“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” – Dr Seuss
Reading used to feel simple. You picked up a book and forgot the world for a while. Now, your phone buzzes every other minute, commanding your attention. Even when you want to read, you somehow end up on YouTube watching a girl rearrange her entire apartment at 1 a.m.
Many of us are trying to get that stillness back. Not because reading is becoming popular, but because it makes your mind slow down. The struggle most of us have is finding ways to indulge in the slow moments amidst many distractions.
In this article, I will be sharing seven practical tips to ease you back into reading more. No, you’re not giving up your phone forever, but you’d put it away for a while.
The Challenge: Doom Scrolling vs. Reading
Our phones make everything look tempting. You go on TikTok to check one thing, and two hours later, your brain feels full. That’s dopamine at work. It rewards you in quick little bursts that make you want to scroll more than read.
According to Dr Lotkowski, social media algorithms keep us hooked by releasing dopamine with each scroll. Of course, reading would feel like a bore when compared to the rapid rewards of scrolling.
And yet, your brain can adjust. Without deleting apps, you can set better boundaries. If you spend two hours scrolling every night, you could trim it to one and read for the remaining hour. It’s a small step, but it would change things.
Practical Ways to Read More When You’re Always Online
I used to read all the time, but my phone has slowly taken over that space. Scrolling feels easier than picking up a book. Recently, I decided to read on my way to and from work, and I finished a whole book in less than a week.
That week reminded me that I don’t have to give up my phone to make room to read. The small pockets of time present in my day are more than enough. If you’re trying to fall back into reading too, here are a few practical tips that can help.
1. Start Small
Keep it light. Commit to reading five or ten pages before bed. On some nights, you might read more, and on some, you won’t. The goal is to build consistency, not speed.
2. Pair Reading with Your Routine
Attach reading to habits you already have. While drinking coffee in the morning. On the bus. While waiting in a queue. Take your book along with you and pick it up instead of your phone.
3. Swap Scrolling for an Article
If you want something simple, you could adopt the “scroll time, one article” approach. When you pick up your phone to scroll, you switch to reading an article instead. Technically, you’re scrolling but reading.
4. Carry a Book Everywhere
A paperback, Kindle or e-book on your phone makes it easy to read a few pages while waiting or sitting in a cafe. Those small pockets of time add up, and you’re finishing books in no time.
5. Try Audiobooks & E-books
If you struggle with physical books, audiobooks are your friend. You could listen while cooking, working out or walking. If you’re not a fan of carrying things around, e-books would come in handy.
6. Read What You Actually Like
With popular genres like romance, fantasy, and mystery, it is easy to feel pressured to read what is hot. Don’t force it. Choose genres you enjoy and drop books that don’t excite you to read.
7. Set Friendly Boundaries with Your Gadgets
Create a reading corner or leave your phone in another room for a little while. If you need help staying off apps, use a timer or “focus mode”. The idea is to reduce distractions while you read.
Also Read: How to Set Healthy Digital Boundaries for a Balanced Life
How to Make Reading Feel Rewarding
Tracking your reading makes the habit stick. A simple book journal, a note on your phone or posting on Goodreads works. If you thrive on community, you can join a book club or chat with other readers online.
Additionally, having a small reward system helps. After finishing a book, treat yourself to something that feels comforting. Here are a few easy ideas:
– Buy a cosy new pair of pyjamas.
– Have a spa night at home.
– Watch your comfort show guilt-free.
– Play your favourite game.
– Visit a new coffee shop.
Conclusion
You don’t need to read fifty books a year to call yourself a reader. Start with a few pages to remind you how it feels to slow down. If you want to fall back into the habit of reading instead of doom scrolling, it’s a gradual process.
