As we know, reading has a thousand benefits. Yet every night, most of us continue to sleep in front of Netflix, leaving the book we’ve had to finish since 2012 stuck in the dust on our nightstand.
In this article we have unearthed some tips for you to recover the taste for reading and forget about the screens a little…
First, let’s remember some valuable benefits of reading…
When we read a book, whatever it is, we are led to reflect and concentrate only on what we are reading. Reading a novel, for example, often leads us to draw the appearance of the characters, imagine the places and the arrangement of the elements. All this stimulates the brain, which, as we remember, is a muscle that requires regular training to function optimally. Reading maintains our cognitive abilities in particular by developing memory, imagination and the ability to concentrate.
Another benefit of reading is a great way to enrich your vocabulary and develop your oral fluency, which is first shaped internally and then felt in the way you express yourself. Reading also helps reduce stress and anxiety since it has that magic that transports us to another place, thus allowing us to get away from the hassles of everyday life. Reading before bed is also a very interesting way to calm the mind and make it easier to fall asleep, away from screens that attack the eyes and cause sleep disorders…
Some tips to (re)start reading daily
Here are some tips to get into the habit of reading every day without seeing it as a chore but as a true moment of pleasure and well-being.
1. Choose a suitable reading medium
Before we worry about what you’re going to read, let’s see which reading medium is best for you. In fact, you can choose to go back to reading in a good old paper book or invest in a digital reader. Each medium has its advantages and disadvantages. The paper book is timeless, it has a smell, a particular texture that many readers find it difficult to get rid of, since turning the pages is an integral part of the pleasure of reading… The sensory experience is not the same as with a reader digital. However, the latter has many advantages. For example, it is a considerable space saver because it concentrates an entire library in itself, unlike paper books that often accumulate everywhere.
If you hesitate between the two means, you may be able to see a little more clearly here…
2. Choose a book that absorbs you…
To (re)indulge in reading, of course, you need to set your sights on a book that is likely to interest you. Perhaps you already know your literary affinities. For example, if you have a soft spot for novels, stick to your safe values to begin with. On the other hand, if you have no idea what might interest you, the best advice we can give you is to go to a bookstore that inspires you. Browse the shelves, let yourself be attracted by intriguing titles, covers that make you want to open the books, read the summary on the back cover… In short, let yourself be guided towards a crush. However, we recommend that you start with a small book to begin with, so that you don’t get discouraged by just counting the number of pages…
3. Develop a small appetite for regular reading
Rereading is good. But the best thing is to learn to integrate reading into your daily hobbies. To adopt regular reading, bet on a small appetite for reading, at least at first. A short but regular reading is better than nothing at all. Think of it like a read-a-thon. Don’t set the bar too high or you’ll stop reading as soon as you start. Set yourself an easily achievable goal. For example, set a reading goal of three pages a day. If you have opted for the right book, there is a good chance that absorbed by your reading, you will go much further than three pages… Then, you will be able to raise your goals little by little.
4. Establish a reading routine
To become an assiduous reader, it is important to establish a reading routine, that is, a place and a time in which each day you will take a few moments to read. The most classic reading time is still the night before bed, as it helps to calm the mind and prepare it for a good night’s sleep. You can also take advantage of your daily trips on public transport to establish your reading moment. It all depends on your schedule and your wishes, simply!
So, do you already have a book idea in mind? Let’s discuss it in the comments!
