5 Simple Ways to Fall Back in Love with Reading

Adventures, mysteries, memoirs—as readers, a new year is full of possibilities. If you’re anything like us, you’ve already spent a little time thinking about your 2023 reading list and pored over a few new release or must-read lists. While we applaud the excitement, we do caution you against any approach to reading that makes it more of an assignment than an enjoyment.

So what does that look like practically? Here are a few ideas.

1. Set a goal that’s more about quality than quantity. A reading goal sets your intention for the year and helps you to measure your progress toward that goal. We encourage setting reading goals at The Bookery because we think reading is incredibly beneficial to us mentally, physically and spiritually. But for some of us, meeting the milestone can sometimes become more important than taking the time to truly engage with the content. So maybe rather than making your 2023 reading goal about reading a certain number of books, set a goal about how much time you’ll spend reading each week. Rather that’s daily, weekly or monthly, carve out time in your schedule that you’ll devote specifically to reading. Use that time to truly engage with the book, whether it’s a novel, thriller or memoir.
   

2. Make reading part of your sabbath practice. Sabbath simply means “rest.” It’s the idea of setting aside one day a week to take a rest from the busyness of the week and refocus your mind, body and soul on God. It’s also a chance to actively trust him to provide for you—by saying yes to rest and no to additional work or worry, you’re expressing your faith that God will take care of you. Reading can be restful, so making it part of your sabbath practice can be a way to refocus and re-energize both your body and soul. Sabbath reading can also be a way to devote time to writers and content that help you to grow spiritually.
   

3. Pick from reading “buckets.” Maybe you read for enjoyment, for spiritual education or even to learn something that will help you professionally. All of these are good reasons to read! But instead of setting a goal about reading so many leadership books or X number of books about Christian spiritual growth, simply pick a different bucket each month and read a book from that area. If you’re not feeling it, pick another book from the same bucket or switch buckets. The goal is to read, so be flexible and listen to yourself and make the choice that works for your life at that moment.
   

4. Make reading part of your daily ritual. Whether we admit it or not, we all have daily routines, from the things we do to start our days to the way we get ready for bed. Add reading into the mix, whether it’s spending a few minutes with a book before you launch into your work day or reading a few pages before you turn off the light at night.
   

5. Try an audio book. “I want to read, but I just don’t have time!” We’ve all muttered that excuse. Audio books can be a great way to engage with story or learn something new, even when you’re in a busy season of life. Sitting in the car rider line at your kid’s school? Find an audio book you can listen to together. Running errands or have a bit of a commute? Listen while you drive. Work from home? An audio book and a brisk walk can be a great break or lunchtime tradition, helping to reset your brain and creativity so you can finish up your work with greater clarity and productivity.

Reading is a valuable way to learn, grow and relax. We hope these tips help you refocus on why you read in 2023, rather than how many books you mark off your list.