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Having trouble reading for pleasure...

I found a thread about reading a book a week and reading for pleasure in general.

I struggle lately. Well, actually the last two years or so. I used to read ferociously. Then I found myself in a mindset that has stopped my reading almost in its tracks. I became full of "busyness." I was busy with work, busy with the house, busy worrying about my kids, busy with trying to recreate lessons and ideas, busy being tired, and busy - just busy.

My mind rarely rests. I am typing something, checking mail, playing a game on my phone like pool or Words with Friends, checking on my parents, cleaning, organizing, looking at Pinterest, and any number of other things that keep me busy. (Additionally, I find myself nibbling on things constantly. That's another issue in itself.)

What can I do--- how can I create a space in myself to be able to relax and read and breathe????
 

mr0001

New member
Most of your distractions appear to be related to Internet connectivity. So I recommend a few things:

1) Schedule at least 1 hour of "plugged-out" time for yourself every day. Actually put it on your calendar or your to-do list. It could be before your day starts or before you go to bed. It could be while you're working out or driving around for errands. Whatever works best for you.

2) During this time, put your phone and electronics away. They shouldn't be in your reach. If you're in the car, put your phone in your purse or on the backseat. If it's before bed, put your phone on the charger and plug it in away from your nightstand (across the room, in a different room altogether, etc.).

3) Make a commitment to yourself that you need this "plugged-out" time. You deserve it. This is self-care. It will help you work better, think better, feel better in the long term.

4) If you want to spend your hour reading, that's cool. If it helps to have something in your hands, start with a physical book (I do NOT recommend reading on a device because it's too easy to get distracted). If you're in the car or engaged in another activity where you can't pick up a book, try an audiobook. Pick something short at first because you will feel a tremendous sense of accomplishment when you have finished your first book. Or try short stories or essays on audio - they're perfectly sized for a small amount of reading time.

If reading isn't working for you, don't try to force it. Even the most avid readers have a slump once in awhile. But don't give in to the temptation. Try to find another relaxing activity that you can do during your "plugged-out" time.
 
Most of your distractions appear to be related to Internet connectivity. So I recommend a few things:

1) Schedule at least 1 hour of "plugged-out" time for yourself every day. Actually, put it on your calendar or your to-do list. It could be before your day starts or before you go to bed. It could be while you're working out or driving around for errands. Whatever works best for you.

2) During this time, put your phone and electronics away. They shouldn't be in your reach. If you're in the car, put your phone in your purse or on the backseat. If it's before bed, put your phone on the charger and plug it in away from your nightstand (across the room, in a different room altogether, etc.).

3) Make a commitment to yourself that you need this "plugged-out" time. You deserve it. This is self-care. It will help you work better, think better, feel better in the long term.

4) If you want to spend your hour reading, that's cool. If it helps to have something in your hands, start with a physical book (I do NOT recommend reading on a device because it's too easy to get distracted). If you're in the car or engaged in another activity where you can't pick up a book, try an audiobook. Pick something short at first because you will feel a tremendous sense of accomplishment when you have finished your first book. Or try short stories or essays on audio - they're perfectly sized for a small amount of reading time.

If reading isn't working for you, don't try to force it. Even the most avid readers have a slump once in a while. But don't give in to the temptation. Try to find another relaxing activity that you can do during your "plugged-out" time.

I completely agree with the "plugged-out" time. When I do not have to get up by alarm and leave my device in the other room, I sleep so much better. When I was hitting the gym, I listened to different things on Netflix and podcasts. I do love a book in my hands. I can read from a device, but it isn't as authentic.

It's the time. Finding the hour to schedule for me. I was thinking I would keep a journal for two weeks. I could write all my daily activities- include=ing what I am doing (example- on my iPad--- what time is a game-v-work-v-social media). Then perhaps I will have a clearer picture of how the time is spent. Maybe finding the wasted time would be easier.

I'm open to any ideas!!!!!!
 

Trey.ru.iii

New member
I think when a task or activity is founded in interest rather than forcing yourself to complete it, you will not only be able to find time for it, but you will also enjoy that time much more. It will be difficult to make time for reading if your attitude towards it is that of "i have to read because it is good for me". Instead the heart of the issue isn't your lack of time to add items to your schedule, but might instead be your dwindling interest towards reading. I am not saying to accept this as it is, but rather to rekindle your love for reading to remind yourself why you need to find time in your schedule to read.

What that rekindling process looks like is up to you (definitely establish a schedule to make it a habit), but I can assure you that if you like doing something, you will find time to do it everyday. I like playing playing basketball, and everyday I carve time out of my morning or afternoon or evening or night to do just that. Hope this helps!
 

SocialShelley

New member
I struggle here as well! My mind is always going, especially when it comes to business matters. It seems like many times I just can't turn it off. My husband always gives me a hard time for reading articles and other forms of literature, but it's been ages since I've actually sat down to read a book for fun. I think I feel like I could be 'doing something better with my time'?
 

lpvander

New member
I think a good idea would be to step outside yourself. Maybe joining a book club that can reignite the joy that can come from reading a good book, especially if the group is lively. Reading a certain number of pages/chapters by a certain time might encourage you to read beyond that, read other books on your own.
 

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