Tips for getting back into reading.

[chosenone]

Seems a strange one to ask here, but I used to be a bookworm. Since the Lockdown I’ve only really read on holiday. When and where do you read? … I’ve always enjoyed reading in bed but DH goes up before me so I can’t have a bright enough lamp on. I’ve tried to find an odd hour after work or at the weekend but get distracted by my phone and ironically Mumsnet 😅 traditionally I liked thrillers/whodunnits. Recently I’ve enjoyed Ellanor Olliphant and The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry.

@YnysMonCrone I remember you from the 50 books thread and it would be nice to see you back there when you're ready. For different reasons, I also found reading hard last year but am picking up again now.

In general OP, I think building up reading stamina is key. So you can try setting an alarm having decided to read for maybe just ten minutes at a time. No looking at a screen during these ten minutes! Then make it a little longer next time until you get back into the habit.

One of my NY resolutions is to limit my mumsnetting to the What We're Reading thread, with the odd visit to Arts and Crafts and Style and Beauty, and to ignore the clickbait on the top right of the screen. I really don't need to be sucked into posts about people's family feuds and gripes about neighbour's parking habits. I could be improving my ability to read in French instead have been saying this for years

@highlandcoo thanks so much for remembering me. ❤️
I've spoken to my counsellor about trying to start reading again. She doesn't want me to feel under pressure due to my PTSD but scheduling 30 mins a day may work for me (not in bed though)
I will try the 50 books thread again, but will put myself under no pressure to keep up. 20 books next year will be a huge improvement.
I just have to identify some that I really want to read.

I'm wanting to get back into reading and would like to do a 30 mins a day challenge too!

Find it quite hard to make the time to read, yet find hours to doomscroll on social media.. maybe I need to put my phone in a drawer and pick up a book instead!

Audible!!

Love tat people want to do the 30 minute challenge. Should we do it on here or on a new thread?

Outlander. Brilliantly adapted screenplay too but the book hits differently

30 minutes a day is a good challenge but I too struggled after a trauma. Can I gently suggest audiobooks for those struggling?You can replay the tracks if you need to. The brain doesn’t want to immerse itself on reading when you’ve been through a trauma. Childhood books as well can potentially be rewarding and good for resetting. Also a dog ( if you have one snuggled up) and a hot water bottle and a timer for 10 minutes or if that is too much go for 5 minutes.