Today, I will give some tips on how to perfect your reading schedule as school begins to ensure that you avoid the typical fall reading slumps and are still able to work on your TBR.
When school starts, teachers will often try to help students organize their semester goals with a simple paper or project. Creating a reading schedule is no different. If you truly want to avoid falling into a slump, it is imperative that you are creating measurable, achievable, and time-bound goals. These goals must be attainable, as creating a goal for yourself during the school year that requires too much of your time or may be too difficult can push you into the dreaded reading slump. Your goals also need to be time-bound and measurable. Consider how many books you would like to read before the end of the semester, and then examine the number of weeks or months you have. By measuring both the time you have and the number and length of books you want to read, you can help set a reading goal for yourself that can keep you invested.
My second tip for keeping a reading schedule during the school year is one that feels a bit obvious, but it may address a big reason why you have avoided that book on your shelf for months now. I often find that I struggle holding myself accountable for the personal goals I set. To help keep myself honest on the work I complete each day, I typically use either an agenda, calendar, or journal to track my goals, progress, and reading time. Just like school and work, reading can have a schedule in your life. At first, this may take the fun out of pursuing your hobby, but, after a few days and a good book, it will become second nature. I would recommend carving fifteen to forty-five minutes out of every day for reading. Select a time of day where you are likely not in a rush, and mark it in your agenda. While I love to read before bed, this is not always the wisest move, especially if you have surprise assignments or studying to do for an exam. Additionally, if you know you have a busy day coming up, mark ahead of time when you may be available. The most important thing for keeping a consistent schedule is considering the inconsistencies of life and taking this into account before it all spirals out of control. Some days maybe you will only read fifteen pages, but you might complete a hundred pages on others. Nothing is set in stone.
Another thing to consider when trying to perfect a reading schedule that works for you and your busy school schedule is staying invested in the world of books, and reading books that matter to you. I never read more than when I was heavily involved in “Booktube.” Whether it’s in-person with a book club or online with “BookTok,” “Booktube,” or even just Goodreads, having a place to socialize with others about what you are reading or a place to write how you feel about a book you just completed can help to keep you invested and excited to continue following your reading schedule. On top of having support through social activities, I highly recommend selecting books that will hold your interest, especially in comparison to dense and, at times, dry schoolbooks. If you begin a novel and are not feeling it after fifty pages or so, try another book. Not every book will be a winner, and forcing yourself to complete something you do not enjoy can bring you into a reading slump very quickly.
My final tip for you is to enjoy what you love. If you are setting goals to prove something to yourself or others, they will likely fall apart. Choosing to carve time out of your day to read is a practice that can help motivate and support your mental health. There is nothing wrong with failing to reach a personal goal, but ensure that you are making these goals because you want to. Remember not to be too hard on yourself and that some days it just won’t happen.
I hope this helps to inspire a reading schedule that works for you as we begin the school year. For now, I think I will kick back, drink some tea, and enjoy a good book, even if I only have time for fifteen minutes of reading.
Jenica Delaney, Pine Reads Review Writer