There’s nothing quite like kicking back with a good book and being transported into another world, but how often do we actually get the time or the opportunity to do so?
According to a survey carried out in conjunction with Multiple Sclerosis Ireland’s (MSI) Readathon 2015 campaign, a staggering 96% of us would love to make more time for reading.
Given just how important and entertaining a pastime reading is, we have decided to share the following reading tips for time-short book-lovers:
1. Read on the go
As you may have noticed from your early morning commute, more and more people are breaking the boredom of their journey with a good book. The commute to work or home always offers up some time to kill, so why not make the most of the free time by getting a few pages read?
2. Get into a bedtime routine
According to MSI’s research, bed is a great spot for getting a few chapters read, with 60% of those surveyed listing it as their favourite place to read a book. Rather than collapsing into bed at an ungodly hour, after a few too many episodes of your favourite series, set a specific time to hit the sack and enjoy your latest book.
3. Make the most of your lunch breaks
While many of us tend to spend our lunch breaks sat at our desks, eyes glued to the computer, make a conscious effort to get away from the screen and use your valuable down-time wisely. Find a quiet spot in the office or in a nearby café, crack open a paperback or your e-reader, and lose yourself before the clock-in card comes a-calling again.
4. Double-up on your devices
How many times have you searched your bag for that e-reader, only realise that you left it on your bedside table? Eliminate this issue by doubling-up your reading material across all of your devices. Given how quick and easy it is to download books to multiple devices now, it only makes sense to have a back-up with you, for precious reading moments.
5. Use your free time more wisely
How many hours have you, in your own opinion, wasted in front of the TV or browsing random articles because they are readily available? If you really want to find more reading time, reassess how you spend your downtime and make a conscious effort to reach for the book when you find yourself in need of a little entertainment.
With four in 10 people admitting to reading to escape and relax, these little tips and changes will definitely make a difference to your life.
For those budding little bookworms in your home, the message from the MSI is to ‘keep up the reading’ after the success of the 2015 Readathon. The campaign saw hundreds of children across the country raise much-needed funds for their community, while also discovering new stories and adventures along the way.
