Eight Tips for Actively Setting Aside Time to Read

In Tip 6 of yesterday's post, I gave the suggestion of actively setting aside time to read. I also mentioned that I would talk about this more in detail in today's post. I hope this helps those of you who might have difficulty or confusion around the idea of scheduling time to read.

This may seem a bit counterintuitive to people who are used to being able to read when and where they can. These people are able to incorporate all the tips I mentioned yesterday, along with many other tips and habits that help them read as much as they can. However, this is not something that comes naturally to every reader.

Here are eight tips for actively setting aside time to read.

Tip 1: You do not have to read daily.

This is something that I feel like some readers, especially newer readers, think that they have to do: read daily. This is not the case. The time you set aside to read can be daily. However, the time you set aside can also be every other day or even weekly.

Tip 2: The time you set aside does not have to be a specific time frame.

Something else I have noticed is that many readers feel like they need to set a specific time, such as from 12-1 pm, for their reading. This is also not something that you need to do for your reading. You can set aside the time as "morning," "before a meal," or "evening." Your reading time does not have to be a specific time period, which allows for a bit more leeway if something comes up.

Tip 3: Set your reading time for your calmest time of day.

For some people, their calmest time of day is the morning. For others, it is the afternoon. Still others, it is the evening. Depending on what your calmest time of day is, plan to read during that time. Again, it is always good to take Tip 2 into account and not have your heart set on a specific time just in case something comes up.

Tip 4: You do not have to stick to a single time to read.

As I alluded to in Tips 2-3, there are quite a few occasions where life happens. As a result, a situation gets in the way of the time you set aside for reading. And this can be a highly disappointing feeling, especially if you have been looking forward to your reading time. However, it is always good to be open to things popping up.

Tip 5: If it is an anticipated read, save it for a time that will be calmer for you.

Whether that time is the weekend or an upcoming break, it may be best to save an anticipated read for that calmer time. I wholly understand the extreme want to immediately dig into your anticipated read. However, if you are in a busier time, it can be hard to get into the book you want to read.

Tip 6: Use the other book formats depending on what is the easiest format for the situation.

Ebooks and audiobooks may be easiest to read while reading, where physical books may be best for when you are able to sit down and do nothing else but read your book. So utilize the book formats depending on the situation you plan to read in.

Tip 7: Do not force yourself to read.

I try to give this tip whenever I do a reading tips post. As a result, all I will say is that if you are not up to reading, or cannot read, do not force yourself to read.

Tip 8: It is okay to end up not reading.

This can be linked to Tip 7, but I felt like this deserved its own tip. Whether or not something comes up, it is okay to end up not reading. You do not need a reason to end up not reading.