How to Build a Reading Habit (And Stop Autopilot Scrolling)
The educated, creative, inspired woman READS. You could almost say that’s a universal truth.
Now, where people disagree is whether it matters what you read. Some say only non-fiction is educational. But truly, I think as long as you read, it’s fantastic. Every genre can teach you something. Non-fiction gives you deep dives into specific topics. Romance connects you with the feminine. Drama builds emotional intelligence. Fantasy expands your imagination.
The people who neglect the power of fiction are usually the ones who say that art doesn’t matter - or that creative subjects in school aren't equally valuable.
Total BS!
We need all of it. And especially in the age of AI, human creation is exactly what makes our race so valuable.
But we’re also living in a world where busyness is disguised as success. Where we’re always available. Where we’re never bored. Where we’re never without distractions: the phone, social media, the constant noise.
While getting into reading might seem hard at first - especially if you’ve fallen out of regular reading a long time ago (maybe since childhood), or if you’ve never been a reader - you can absolutely become one. It will get easier, because just like with everything else, you’ll build momentum.
In my childhood, I was a full-blown bookworm. But then, with school, I only had time to read the required literature. And frankly, I almost never liked the selection. So I just didn’t (don’t tell my past teachers!).
But in autumn 2024, I rediscovered my love for books. For reading. For getting lost in worlds and in my own imagination. And I never want to go back.
So, here is how to become a reader:
1. Find the genre that makes you want to read it all
Don’t limit yourself to the genre you think is the "only one worthy" of your time just because you feel your habits always have to be productive or educational. Really, all reading is good reading. Try things out. Pick different books. Maybe you'll realize that you prefer reading non-fiction in the morning and fiction in the afternoon or before bed.
And let me tell you a secret - once you’ve become a reader, you will naturally expand to other genres, because reading itself becomes a natural part of your identity.
2. Have an e-reader for on the go
There’s a lot of discussion about getting an e-reader, and sure, it’s a personal preference. For a long time, I could never imagine reading an ebook because I felt it could never replace the feeling of a physical book. So, I hesitated.
That said, at one point my husband gifted me one, and to be honest, I never looked back. I won’t lie, it’s not exactly the same as a real book. But having an e-reader makes reading so much more feasible and accessible. You can take it anywhere you go. You don’t have to worry about lighting (most of them come with a built-in background light). You can carry your whole library with you. If you finish a book, you can just buy the next one on the fly - while on vacation, on a work trip, whatever. There are so many benefits. And it doesn’t mean you have to choose an "either/or" lifestyle. Just use both and take the best of both worlds.
3. Always take your book with you
Wherever you go, take your book (or your e-reader, because frankly, it’s just much easier to bring anywhere). Whenever you’re in a situation where you might instinctively grab your phone, grab your book instead. Waiting at the bus stop. Sitting on the train. Relaxing on the couch. Waiting for a doctor’s appointment. There are so many tiny pockets of time in a day, and swapping your phone for a book creates a two-way benefit: you actually read, and you stop scrolling on autopilot.
4. Read first thing in the morning
This is one of the best tips to get started! When you wake up, instead of grabbing your phone or jumping straight out of bed, take your book and read for just a few minutes. I promise you, this is one of the best ways to start the day. It’s peaceful, it’s relaxing, and it helps your brain wake up while you stay in the comfort of your bed. You start your day with a boost of imagination and creativity instead of stress.
And the best part? During the day, your mind will already be captivated by the story, making you more likely to grab the book when you’ve got a free moment because you want to know what happens next. You build momentum in the morning that keeps rolling throughout the day.
5. Read for pure joy
Finally, don’t read just because it serves a specific hyper-productive purpose - like trying to be taught a lesson or reaching the "next level." Read just for the absolute sake of it. It’s incredible for your mental and emotional health. Don’t make it a competition, and if you’re trying to get out of the social media trap, I'd actually recommend avoiding Bookstagram or BookTok. Because as always, social media can turn a beautiful personal journey into something you feel you have to perform for display.
Reading should serve just one purpose - you.
Let's chat below! Were you a childhood bookworm, or are you trying to build a regular reading habit from scratch right now? What is currently sitting on your book wishlist? Let’s connect in the comments!
