Listen to this episode on the Pgh Dreamer’s Pod

The addiction to scrolling and consuming tidbits of (mis)information is pervasive. There are micro-articles everywhere you look. However, this “reading” is likely leading to information overload. As noted in multiple psychological analyses, consuming too much information is causing inability to focus, reduced critical thinking, and dissociation.

Instead, I’m hoping that a trend toward book reading increases.

If you follow any book-centric social media accounts, it sure seems like there are a number of people who are able and willing to pick up a tangible book or visit a library. However, in my own circle, I notice a decline in book reading.

Therefore, I’ve come up with a short list of 5 ways to read more books:

1. Hone in on your interests. Reading doesn’t have to be academic or material you don’t enjoy. I think a lot of people have this idea that books remind them of school – and they don’t have to! There are books on EVERYTHING. Figure out what you like and find your authors.
2. Get a library card. If your county has a library, your tax dollars are already paying for the books. Take a trip and borrow several at a time, for FREE.
3. Set time aside each day for reading. Even if you can only muster 5 minutes, it’s 5 minutes toward completing the book. I personally enjoy reading before bed – but any time and any place works. I’m often reminded of Angela from the office, “I read one chapter of a book, then it’s lights out by 8:30am. That’s how I sleep at night!”
4. Consider audiobooks or e-books. Audiobooks can be a great companion for driving commutes. E-books can sometimes be simpler than traveling to the library to pickup physical books or spending the money on hardcover best-sellers. Even if you don’t live near a physical library, your county’s library may have an online library at your fingertips. Think Libby or Hoopla!
5. Keep a book nearby, at all times. Put one near your couch, in your purse, in your car. When you have downtime, say you’re waiting at a hair appointment or doctor’s office, pickup the book instead of your phone. If you like to sit and relax after dinner, try reading instead of scrolling.

And a bonus tip, reading books shouldn’t be about the flex of your completed list. Sure, I am on GoodReads and enjoy pushing myself to read so many books a year – it’s one of my healthier habits. However, if you pickup a book and hate it, don’t force yourself to read it. This may only lead to a negative connotation when it comes to books. Equally, if you only finish 1 book in the next year, don’t beat yourself up. Reading should be an enjoyable activity, not something that makes you feel guilty.

Grab a book, my friends.