7 Phenomenal Reading Habits to Adopt Immediately

It's true that reading habits can go a long way in helping us to reach or exceed our academic or professional goals. As a result, it's important to cultivate good and healthy reading habits that will benefit us for years to come. Short of drastic measures like book banning (which is not advised, and probably won't work anyway), it's helpful to build good reading habits from an early age. So if you're looking to make an effort toward self-improvement, consider these seven phenomenal reading habits that you can adopt, from now.

First, developing a regular reading schedule can help ensure that you stay on track with whatever reading assignment or book you've set out for yourself. Try setting aside a certain amount of time every day that is dedicated solely to reading. If you don't finish the book in that time, no worries—you can always resume later, or put it aside temporarily while you complete other tasks. A great way to reinforce your schedule is to create a physical or digital buzzer that goes off when it's time to get out the book.

Second, set aside time to read more difficult pieces. While it might be more comfortable and entertaining to stick to light fiction and casual literature, reading different texts can foster greater analytical thinking and comprehension. Don't be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone; it might surprise you what kinds of things you can learn. Plus, you can use this knowledge to undertake more in-depth projects or when writing longer essays in school.

Third, choose books that reflect your interests as well as expand your knowledge. We learn best when we're immersed in something we're passionate about; in this case, select books that speak directly to your passions and activities. Make sure to pick books with diverse subjects, though, so that you can continue to learn and grow in that area. Not only does this encourage a true appreciation for reading, it also encourages readers to take ownership in their learning.

Fourth, look for ways to challenge yourself intellectually. This means reading texts that stretch cognitive abilities and inspire an open mind. These types of texts can range from serious news reports to more abstract works. Though it might be a bit intimidating at first, taking on more difficult pieces allows people to gain deeper insight into a topic and even incite constructive discussion with peers. this kind of discourse can even lead to the generation of creative solutions.

Fifth, begin conversations with authors. Each book you read has a unique vision and perspective behind it—why not engage with the author behind the words? Reach out and ask questions, or give back to the conversation. Connecting with an author can help make a book genuine, rather than simply a token of entertainment or an assignment to complete. getting feedback from an author can be a great motivator for own personal writing projects.

Sixth, discuss books with others. Have regular study or book clubs with friends; these kinds of gatherings open up spaces for discussion and debate about topics, characters, and societal implications. These activities can be entertaining, but they also inform better reading practices. What your peers think or how they interpret a text could be something totally different from you, and that's a really valuable window into understanding the complexities of a text.

Be mindful of distractions. It can be easy to overlook everything that doesn't directly involve the text, but being aware of your environment allows you to better focus on it. Shutting off your phone, going to a quiet corner, avoiding audio media like podcasts or music, and keeping pets away until you're finished are just a few of the methods for distancing yourself from potential distractions.

Though we may not realize it, good reading habits are incredibly important for personal advancement. Whether it’s through connecting with authors, deliberate comprehension practice, or engaging in healthy dialogue with peers –– reading habits shape the way people think and interact with the world around them. Establishing and reinforcing these habits can be the first step toward a greater appreciation for literature, as well as countless other benefits.