Reading doesn’t have to be boring. If you find your attention waning after the first few sentences of a book, here are some things you can try to make it enjoyable.
Relieve yourself of pressure or expectations when reading.
When you’re just starting off on any kind of hobby, having really high expectations can add a lot of unnecessary pressure. Reading should be a fun activity — a leisurely one. Make it enjoyable for you, whatever that looks like. If you enjoy gamifying things, joining reading challenges or setting targets can be good incentives.
But that approach doesn’t work for everybody. Some people just like to take their time with reading completely unhindered — and there’s nothing wrong with that!
And of course, it’s okay to put down a book if you don’t enjoy it. What makes reading is fun is not always knowing what to expect in a story. If it doesn’t match what you want, you can always find another one. It’s like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get.
A little each day will go a long way.
It’s surprising how much idle time we actually have. When I started swapping my scrolling time for reading time, I was going through books a lot faster.
You don’t need to set aside an hour each day to read. Instead, break it up into increments. Read for 5 minutes at lunchtime. Read ten pages a night. Ease yourself in to the activity. Eventually, you’ll find that you can hold your attention for longer, and read longer, too!
Try out a new genre.
If you’re like me, you are probably a creature of habit. But I find that reading too much of the same genre can get boring, no matter how much we love it. In some cases, it can even put us in a reading rut. The same goes for reading work after work by the same author. I remember when I first discovered Amy Tan and was enamored; I proceeded to read every Amy Tan book I could find in consecutive order. I finished three and never picked up a book from her again. I got bored really quickly.
I will say, though, that I think reading a series is an exception to this. It feels important to say that one does not simply get bored of Harry Potter or The Lord Of the Rings.
Read more than one book at a time.
I like to read two books at a time, one that’s fiction and the other nonfiction. This helps make reading feel less like a chore because I’m not forced to read just one thing at all times. When I always have something to look forward to reading, it makes reading more fun. Sometimes, I really just want to read a fun, immersive adventure. Other times, I want to read about the history of humanity. I have two moods. 🤷♀️
Reading doesn’t have to feel like a chore. I think years of schooling have helped us nurture an unconscious disdain for the activity. But you’re in the reins now! Choose the books you love, read when you want to, and take your time. Reading is enjoyable because it’s a different experience for all of us.
Are you trying out any of these tips? Let me know how they worked out for you in the comments!
If you’re looking for book recommendations as you practice these tips, check out these 12 Books To Read For February or Amazing Books By Female Authors.
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