We all know that reading is good for us. It stimulates our imaginations; it helps our brains; it increases our vocabularies; and it is a wonderful escape from the daily grind. However, that daily grind can become overwhelming, often pushing reading for pleasure to the side. When one gets home from work, he or she is thinking about housework, cooking, children, pets, relaxing, all of the things that need to be done for tomorrow, or basically anything other than reading. So how does one find the time to make time for reading?
Reading is an escape, so it can feel like reading for ten minutes is a waste of time. However, that is the first start. Keep a book with you and read in those in-between moments such as waiting in the car before picking up children at school or games, sitting in the doctor's or dentist's office, or even in the few minutes before bed before the day knocks you out. Even ten minutes a day is better than nothing.
There is also a feeling of guilt about reading for fun. But do you feel guilt when you watch a movie, or sit down in front of your favorite television show, or even go to the gym for an hour? The rationale may be that exercise is good for your body, but remember, reading is good for your mind; your mind and body both need exercise!
Finally, sometimes it is a matter of carrying a book around. Fortunately, almost everyone has access to a smartphone now. Kindle, iBooks, Nook, and other reading programs are available as apps for any smartphone; this saves the trouble of having a book at the ready. Few people do not find themselves near their cell phones anymore, so by downloading an e-reader program, one can access a large personal library anywhere and anytime.
Now, no more excuses! Pick up a book!
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