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This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at West Chester chapter.

If you’re the type of person who could go through five books a day as a kid and now struggles to get through five pages, you’re not alone. It’s inevitable that as we get older, we become busier. The seemingly unlimited free time that we had as kids gets replaced with work and school and a hundred other responsibilities, making it hard to partake in our hobbies and interests in quite the same way as we used to. Even the nerdiest bookworm can testify to this but regardless of the reason, it’s never too late to get back into reading, and here are some things that could help.

1. Take your time

Maybe you fly through books in a matter of hours, maybe you need a month or two, or maybe you’re somewhere in between. There’s nothing wrong with any of these, so long as you’re reading at a pace that’s comfortable to you. Far too many people try to rush through the books they’re reading, which makes it harder to enjoy the story or keep up with what’s happening. If you find yourself doing this, try slowing down and really focusing on the page in front of you. Pay attention to the writing – the setting, the word use, the characters, the scene you’re currently reading about, and any interesting details – continue the rest of the book at that same pace.

2. Read what you like, not what’s popular

If you find yourself thinking This book isn’t my thing, but I’ll read it anyway since everyone online is talking about it more often than not, it might be time to step away from that side of social media.

With how influential social media platforms are, it’s hard not to get caught up with whatever is trending at the moment, and that includes books. It has become unfortunately common for people to read books based solely on how popular they are rather than because of any real interest in the story. Of course, if you see a book trending on social media that genuinely appeals to you, you should go ahead and read it. However, if you only read something because it’s popular and not because you actually want to, it’s unlikely to hold your attention for long. Remember, reading is a hobby, not a competition.

3. Unplug!

Try to keep electronic devices away while you read. It’s incredibly easy to become distracted by notifications or other apps on your phone. If you want to read uninterrupted, keeping away from distractions is key. It may also help not to incorporate social media into your reading. Don’t let the temptation to post about your new favorite novel get in the way of actually reading the said novel.

4. Find your format

While some people like to curl up with a hardcover, others prefer an eBook or an audiobook. Maybe you travel a lot and carrying around a physical book is too much of a hassle, but reading from your phone is no problem. Maybe you have eye strain or a visual disability, but audiobooks allow you to get immersed in a story. Maybe you’re tired of staring at screens all day and need a physical book. Whatever your reason, finding the book format that works best for you could be instrumental in rekindling your interest in reading.

5. Re-read

Sometimes, the prospect of starting a new book can be overwhelming. If that’s the case with you, it could help to ease into the process with something you’re already familiar with. Try re-reading a book you like. After all, there’s comfort in familiarity, and you’ll be taking a trip down memory lane, remembering all your favorite characters and finding new details that could make you see the story from a new perspective.

Alex Share

West Chester

Alex Share is a student at West Chester University.