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9 Tips for Achieving your Reading Goals
10 Dec 2024
The New Year is the perfect time to curl up with a good book and set intentions for the year ahead. It’s no wonder “read more” is a popular resolution—reading offers countless
wellness benefits
, from improving sleep and reducing stress to sharpening critical thinking skills and even supporting longevity.
Inspired by advice we recently shared with
Country and Town House
, we’ve compiled tips to help you set and achieve your reading goals. Whether you’re looking to start a new reading habit or are a seasoned book enthusiast striving to surpass your 2024 record, our nine suggestions will inspire bibliomania in all.
Opening a 500-page novel can feel daunting, but remember the saying, “There’s only one way to eat an elephant: one bite at a time.” Break it down and aim to read 30 pages a day. Before you know it, you’ll easily be devouring tomes, like Frank Herbert’s Dune.
Find a time that works best for you, whether it’s the first hour of the day, your commute, or winding down before bed. Prioritising reading time in your daily routine helps make it a consistent, enjoyable habit.
Whether it’s a wine-filled discussion group or a simple book-themed group chat, it doesn’t need to be a highbrow analysis of form and language, but an opportunity to share your reading journey with others and be inspired by theirs.
Don’t feel pressured to read only “serious” books. Reading offers benefits that go beyond the words on the page—it reduces stress and boosts both psychological and social well-being. Whether it’s a Booker Prize contender or a Jilly Cooper novel, read what genuinely entertains you.
Novellas and short stories are perfect for further breaking down your reading goals. Often short enough to be enjoyed over a single cup of coffee, the medium stretches author’s imaginations and lead to some of their most potent works. Plus, they’re light so can easily fit in a coat pocket or handbag!
Let your mood lead the way when choosing what to read. Some days, you might long for a cosy story full of happily ever afters and other times, you might feel the pull to step into a different worldview or explore a new topic through a non-fiction book.
If a book isn’t gripping you, put it down. With millions of books out there, don’t waste time on something that doesn’t click and becomes a obstacle to maintaining your reading streak. Note what you didn’t like and use that insight to choose your next read.
Put your phone on silent, turn off the television, and pick up a book. Making your reading time completely screen-free not only helps you stay on track with your daily reading goals but also benefits your sleep and mental health. The blue light emitted by a screen tricks your brain into thinking it's daytime, which suppresses the production of melatonin—a hormone essential for regulating sleep.
Explore your favourite bookstores, get inspired by bookstagram accounts, and write down recommendations from friends and family. Having a TBR list ready ensures that once you finish one book, you’re never stuck in the “just finished the best book ever” blues.
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