How to Read More

There is an abundance of reading material, but time is often scarce. Many people face difficulty in finding time to read due to work, studies, and taking care of their children. Moreover, the constant flow of new information in modern life makes reading more challenging. However, you can apply a few simple steps to read more, such as choosing reading material you enjoy, finding a quiet and separate space, setting aside dedicated time for 'reading', turning off your phone, and focusing on the present moment.

Find reading material that excites you. The best way to read more is to make reading enjoyable, and for that to happen, you need to find the content of the reading material appealing.

• Explore. Open books you come across and read the introduction. You can flip through pages and read the first few lines. Look for topics that pique your curiosity and explore them.
• If you find yourself truly curious about the subject and can't look away, you'll likely have a hard time stopping from turning to the next page. Reading is a habit that not only broadens your mind but is also fun and engaging.

Consider absorbing new information. Readers engage with fresh ideas and concepts: What area are you interested in learning about?

• Explore books with practical knowledge on history, politics, science, and economics. This is an excellent way to think more deeply about the systems and patterns at play across the globe. Feel free to explore different fields or choose a topic that piques your interest and dive into research.
• Pick up classical literature, like works by Shakespeare, Hemingway, or Kerouac. Books within the "literature" genre often depict the essence of human life. Reading about victories and tragedies, joys and sorrows, delicate details and sweeping truths will give you deeper insight into your own situation.
• Keep up with current news: You can follow local newspaper updates or read online articles. News varies widely, from short updates to in-depth analyses, and can provide valuable information for creating interesting conversations. Stay informed about current events to stay in tune with the world.
• Read fiction in genres such as fantasy, sci-fi, romance, or vampire tales. These imaginative genres will enrich your creativity with their intrigue and mystery or offer an escape from the chaotic realities of everyday life.
• Read poetry, philosophy, magazines, fanfiction, Mytour articles, or anything else that sparks your imagination and captivates you.

Ask friends and family for book recommendations. Inquire about books that they find meaningful or particularly well-written.

• You'll discover new books or articles while chatting – don't hesitate to ask. If someone mentions a book during a conversation, it might be a hidden gem.
• Don't hesitate to borrow books. Your relationships can serve as a vast library where you can find books that suit your interests. If you spot a book on someone's shelf, strike up a conversation about it and share your preferences. If the chat goes well, you might even ask to borrow it.
• Choose a book from online lists such as "The Best Books of the 20th Century" or "Must-Read Classics." These lists tend to reflect subjective opinions but will guide you to fantastic reads across various genres. All you need to do is pick the book that resonates with you.

Browse the shelves at your local library or bookstore. Whenever you have some free time, make a trip to the bookstore or library in your area. Browse the shelves and pick out a book that catches your eye to borrow and read at home.

• Don't be intimidated by the overwhelming number of books. If you find a book that sparks your interest, take it off the shelf and skim through it. Libraries and bookstores provide a safe space for you to explore and develop a reading habit.
• In the United States, you can apply for a free library card. While you can enter the library without a card, a library card is necessary to borrow books. Look for the staff at the checkout desk – they are usually located in the center of the library – and sign up for your card.

Join a book club. Although participation is voluntary, a book club offers an environment that fosters disciplined reading habits.

• Being part of a club will encourage you to read more and reflect deeper on the book, as you'll have the opportunity to discuss it with others in the group.
• Participate in an online book club. This is an excellent way to share your thoughts on books in an affordable, relaxed setting. You can read as much or as little as you'd like, but you'll need to keep up with the group to some extent.
• If you can't find a book club, start one of your own. Talk to friends or family members who share a reading habit. If they enjoy similar genres, like sci-fi or philosophy, suggest reading a book together and discussing it.
• Keep in mind that while book clubs help foster reading habits, you might end up reading a book you're not fond of if the group chooses it. However, this experience will offer you new perspectives, even if you don't enjoy the book.

Create a reading list. Write down the names of 5 or 10 books you genuinely want to read. Stick the list on your wall and cross off each title as you finish reading them.

• Commit to completing this list by a specific date. Even though you may not meet the deadline, the act itself will encourage you to start reading.
• If you set yourself a "goal" – to finish these books by a certain day – you are more likely to complete them. Reward yourself after finishing a book, such as by enjoying a nice meal, giving yourself a long-desired gift, or buying a new book. This will motivate you to read more, even though the reward is for yourself.
• Try using a book tracking app like ReadMore (http://readmoreapp.com/) to store and view your reading progress anytime.

Dedicate a specific time for reading. During this period, do nothing else but read. Create leverage for your reading habit: force yourself to read at a specific time each day.

• Read while taking the bus to work, during meals, in the bathroom, or just before bed. Read whenever you have a 10-minute break, and gradually, you’ll make reading a habit.
• Start your day by reading a set number of pages – for example, 10-20 pages each morning. Read as soon as you wake up, or skim through a few pages while you enjoy your morning coffee. Let reading be the first thing you do each day, before worries and distractions crowd your mind.
• Read before bed. You may not want to dive into complicated or professional material before sleep, but try relaxing with a story instead. This is a wonderful way to develop a reading habit.
• Aim to read at least 30 minutes each time. Let yourself get so absorbed in the book that you forget about everything else. If you have to go somewhere, set a timer but avoid checking your phone. The goal is to be completely immersed in the pages of the book.

Focus on the present moment. Focus only on the current moment and the words on the page.

• Find a comfortable spot where you can be fully present, free from distractions, while reading. Let go of thoughts about the past or future and try not to think about work. At this moment, all you're doing is reading.
• Turn off your phone or silence it. If you must leave, set a timer so you don't need to check your phone.
• Before reading, take care of tasks that might distract you. This could include tending to your pets, answering emails, taking out the trash, or tidying up. Organizing everything around you helps clear your mind for reading.

Read in a quiet place. Choose a location free from people, traffic, or any distractions. In such a place, you'll easily immerse yourself in the book's content.

• Read in a park, library, or a quiet room. You can also read at home or in a café. Pick a spot where you can forget about the outside world.
• Turn off the TV and your browser. Remove yourself from outside information so you can dive into the book you're reading.
• If you can't find a quiet space, wear headphones to block out external noise. Listen to soft music at a low volume. You might want to try websites that play ambient sounds, such as Rainymood (http://www.rainymood.com/) or Simply Noise (http://simplynoise.com/).

Develop a reading habit. The more you read, the easier it becomes to form a reading routine.

• Force yourself to read every day of the week, even if it's just 20 minutes. Once you’ve committed to reading daily for a week, aim to keep it up for the whole month. Gradually increase the number of pages you read each time.
• Start small; don't overwhelm yourself with large goals at the start, or you'll procrastinate. Choose books you can easily finish, and challenge yourself to complete them. Build confidence and gradually tackle more complex books.
• Consider breaking your reading into smaller sections, such as finishing one chapter at a time or stopping at the next break point. If you're reading an exciting story, pause when the main character goes to sleep for the night. Immerse yourself in the narrative.

Try reading e-books. You can read e-books on a Kindle device or download reading material directly to your phone or computer.

• E-books are convenient if you don't want to carry a heavy book. Instead, you can carry an entire library in your pocket-sized device, allowing you to read whenever you have time and easily pick up where you left off.
• Check out Project Gutenberg, a website offering thousands of free e-books.

Try using a speed-reading app. These apps help you read faster by eliminating subvocalization—the habit of silently reading words in your head—and delivering them to your brain at a faster pace.

• The average reading speed of a human is about 200 words per minute. Speed-reading apps allow you to adjust the reading speed, ranging from very slow (under 100 words per minute) to extremely fast (around 1000 words per minute).
• There are many free speed-reading apps available. Try Spritz (http://www.spritzinc.com/) or Spreeder (http://www.spreeder.com/).
• However, keep in mind that the faster you read, the harder it is to retain information. This is why we typically read at a natural pace. Speed-reading apps are great for quickly scanning large amounts of information but may not be helpful for comprehension.