but over the last year or so, I’ve gotten out of the habit of reading books. I’ve bought a few with subjects that definitely interest me but have trouble staying engaged.
When you read, do you need absolute silence to stay interested or can you read with music playing in the back and not lose focus ? Do you need to be alone ?
I’m trying to get back into this, because I was once a voracious reader and am not sure what has changed.
I blame phones. It’s so easy to get the quick distraction of chat, games, videos, etc., while reading takes a different level of focus. I am a lifelong passionate reader but even so I sometimes battle distraction. If that’s the case the things that work best for me are putting the phone in another room, turned off, and finding a book—on whatever topic—that I’m really passionate about, as opposed to one I just feel i should read.
I love reading and went through a patch where i hardly read. This has picked up this year.
I read on my kindle mostly, as it was a strain for my eyes. It also means that i can take my book with me everywhere i go. I now reach less for my phone and more for my kindle.
I also do not mind what is going on around me, but especially like to read before bed.
As much as I enjoy touching the pages of a book, I had to switch into Kindle to make it easier to take my books with me anywhere. I find that accessibility is one way for me to carve out time to read.
I’m currently reading : 1 fiction, 1 non fiction and one textbook.
I am in the same boat, It is so easy to let reading slip quietly away when other things are happening in life. admittedly it has been longer than a year me. I have been forcing myself to read this year though. It has been hit and miss.
I have taken to carrying my ebook reader with me everywhere I go so its not out of sight out of mind.
I dont need to be alone when I read, I always used to read on the bus going to and from work. I do like some nice ambient music playing in the background though.
I spend far to much time on my phone, I find now when I go out to eat alone I take my book and leave my phone face down or in my pocket and engage with my book only.
Not saying that's perfect, developing a specific routine for yourself where electronics are ignored and books are engaged is what helps me
Personally, I read without music. These days i read more mysteries and thrillers and SF; stuff that keeps me turning the pages.
One thing that's really changed my reading habits is getting a Kindle and connecting up with Libby. Libby is an app that allows you to check e-books out of your public library from the convenience of your own home (libraries pay more to lend e-books but still lend for free). Also, most libraries are now members of lending consortia, so you're borrowing from a much larger set of lenders than just your local branch.
My world makes my head too busy to concentrate. I have 6 books Im reading atm. Some fiction, some non fiction, some reference. I do feel bad but also dont because I read 2 to 3 books a week from 11-25. I should read more, but my brain cant take in.
I found a playlist called library music. It doesn't interfere when I read with it on in my earbuds. I prefer to be alone reading but when I can't be alone which is basically everyday because I share my bedroom with other people. I just put on the music and get into my own head and read.
Another trick I am currently using I'm listening to a book in audio while reading it. It's a cool way to stay focused. The audio version came with it's own music so it's a mix of everything.
I read PDFs only on my phone since I can't hold a real book in my hands. I also read in bed so I'm fully relaxed also because it's easier and I do it with my bipap on my face. It's sort of a ritual.
I do need silence, although there can be some muffled sounds in the background. And I have become more fastidious about the font size. Reading literature is essential to me, I had stopped for some years as I was so busy but re-establishing that habit has made me feel whole again.
