How to Read Faster & How to Read More!
Updated: Mar 3
Hello everyone! Today I am going to be talking about two things that all readers can improve on somehow. How to read more, and how to read faster. No matter what type of reader you are, you most likely love to see the number of books on your goodreads yearly challenge going up and up. However, making time for reading when you're super busy with school, work or just other work things can be really hard. That's where this post is going to help you!
Note: This post will be separated into two sections, tips to read faster and tips to read more. :)
How To Read Faster
1. Be Selective
When picking up a book, don’t just pull any book from your shelf. If you are reading a romance book when you're more in the mood for an action-packed fantasy, you will not read fast. In fact, you will read really slow because you aren’t interested in what you are reading. This honestly applies if you want to improve in any aspect of reading, but seriously just read what you want to read there is no shame in it! If you are reading a book or text for school, romanticize the action of being a student and channel your inner Rory Gilmore!
2. Use A Timer
Have you ever heard of the Pomodoro productivity method? Well, it can apply to reading too! If you are not familiar with the Pomodoro method, it is where you set a timer for 25 minutes and take a break for 5 minutes. You can also modify the amount of time on each end if you would like. Most readers call these Reading Sprints where you sprint read for 15-25 minutes and then break for 5 minutes to go to the bathroom, get a drink/snack, or just process what you just read. A lot of YouTubers do reading sprints live on their channels, or read with me videos. My personal favorite is MelReads so make sure to subscribe to her!
3. Set A Goal
I have mentioned this in previous blog posts but setting goals is such a game-changer for your reading habits! Setting a goal like, “I want to finish my current read by this weekend” gives you not only something to look forward to but something to achieve! I also recommend setting a reward for when you complete your goals, like a special drink or sweet or a trip to your favorite store! The only thing I would be extremely cautious about is setting unrealistic goals because when you don’t reach them you will become discouraged or unmotivated.
How To Read More
1. Always Have A Book With You
Bring a book with you everywhere! To school, to work, in the car, to your friend's house, literally everywhere. Having the book with you will (hopefully) motivate you to read. Additionally, when you always have a book you can never get bored! You’d be shocked at how many moments in your day can be filled with reading if you have a book handy. Waiting for the bus, in line at the grocery, at the doctor’s office, even in a long elevator ride. All are perfect opportunities to squeeze in a few more pages.
2. AUDIOBOOKS
LISTENING TO AUDIOBOOKS IS NOT CHEATING. Audiobooks are real books!! I am literally listening to an audiobook while writing this post right now. Audiobooks are also magical when it comes to multitasking. You can listen to an audiobook while driving, exercising, shopping, and so much more. Plus it’s a great way to avoid eye fatigue when you’ve been reading a lot of print or eBooks.
3. Participate In A Readathon
Catch up on your reading goal by participating in a readathon. Many bloggers and Bookstagrammers hold readathons throughout the year, where participants dedicate themselves to reading for a set period. Some readathons even come with a theme or book recommendations. It’s a great way to build excitement and read as part of the bookish community. You can read my guide to a readathon HERE.
Alright readers! That is all for today's post, I hope you enjoyed it and I also hope this has helped! Comment any other tips you know, that could help other readers!
Xoxo,
Opal
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Sources:
https://www.blinkist.com/magazine/posts/how-to-read-faster
https://www.lifehack.org/articles/productivity/10-ways-increase-your-reading-speed.html
https://bookriot.com/read-more-books/