University of Kwazulu-Natal

20 Ways To Make Reading A Daily Habit Illumeably

Bonisiwe Shabane
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20 ways to make reading a daily habit illumeably

Discover 20 ways to transform reading into a daily habit to open doors to learning, relaxation, and personal growth. Are you struggling to make reading a part of your routine? There’s nothing to worry about. Building a daily reading habit doesn’t have to be daunting. This listicle provides 20 practical tips that will help you cultivate a consistent and enjoyable reading routine. Don’t overwhelm yourself.

Commit to just five or ten minutes a day. Short bursts of reading can snowball into longer, more immersive sessions over time. The key is consistency, not duration. Whether it’s a physical book or an e-reader, having reading material on hand makes it easier to sneak in a few pages. Waiting in line or commuting can become prime reading opportunities. Define how many books or pages you want to read each week or month.

Clear goals give you direction and keep you motivated. Celebrate milestones to make the process more rewarding. I used to tell myself I just wasn't a "reader." It felt like a permanent part of my identity. I saw friends devouring books while my nightstand collected a dusty pile of good intentions. I wanted to be that person who could get lost in a story but my phone was always more appealing.

My brain, wired for the instant dopamine hits of video games and endless scrolling, just didn't have the patience. Sound familiar? If you're anything like I was, you probably want to read more. You buy the books. You make the plans. But life gets in the way.

It feels like another chore on an already endless to-do list. I get it. I’ve been there. I had to completely rewire my brain to break free from addictions to gaming, overeating, and just plain laziness. Building a reading habit felt just as impossible as losing 110 pounds did at the start. But here’s the secret I learned: it’s not about finding huge, uninterrupted blocks of time.

It’s about small, consistent steps that build on each other. If you’re ready to finally become the reader you want to be, here are 20 simple tips that actually work. Last Updated: March 21, 2025 Fact Checked This article was co-authored by Jai Flicker. Jai Flicker is an Academic Tutor and the CEO and Founder of Lifeworks Learning Center, a San Francisco Bay Area-based business focused on providing tutoring, parental support, test preparation, college essay writing help, and... Jai has over 20 years of experience in the education management industry.

He holds a BA in Philosophy from the University of California, San Diego. There are 9 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 132,979 times. Reading is a wonderful habit to develop. It's a terrific boredom-buster, can improve your memory, and is fun for the whole family.[1] X Research source Start small to develop the habit by reading for just a few minutes a day.

Reading books that you enjoy and want to continue reading is a great way to maintain your habit and become a life-long reader. Do you love books but struggle with how to build a reading habit? Between work, family, and endless to-do lists, reading often takes a backseat. But what if I told you that you can build a reading habit—even with a packed schedule? Here’s how to make reading a daily joy without feeling overwhelmed! If you’re wondering how to build a reading habit, the key is to start small and stay consistent.

You don’t need hours to be a reader. Start with just 5–10 minutes a day—during breakfast, in the car (audiobooks count!), or before bed. Small steps lead to big habits! Even reading just a few pages a day can add up over time and help you develop a consistent routine. Keep a book in your bag, on your phone (hello, Kindle app!), or on your bedside table. When you have a few spare minutes, you’ll be more likely to reach for a book instead of scrolling on your phone.

Having easy access to a book ensures that reading becomes a natural part of your daily life. If a book feels like a chore, switch it up! Read what truly interests you—whether it’s romance, thrillers, fantasy, or self-help. Loving what you read makes the habit stick. Don’t force yourself to read something just because it’s popular; instead, focus on books that genuinely spark your curiosity and excitement. You needn’t always follow the latest trends, read the new releases, or pick up what everyone’s reading.

After all, just like what Murakami has said, “If you only read the books that everyone else is reading, you can only think what everyone else is thinking.“ In today’s fast-paced digital world, developing a daily reading habit may seem challenging but is more important than ever. Reading not only enhances knowledge but also improves focus, critical thinking, and communication skills. Whether you want to stay informed, gain new perspectives, or simply enjoy an escape through fiction, cultivating a consistent reading routine can be life-changing. This article explores practical steps to help you build and maintain a daily reading habit.

Before diving into strategies, it’s vital to understand why daily reading matters. Reading regularly boosts brain function, reduces stress, improves vocabulary, and fosters empathy by exposing readers to diverse experiences and viewpoints. Additionally, it enhances concentration and memory retention. Knowing these benefits can motivate you to prioritize reading as an essential part of your everyday life. One of the foundational steps to developing a daily reading habit is setting clear goals. Define what you want to achieve with your reading practice:

Start small and realistic to avoid feeling overwhelmed. As your habit strengthens, gradually increase your goals. Selecting engaging material suited to your interests will keep motivation high. Consider the following when choosing what to read: Creating a reading habit is not only a great goal; it’s also a life-changing investment. Reading more helps reduce stress, improve vocabulary, strengthen the brain, and even boost social skills and empathy.

The idea of building a reading habit may seem challenging at first, especially if you feel short on time. However, there are practical and accessible ways to make reading a daily activity, as natural as brushing your teeth or enjoying a cup of coffee. In this guide, you’ll find tips to incorporate reading into your daily life, from the types of reads you can choose to some tricks for integrating it into your daily routine, even with a... So, let’s dive in! Before diving into practical techniques and advice, ask yourself what motivates you to create a reading habit. Do you want to relax, learn about specific topics, improve personal development, or simply enjoy the pleasure of reading?

Defining a clear purpose will help you stay focused when motivation dips and will allow you to choose readings that add value. Write down why you want to read more and list some specific goals you’d like to achieve (like reading for at least 15 minutes daily or finishing one book per month). If you’ve been out of the reading world for a while, diving into a long book might not be the best idea. To avoid frustration and increase the likelihood of success, start with shorter reads that you can finish in a single session. One of the most popular forms of homework is usually some version of a weekly reading log, where students read for at least 20 minutes each day. As a former classroom teacher turned school librarian/reading specialist, I have mixed feelings about this assignment.

Let’s be happy whenever students are encouraged to read, especially if the alternative is a worksheet. This is the type of assignment that could go a long way toward making reading a daily habit, if both the teacher and parents frame it in a way that makes it seem less... But when parents (and teachers!) fall into certain “reading log traps,” they may be causing more harm than good when it comes to nurturing a lifelong reading habit. DO let your child know that he/she is lucky to be given designated time at home to read. In gentle ways, remind that them that reading is a great way to relax, learn more about interesting topics, meet characters that will feel like friends (and enemies!). This is not another boring worksheet!

Need some inspiration to make it more fun? Check out this teacher’s creative and no pressure reading log idea (thanks for sharing this far and wide, Scary Mommy!) This works just as well for parents/caregivers if your reading routine needs a reboot. The Skills You Need Guide to Personal Development Subscribe to our FREE newsletter and start improving your life in just 5 minutes a day. You'll get our 5 free 'One Minute Life Skills' and our weekly newsletter. We'll never share your email address and you can unsubscribe at any time.

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It feels like another chore on an already endless to-do list. I get it. I’ve been there. I had to completely rewire my brain to break free from addictions to gaming, overeating, and just plain laziness. Building a reading habit felt just as impossible as losing 110 pounds did at the start. But here’s the secret I learned: it’s not about finding huge, uninterrupted blocks of time.