bye, you should really read more
making more time for books + saving your attention span
You and I have been so conditioned to consume content so quickly and straight away so that when something takes longer than 30 seconds to consume, we get lazy. Everything has to be repackaged into smaller bits and pieces so that our brains can digest it while it is still interested.
Thinking about this habit, what comes to mind for me is constant static noise, so much noise, of people chattering around me, pulling in and out of conversation, a full crowd bumping into me, throwing me back and forth. Why do we not take the time out of our day to read, slow down, actually understand the content we are interested in consuming? Because most of the things we learn about take a lot more and are based on much more story and information that it would be worth it to consciously dive into them.
We have lost this quality, and by conditioning ourselves to speed up time, we lose the sight and the joy of reading books (amongst other things we could otherwise enjoy). Where I felt the disruption in a major way was in my habit and routine of reading, the one thing I always loved doing most. As a teen girl, I spent entire days devouring books, finished them in a matter of days, even when I had school, homework, tests, choir and theatre to care about.
Now, I have too many books in my shelf and too little time to read. At least that’s what it seems like if I don’t make the effort to make the time. Just like every other form of quality time (with people), making time for books is just as essential for reaching your reading goals, or if you don’t have those, make reading a habit instead of doomscrolling on your screens.
Your time, your goals
Some ideas for goals, because in the end you have to see what is most realistic for you to stick with:
reading for 20 minutes a day
reading 10 pages a day
reading 1 chapter a day
reading 1 book a month
reading on public transport or other waiting periods (at GP, etc., waiting in line)
reading thin books
picking a specific time each day to read: morning, evening, coffee break, lunch break
The goal overall is to at least stick to it, and, with time, even grow your goal.
Always have a book with you
Carry a book or e-reader with you wherever you go. You grab what is available, and your phone won’t be the only thing.
Try audiobooks
If you’re busy with chores or exercising, audiobooks let you read while doing those things without having to sit down with a book.
Minimise distractions
Do Not Disturb mode ON. You will survive those 20 minutes without being available. Focusing on your book instead of getting interrupted every minute will take you far, and will help work on your attention span.
Read what you enjoy
Don’t feel pressured by social media, book influencers, friends, or whichever article tells you what you “should” read. Your time, your genres: pick topics that actually interest you. And don’t hesitate to DNF (did not finish) a book if it didn’t hold your interest and it was almost too painful to get through.
Build stamina by reading everything
Read those articles you have saved in your reading list like it’s an internet museum. Read that academic article you were about to quote retweet without reading first. Read that pop culture article that you only saw the headline of and were thinking of speaking on it with a friend. Read the entire Substack which had a quote that caught your eye. Read instructions before turning to YouTube at default. Read the tiny text next to the paintings. Read the blurbs of books that caught your eye in the shelf instead of fixating on the cover.
Read two books at once
I find it helpful to have a few books going on at once so that I can switch depending on my mood. A good mix is a Non-fiction and a Fiction book, or one novel for when you’re at home (maybe fixed on the nightstand), and another for when you’re out and about (in your every day bag).
I’m excited to see if you have any more tips on saving your attention span. Because I know we all need to.
If you liked this piece:
I'm a BIG reader! I usually have 2-3 books going at a time and finish them within a week I honestly can't imagine going one day without reading at least a chapter of my book, but here are a few things I find helpful when I'm in a reading slump and feel like I'm being too easily distracted - having an ebook on phone or tablet, instead of scrolling on social media when you're outside waiting for sometime or someone, pop your book out and read, this way you'll get to the "good" parts faster and you won't want to put it down. Go to sleep reading! Screens are bad for you and we know that so before bed instead of aggravating your eyes with blue lights, put your phone on DND and fall asleep while reading, you'll have such a deep sleep this. And last but not least, have a way to track your books (goodreads is my fav but opinions vary 👀) this will motivate you by giving you goals, give you good suggestions, and you can give your opinion which people love to do (also add your friends and discuss your books together it is so fun) happy reading ❤️
I'm currently in class, but we can't study due to a network outage. As I watch people chatting aimlessly, I started looking for something to read since I forgot to bring The Picture of Dorian Gray (which I started two days ago, by the way). I feel grateful to have come across this newsletter at this moment—I truly understand what you're trying to convey. ❤️✨
Thank you for sharing. 🫶🏽