How to read more – The Fitnessista

Sharing some tips on how to read more if that’s one of your goals!

Hi friends! I hope you had a wonderful weekend. What were you up to? We met with friends for sushi, celebrated the Pilot and P’s birthdays with family (we’ll be out of town for their actual birthdays), and had the usual ballet and basketball combo. I also got some time in my sauna blanket – it went from being 105 last weekend to FREEZING this weekend!

For today’s post, I wanted to chat a bit about reading. A couple of years ago, I made a goal to read more often. It’s one of my favorite hobbies, but I wasn’t dedicating much time to reading. I’d read maybe a book each month but was so caught up in work, mom life, and chores that I couldn’t imagine reading more than that. I started making a conscious effort to dedicate more time towards reaching and was able to read 3-5 books per month.

Maybe one day I’ll take reading content photos in mismatched comfies and a weird bun 😉

Lately, I’ve gotten back into my old ways. I’ve been feeling a little stretched thin and overwhelmed in general, and using my *down time* to mindlessly scroll (which isn’t actually relaxing) instead of reading. So, this post is a little reminder for myself, but also for my friends out there who want to read more.

How to read more

Why Reading is Important for Moms

Reading is extremely important for personal growth, relaxation and mental well-being, but the thing is that a lot of us don’t have time, or can’t find the time. Moms in their 30s and 40s can have a particularly hard time reading, especially since so much of the day is dedicated to caring for kiddos, juggling work, chores, and not having very long time blocks for much of anything. I think it’s important to think of reading as a form of self care if it’s something you enjoy. It’s worth carving out the time!

Here are some of my tips and things that I’ve learned:

1. Set Realistic Reading Goals

Set realistic goals, even 10 minutes a day. This can make a huge difference!

Also, start with a smaller goal, like one book per month.

2. Make the Most of Audiobooks

Audiobooks are PERFECT for multitasking. You can listen to audiobooks while doing chores, driving, working out, or going on walks.

I’m a huge fan of Audible and there are also free library apps.

Listening to books while cooking or folding laundry makes these chores a lot more enjoyable, and they’re perfect quality time for reading.

3. Create a Morning or Evening Reading Ritual

Try to set aside 10-15 minutes in the morning or evening to read, as part of a daily routine.

Just like any other habit, cultivating a habit of reading can improve consistency. I’m also a huge fan of habit stacking. Read around the same time each day, like 10 minutes when you wake up, or before you go to bed.

I find that reading before bed has a great calming effect, and definitely prefer this instead of scrolling on social media. The blue light from our phones can also hinder meltonin production, which can make it difficult to wind down and get a good night’s sleep.

4. Carry a Book Everywhere You Go

Bringing a physical book (or a Kindle or phone app) can enable you to fit in reading during random pockets of times, like waiting at school pickups, doctor appointments, etc. A portable reading habit can turn empty time into productive reading time.

I’m a huge fan of my Kindle and love that it’s separate from my phone. My phone distacts me and I’m tempted to scroll Instagram instead. My Kindle is for reading only.

5. Utilize Digital Reading Apps and E-Books

If you’re the type of person who can focus to read on your phone, apps like Kindle or Libby allow you to read on your phone or tablet at any time. It’s also helpful that they sync across devices, which can make it easier to pick up where you left off.

I also love that you can adjust the brightness or font size to accomodate tired eyes.

6. Swap TV Time for Reading Time

The reality is that we can all read more if we swap reading for TV or social media time.

Try replacing one episode of a TV show with a chapter of a book. This is an easy way to fit in more reading time without dramatically changing your schedule.

7. Set Reading Challenges or Join a Book Club

Online reading challenges (like Goodreads) or mom-focused book clubs help to make reading a fun and social activity. This can help with accountability and motivation to read more regularly.

8. Read Short Books or Novellas

Try shorter books or novellas if time is a limiting factor.

Finishing shorter books can create a sense of accomplishment, which motivates more frequent reading.

If you have any favorite short books or novellas, please shout them out in the comments!

9. Use Social Media to Follow Book Recommendations and Reviews

Book influencers or Instagram accounts can help you find books catered to your interests. For the kids, I always think to myself that ALL reading is good reading, even if it’s a graphic novel or something without much substance. The same goes for us! If you like murder mysteries, enjoy! It you like the smuttiest fairy smut, live.your.life. If you want to re-read Harry Potter as an adult, do it! Read whatever you enjoy that makes you happy.

I love that online accounts can give you bite-sized info about books and you can decide if you want to read. (I love Book Huddle and Nicole Pearce but I know there are probably a million book influencers out there!)

10. Involve Your Kids and Make It a Family Activity

Try reading with your kids, which turns this into family time. It also sets a good example. For so long, I avoided reading in front of the kids because I always felt like I needed to be doing something active. I realized that it’s GOOD for them to #1 see me take time relaxing, and #2 making time to read as adult. I want both of those things for them, but they won’t do it unless they see it as an example.

Younger kids benefit from a little “quiet time” each day, even if they’re too old to nap. While kids are reading, coloring, or doing homework, this can be prime reading time.

11. Try Book of the Month

This has absolutely encouraged me to read more and I’m introduced to authors and genres that I don’t usually gravitate towards. You can check it out with my referral link here!

This is a friendly reminder that small steps can make a huge difference in reading habits. It’s a lovely act of self-care, and I feel like a happier, more balanced person when I take time to read.

So, tell me, friends: when do you read each day? What are you reading right now??

xoxo

Gina