Start small. I got back into reading this year by reading a lot of novellas and short story collections. No more than 200 pages long. It really felt like I was having to rewire my brain because Iād been out of practice with reading. Find a book that intrigues you (if you want to read graphic novels read graphic novels! youāll get to your friendās recs in time) and carry it with you everywhere you go. Then (and I know this sounds ridiculous) you just have to actively choose to read the book. I have to be like āok weāre putting the phone away now and we are going to read 10 pagesā sometimes I read more and sometimes I hit my quota and ditch the book for the day. I made a goodreads and you can set a reading goal challenge (which Iām now behind on) and thatās kinda fun.
Oct 20, 2024
Related Recs
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re read your favorite book from when you were a kid
read true crime or celebrity biographies or romance novels
as the other rec said, read short books! I did this for a year and it helped me so much to get back into the practice of reading
go to the library and check out three or four booksā donāt buy them so you donāt feel guilty if you cant get through one
go outside with a book when itās sunny, itās harder to see your phone screen in the sun, and reading outside is both a big flex and a great joy
I have a personal rule about screens in bed outside of specific times which helps me read instead of scrolling if I want to lie down for a bit
It does take a little bit of practice to get it reincorporated back into your routine but itās easier if you love it !
Apr 24, 2024
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- Start with the books that interest you the most (maybe you should actually start with something that is not a recommendation from someone else because that's a lot of pressure! You could go to a bookstore and find a book that makes you excited to read to get you into the habit of reading again.)
- Take it one book at a time. The pile is daunting, so just find the next book that you are excited to read and read that one. We will never be able to read all of the books we want to, but that shouldn't stop us from reading some of them.
- If you hate the book, stop reading it. Again, we will never be able to read all of the books we want to, so don't waste time on books you don't like.
- While you're reading, have a pen or a notebook and look for things that make you feel or think something new, or things you want to share or talk about with your friend. Take notes or underline them. This sounds like it would be more work, but I find that it actually gets my brain into a more active state which makes it easier to focus and makes me feel excited and curious about what I'm reading.
- You can also try making it into a ritual. Light a candle when you read, or play some soothing music in the background or make yourself a little pillow fort or a specific cozy beverage to drink while you read. Or you could read in a bubble bath or something else that makes you happy. Then you will be reading with intention. And it's fun and cute! If possible, put your phone in a drawer or on do not disturb, for obvious reasons.
Oct 18, 2024
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if you're like me and got away from reading for a few years but are trying to get back into it, here are some things that have helped me in the last 6 ish months:
1) deleting some social media accounts / spending less time on them
2) replace my doom scrolling with reading either on my phone or with an e-reader (the more basic the better imo) (my kobo is on its way to me as we speak)
3) starting with shorter things like novellas and working my way back up to longer things (also if I feel overwhelmed by my lack of progress on something longer I read a short story)
4) remembering that reading is a skill and it will take time to get really good at it again like when I was younger and that's okay !
happy reading everyone!
Jan 13, 2025
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Feb 28, 2025
Currently have three full pages in my notebook! I guess some might call this a gratitude journal LOL but itās different when I do it.Ā
My brother was telling me about this phenomenon called ātarget fixationā. Itās a panic reflex that happens when motorcyclists become fixated on a singular object, obstacle, hazard (e.g. a sharp curve on a winding road) and they will unconsciously steer in the direction of the thing theyāre trying to avoid because their hands follow their gaze which leads to accidents.Ā
You will follow your gaze so be aware of where youāre looking. Train yourself to seek out pleasure and appreciation! Understanding where + what you derive pleasure from increases your capacity to enjoy things which in turn makes you a more interesting person (imo). I think itās just as important self-knowledge as understanding your triggers/trauma. It is a daily willingness to be transformed by small things.
Sorry for lecturing but I want good things for all of you.
Xoxo,
meg
Mar 29, 2024
Forgive because this where I get a little ~woo woo~ but I think you should only wear necklaces that are imbued with a potent magical vibeā¦ amulets only near the heart and throat
you can do whatever you want with earrings/rings but heed my warning about necklaces
Apr 20, 2024