Let’s be honest: there are a thousand reasons why people hate reading. We had to read “classics” in high school. Shakespeare was stuffed down our throats in college. Every book we read growing up had homework attached, and it was easy to associate them with stress or tedium.
But more and more adults are starting to recognize the dangers of social media, particularly doom scrolling. What’s an overworked brain to do after three hours on TikTok? Reach for the written word, of course! Yet, despite thousands of titles at our fingertips or in our libraries, we can’t coerce our brains to flip through more than a few pages. When did reading get as hard as flossing—and is there a way to start again?
The Research on Reading
First of all, is reading actually as good as they say it is? Actually, yes—and the more you look for it, the more supporting evidence you’ll find. Studies have shown that reading boosts everything from longevity to your overall happiness with life, and that’s not including the improvements to cognitive function or even the ability to nurture healthier relationships. It also combats boredom, it makes you smarter, and at the end of the day, it’s more time away from screens, which we all know is the scourge of mental health.
Why Can’t You Pick Up a Book?
Reader’s block works the same way as writer’s block, and both can impede creativity. It’s easy to feel like something’s wrong when you can’t comb through more than the title page, but there are actually plenty of legitimate reasons why you struggle to pick up a book.
Reading Requires Concentration
Reading requires a heck of a lot more than doom-scrolling, and after a busy day, you don’t always want to sift through a hard drama. Even flipping through chick-lit can feel draining, so a lot of us opt for an hour or two on Instagram.
You Don’t Have the Energy
Okay, don’t panic, but how many things do you have on your to-do list right now? Sometimes, the everyday stress of life is hard enough—the last thing you want is to pump more energy into a book. For a lot of people, reading isn’t a popular pastime either; it’s something they’ve fallen out of love with, and it’s hard to feel motivated when you aren’t excited.
It Feels Like a Chore
Was there ever a time when books weren’t a chore? Sure, you had time after class to squeak in a title you enjoyed, but for the most part, you were forced to crank out 2000-word essays on classics you couldn’t care less about. People carry that dread well after they toss their grad caps, and it’s not always easy to slink back into a “boring” activity.
Rewrite Your Story
Duy's House of Photo on Pexels
It might seem like hope is lost, but it’s time to rewrite the narrative! We’re all adults now, and there are no stakes. It’s okay if you don’t like a book and stop reading. It’s okay that you don’t write a paper on your latest read. And it’s definitely okay if you read a novella over Les Misérables. One of the joys of reading is that you can make the activity your own.
The best thing to do is just to start, even if it’s only for ten minutes. A lot of people dive headfirst into two hours of reading, which isn’t always sustainable when you find your way back. Next thing you know, the whole thing feels like a nightmare all over again. No more—carve out a few minutes every day and add on as you get more comfortable!
It’s also a good idea to have your own space for reading. A quiet spot on the sofa or even a designated window nook contributes to the ambiance, making it far more peaceful; it becomes precious alone time, not a chore.
Reading as an adult isn’t always easy, but there’s no time like the present to fall back in love with the hobby. It’s good for your brain, it’s good for your body…it just isn’t great for your wallet!
