People often ask me how I find time to read.
I’m a huge reader. I’ve loved it since I read my first chapter book – “The Folk of the Faraway Tree” by Enid Blyton – in Year 3.
I can pick up a novel and be lost in the story within seconds – just ask the hubster. He will say my name when I am reading and I won’t even register that he’s said anything, let alone look up from the page!
I devour at least two novels most weeks, without even trying. Maybe I’m a speed reader. Or maybe it’s all in the way I find time to read … Here are my tips:
- Read what you love. when you are engrossed, you don’t even notice the time passing as you read.
- Read novels. I find I am much faster with novels than non-fiction; I think non-fiction requires more concentration.
- Seize every opportunity to read. When the hubster is watching something boring on telly, I am happy to sit companionably beside him, with my nose buried in a book. I usually take a book with me wherever I go (okay, not so much now I have a smart phone but you know what I mean). I read while eating breakfast (I’m usually on my own); I read while waiting at the doctors; I read on public transport; I read before bed; I read in the loo (don’t judge me!). I’ve even be known to brush my teeth with a book in one hand 😉 .
I can only remember one extended period in my life when I couldn’t bring myself to read – and that was after I left home in the midst of tumultuous circumstances, at the age of 19. It was an extremely stressful time and I just didn’t have the brain space or the concentration to read a book, for several months. In hindsight I was suffering from PTSD so that’s probably why.
I guess it’s like anything in life – if you really want to do it, you will find the time. And so I manage to squeeze time to read into each and every day, because I love it so much.
How do you find the time to read?
Looking for some great books to read? Check out some of my favourites in “5 Books for Middle Aged Women to Enjoy”!