“A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies . . . The man who never reads lives only one.” -George R.R. Martin 

From eras past to faraway lands, books can take you anywhere. They can also evoke all kinds of emotions and hold the power to bring people together from around the world.

According to research, the average Canadian adult spends approximately six hours per week reading a book. We all have the best intentions, but with work, family and other commitments, reading is often put on the back burner in favour of more productive tasks.

If you’re not a big reader but would like to be, this blog post is for you! We’ve compiled six tips to help you read more books.

1. Set goals for yourself.

In both our professional or personal lives, Hustle + Charm is always an advocate for goal-setting! Setting goals for reading is just as important.

Start small by dedicating time to read every day, even if it’s only 10 minutes or 20 pages. By joining an app like Goodreads, you can even set annual reading goals for yourself.

Reading isn’t a race, so don’t make it a stressful experience! By setting small, manageable goals, you’ll be more likely to stick with it in the long run. 

2. Make it part of your routine.

If scrolling TikTok is part of your nightly routine, replace it with reading (which is healthier anyway!). Picking up a good book will help lull you into a sound sleep, and soon, it will be a must before you hit the hay.

If nighttime reading isn’t your thing, try incorporating it into a different part of your day, like picking up a book before work or breaking up your day with a quick reading sesh during your lunch break. 

3. Try different genres.

Not a fan of cheesy romance books? Thrillers too, uh, thrilling? 

When it comes to books, there is truly something for everyone. Experiment with different genres to find one that you enjoy, then check out ‘best of’ lists in that genre. If you’re not sure where to start, follow some book-related websites or accounts on social media for inspiration and recommendations. (We like Reese Witherspoon’s book club!)

4. Experiment with book formats.

In our opinion, there’s nothing quite like the feeling of turning a page and inhaling that lovely book smell (IYKYK).

But there are also convenient options in the form of audiobooks and e-books. Listen to an audiobook while you’re driving or hitting the gym, or bring an e-reader along on your next road trip. Many libraries, including the Winnipeg Public Library, have free audiobooks and e-books to check out.

5. Make a cozy reading space for yourself.

Designate a space for reading where you can put your feet up, light a relaxing candle and dive into your book. Try to avoid somewhere with constant distractions so you can fully immerse yourself in your book.

6. Join a book club.

A little motivation in the form of a deadline never hurts! Book clubs are a great way to motivate yourself into reading more often. Plus, you can enjoy lively conversation with fellow members (and maybe a snack or two).

Our new Hustle + Charm book club is open to members and meets monthly. Even if you haven’t finished the book, you’re welcome to attend (but fair warning: there may be spoilers). Watch our social media feeds to find out our latest read!

Experiment with these tips to find out what works best for you. Before you know it, you’ll be devouring books in no time. Happy reading!

If there is a topic you’d like Hustle + Charm to cover in a future blog post, feel free to reach out to us! For more business and lifestyle tips, follow us on social media and be sure to sign up for our newsletter.