How to Start Reading: From Childhood Curiosity to a Lifelong Habit"
Reading
is often seen as a hobby, a skill, or even a chore, depending on how you
approach it. For me, reading was an unconscious habit I picked up as a child. I
didn’t have access to fancy books or the internet back then, but I grew up
watching my mother immerse herself in newspapers and school books. She didn’t
have the chance to study during her childhood, but she was always eager to
learn through whatever was available. Observing her sparked my own love for
reading, and I started devouring whatever I could find, from school textbooks
to magazines. Today, reading is not only a habit but a fundamental part of who
I am.
If you’re looking to build a reading habit, whether it’s to learn something new or just to escape from the overwhelming digital noise of modern life, here’s how you can start.
Why Reading Can Feel Like a Task
In
today’s fast-paced world, reading can feel like just another task on our
never-ending to-do lists. Social media and the so-called “productivity culture”
have made it trendy to flaunt the books we’re reading. We see posts about “the
best books to read” and people boasting about finishing multiple books a month.
While reading is indeed valuable, it shouldn’t become something we do just to
keep up appearances or because it’s "cool."
For some, reading is a necessary escape from reality, and for others, like teachers, it’s part of their profession. For me, it’s deeply personal—I was raised by books, and they have shaped my understanding of the world. But if you’re new to reading or trying to build a habit, you shouldn’t let trends or social media influence your choices. You should read because it interests you, enriches your mind, and offers a much-needed break from life’s chaos.
How to Build a Reading Habit
If you’ve
never been much of a reader or have fallen out of the habit, it’s important to
start slowly and choose topics that genuinely interest you. Here’s how to get
started:
1. Start with What You Love
Don’t jump into reading just because you think you should or because everyone
else is reading the latest bestsellers. Start with something that excites you!
For me, I was fascinated by how the human brain works, so I naturally
gravitated toward books on psychology and neuroscience. Maybe for you, it’s
fashion, sports, travel, or even a random magazine you pick up. What matters is
that you’re engaged and curious.
2. Ignore the Trends
It’s tempting to follow popular reading lists or jump on the bandwagon of
"must-read" books circulating on social media. But that can often
lead to burnout. If you’re not genuinely interested in the material, it’s
harder to stay motivated. Instead, pick a book, blog, or article that grabs
your attention, no matter how obscure or unconventional it may be.
3. Start Small
If you don’t have the habit of reading, don’t overwhelm yourself by setting big
goals. Instead of aiming to finish a book in a week, start by reading for just
10 to 15 minutes a day. You could even begin with just 1 or 2 pages. Gradually,
as you find your rhythm, you’ll start to enjoy it, and reading will become less
of a task and more of a pleasure.
4. Mix It Up
Don’t limit yourself to one genre or type of content. One day you might enjoy a
blog post, and the next, you could dive into a novel, a nonfiction book, or
even a comic. Mixing up your reading material keeps it fresh and prevents
boredom. Plus, it helps you explore new topics and ideas.
5. Set the Right Environment
Find a quiet, comfortable spot where you can immerse yourself in reading. The
world today is full of distractions, and the constant barrage of notifications
makes it hard to focus. Creating a calming space can help you disconnect and
allow reading to become a mindful activity.
The Benefits of Reading: A Modern Escape
Reading
has so many benefits that go beyond just learning new things or being
entertained. Here are a few reasons why developing a reading habit is one of
the best things you can do for yourself:
- Calm in the Chaos: In a world dominated by
social media and the endless scroll of content, reading offers a way to
slow down. It helps you disconnect from the constant flow of information,
giving your brain a break from overstimulation.
- Mental Clarity: When you read, especially
on a topic that interests you, your brain gets a mental workout. You
improve your focus, comprehension, and critical thinking skills.
- Stress Relief: Reading can be a form of
escape, allowing you to lose yourself in a story or dive into a new world.
This break from reality can significantly reduce stress, helping you feel
more relaxed and refreshed.
- Building Knowledge: Whether it’s fiction or
nonfiction, every book, article, or blog you read introduces you to new
ideas, perspectives, and facts. It’s an excellent way to continuously
learn and grow.
- A Source of Inspiration: Reading often sparks new
ideas and helps you think in different ways. A single sentence or concept
can inspire you to look at a problem or challenge from a fresh
perspective.
Final Thoughts: Start Where You Are
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to
reading. It’s personal, and it’s meant to be enjoyed. Whether you’re reading to
escape, to learn, or just to pass the time, the key is to start with something
that speaks to you. Don’t let trends or other people’s reading lists dictate
your choices. Make it a habit, but do so in a way that feels natural and
exciting. A few pages a day can make a world of difference, opening up new
avenues of thought, calm, and knowledge in your life.
Happy reading!
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