to find useful suggestions are Goodreads, the best seller lists of most major newspapers including the New York Times, Oprah’s Book Club, Reese Witherspoon’s Book Club, The High Low Podcast, the #bookstagram hashtag on Instagram, What Should I Read Next?, your local library, various book awards lists like the Booker list or take a look at my list or follow my monthly reading list posts.
So what are you reading now? I just managed to get some books from the library recently and am currently reading Best of Friends by Kamila Shamsie. Its exactly the kind of book I love – short stories about couples and relationships with backdrops of beautiful cities or beach towns. Its the kind of cosy, gorgeous book you want to curl up with.
Hope everyone is keeping well. If you are bored or just feeling down, please pick up a book and drop me a message as well. Or comment on this post and we can have a little chat. Every time I read the news I start getting stressed so reading has been keeping me sane. I hope it works the same for you too.
– Anisha
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