Do you remember the last time you lost yourself in a book? For me, it had been years. As someone with dyslexia, academic reading had turned books into a chore, not a pleasure. My reading habits had shifted entirely to quick digital content. And then there was the internet – a vast ocean of bite-sized information always at my fingertips. It was so easy to fall into the habit of endless scrolling, consuming snippet after snippet of content.
But something was missing. Despite the constant influx of information, I felt increasingly unsatisfied. There was a superficiality to all those quick blog posts and social media updates. I yearned for something deeper, but I didn’t quite know what.
The Switch: Rediscovering Healthy Reading Habits
My journey back to books wasn’t straightforward. At first, I tried to compromise by using book summary apps like Blinkist. Don’t get me wrong – it’s a great app, especially for informational purposes. But that nagging itch remained unscratched.
Then I heard a TED talk by Cal Newport, a professor who teaches in the same field as me – Digital Media. Newport’s main thesis revolves around the concept of “Deep Work,” which he defines as the ability to focus without distraction on a cognitively demanding task. He argues that in our increasingly digital world, the ability to concentrate deeply is becoming both more valuable and more rare.
“Deep work is the ability to focus without distraction on a cognitively demanding task. It’s a skill that allows you to quickly master complicated information and produce better results in less time. Deep work will make you better at what you do and provide the sense of true fulfillment that comes from craftsmanship.”
Cal Newport, Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World
Newport contends that our constant connectivity and the addictive nature of social media and other digital distractions are eroding our capacity for deep work. He advocates for intentional digital minimalism – not necessarily eliminating technology but being more purposeful in how we use it. This includes setting aside dedicated time for focused, undistracted work and leisure activities like reading.
Initially, I resisted his ideas. Who wants to be a digital pariah, right? But his words got me thinking about how much I used to love reading fat novels as a preteen.
As an adult, though, I found my attention span wasn’t what it used to be. There was also this constant anxiety – not FOMO from social media but a gnawing feeling that I should be doing something “more useful,” like work. I was caught in a classic case of cognitive dissonance, two conflicting ideas dueling in my head.
The turning point in transforming my reading habits came when I stumbled upon Martha Wells’ Murderbot Diaries series. And bam! I was hooked. I found myself walking alongside this character who shared my social awkwardness. I loved him, I loved the world, and suddenly I remembered what it felt like to truly love reading.
Now, I’m not saying this particular series is for everyone. But that feeling – of seeing yourself reflected in a character, of feeling that companionship – that’s universal. That’s what I had been missing.
The Joy of Books: The Impact of Positive Reading Habits
Rediscovering my love for books has been a transformative experience, and research shows that I’m not alone in reaping the benefits of healthy reading habits. Here’s what science has to say about the joy of books:
- Cognitive Stimulation: Studies have shown that reading, especially challenging material, can improve brain connectivity and function. A 2013 study published in the journal Brain Connectivity found that reading a novel can lead to changes in resting-state connectivity of the brain that persist for days after reading. Read the full study here.
- Stress Reduction: Research published in the Journal of College Teaching and Learning found that reading can reduce stress levels by up to 68%. The act of immersing oneself in a book has been shown to lower heart rate and ease muscle tension.
- Improved Empathy: A 2013 study in the journal PLOS ONE found that reading literary fiction improves a reader’s capacity to understand what others are thinking and feeling. This enhanced ability to understand others’ mental states is crucial for navigating complex social relationships. Access the study here.
“Reading literary fiction enhances the ability to construct a story’s plot and engage with the characters, which in turn can lead to increased empathy and understanding of others’ mental states.”
David Comer Kidd and Emanuele Castano, PLOS ONE.
- Better Sleep: According to the Mayo Clinic, creating a bedtime ritual such as reading before bed can help prepare your body for sleep. This is particularly effective when compared to the use of electronic devices, whose blue light can interfere with sleep patterns.
- Enhanced Creativity: Research published in the Creativity Research Journal suggests that reading expository texts can lead to increased creativity by exposing individuals to new ideas and perspectives.
- Mindfulness: A study published in the Journal of Consumer Research found that reading can promote a state of mindfulness similar to that achieved through meditation by fully engaging one’s attention and imagination.
How to Stop Scrolling and Start Loving Books: Cultivating New Reading Habits
If you’re where I was, yearning to rediscover the joy of reading and develop better reading habits, here are some tips that worked for me:
- Start small: Begin with just a few minutes of reading a day. It’s okay to ease into it. Set a timer for 10-15 minutes and gradually increase as you build your reading stamina. Remember, consistency is key in forming new reading habits.
- Keep your book close: Whether it’s a physical book or an e-reader, make sure it’s easily accessible. Place books in different areas of your home or carry one in your bag. The easier it is to reach for a book, the more likely you are to choose reading over scrolling.
- Minimize distractions: Put your phone on “Do Not Disturb” when you’re reading. Consider using apps that block social media for set periods. Create a cozy reading nook in your home where you can retreat from digital distractions and focus on your reading habit.
- Build a budget-friendly library: Utilize your local library, look for e-book deals, or swap books with friends. Many libraries now offer digital lending services. Websites like BookBub or Project Gutenberg offer free or discounted e-books. Consider starting a book swap club with friends or colleagues to keep your reading habit affordable.
- It’s okay to quit: Don’t force yourself to finish a book you’re not enjoying. Use free previews to “test drive” books before committing. Try the “50-page rule”: if you’re not engaged after 50 pages, it’s okay to move on to another book. This helps maintain a positive association with your reading habit.
- Go big when you’re ready: Make reading part of your routine, set yourself reading challenges, or join a book discussion group. Try reading at the same time each day to form a habit. Set achievable goals, like reading one book a month. Join online reading communities or local book clubs to share your experiences and get recommendations, reinforcing your new reading habits.
Remember, the goal isn’t to become a voracious reader overnight. It’s about rediscovering the joy of losing yourself in a good book and developing sustainable reading habits. For me, it started with one book a month. Now, thanks to e-books and dyslexia-friendly fonts, I’m reading more than ever.
“Books are the plane, and the train, and the road. They are the destination and the journey. They are home.”
Anna Quindlen, How Reading Changed My Life
But more than that, I’ve rediscovered all the wonderful things I used to love about reading. That feeling of companionship, of seeing myself reflected in the pages, of sinking into new worlds and ideas – it’s all come flooding back.
So put down your phone, pick up a book, and give yourself permission to fall in love with reading again. Trust me, the scrolling can wait, and your new reading habits will thank you.
