The sun's out, the weather's warm, school is out and it's a perfect day to relax. Opening a good book is a great way to enjoy the day and improve your brain power at the same time, but it can be difficult getting into the habit if you're not used to it. Luckily, there are some things you can do to help ease yourself into it.
Welcome to Nucleus Tutoring's guide to Summer Reading, where we specialize in improving both grades and your mental health for a happier, more relaxing life. So, without further ado, let's dive in.
#1 - Set Stress-Free Reading Goals
I know it can feel invigorating to set strong goals like reading a full 1,000 page book in a week, but hold your horses. Summer isn't going anywhere anytime soon, and neither is that book! Setting goals that are both realistic and relieve you of pressure is the point of reading, it's not supposed to be stressful! Some readers can do well with 100 pages a day, some do well with 2, and both are valid ways of approaching the habit.
A common goal is about a chapter or 10 pages a day, but feel free to change that as you find yourself settling into the habit!
#2 - Read What You Want To Read!
Only you can decide what you like to read. Some people find themselves entranced with a good historical nonfiction, while I myself couldn't imagine reading anything other than fantasy or sci-fi. That being said, don't be afraid to experiment! You may just find out you love both romance novels and Noir fiction, the only way to find out is to try it out!
Building a reading list of books you're interested in can help you find books you like and get you excited for the ones you will read! Many people keep a handwritten list, though many also prefer online catalogues like Goodreads to keep track and review.
"I always keep two books in my pocket, one to read, one to write in." – Robert Louis Stevenson
#3 - Find a Time Just to Read
Whether it's 10 minutes or 2 hours, finding some consistent time to lose yourself in the pages will help your habit grow. Reading at the same time, and if possible the same place, can not only make you excited for that designated time but also helps get you into the mindset ready to immerse yourself in another world.
You may find it hard to set time apart, we are busy people nowadays after all, so you may find luck implementing it into things you already occupy yourself with. Morning coffee, walking on the treadmill at the gym, between summer classes, or in bed after a long day's work, find a time for just you.
#4 - Just You and Your Book
Distractions are everywhere these days. Ads line the highways and you likely carry the biggest distractor in your pocket every day. Turn off the phone, or better yet put it in a different room, find ways to silence the distractions that may get in the way of your immersion.
If you're finding difficulty with this and/or find your mind wandering, you may find luck with the Pomodoro Technique, which is one we already use for our studying and tutoring with students. It goes like this: You set an hour apart each day to read. Spend the first day having 10 minute bouts of reading followed by 5 minutes on your phone. Each following day, see if you can increase the reading & decrease your phone usage. Take it slow, but do it consistently, you'll be satisfied with your progress.
#5 - Share Your Thoughts!
Stories become so much more fun to read when you can share them with others! Whether it's a book club, your friend, or family, talking with others about your experience can both amplify your excitement about the story and help to improve your memory.
You may also find it helpful to have a reading journal to write your thoughts and experiences down. You may be surprised by what you write and what your subconscious thought about the story, and might find something in yourself you didn't know was there! Reading is an adventure after all, exploring is the name of the game.
Conclusion
Building your summer reading habit can help with life enjoyment, memory, and even with your mind's performance as the new school semester approaches. So grab a good book, find a cozy spot, and embark on your reading journey today!
For more educational tips, tricks, resources, and guides, subscribe to the Nucleus Tutoring newsletter and visit our site! We're happy to help students of all ages thrive both in and out of the classroom, and hope you enjoy your summer reading!
Comments