Reading More: Tips to Help You

ABC Lifestyle

Topic: Mental Wellbeing

Thursday, 23 July 2026, at 12:08 pm

Social media can distract us, but it also has online reading communities.

How often do you try to read but end up on your phone instead?

Or can't find time to read due to other tasks?

You're not alone if this happens to you.

A study by Australia Reads found that many people want to read more but face barriers like lack of time and difficulty concentrating.

More than half of people want to read more, the study shows.

Even with a busy life, there are simple ways to fit reading into your daily routine and enjoy it.

Why reading matters and other things that get in the way

Besides the mentioned barriers, other obstacles to reading include:

Reading has many benefits, so if you can make time for it, you'll be rewarded.

Reading reduces stress, loneliness, and can even help you live longer. It also boosts self-esteem and improves sleep.

Studies show reading can make us more empathetic and improve our critical thinking.

Find the type of book that interests you

Author Melanie Saward says certain genres can help people start reading.

Melanie Saward thinks comics are a great place to start reading.

Dr. Saward researches Indigeneity in fiction at the University of Queensland.

She says, 'Even a comic book is a good idea.'

You can start with a comic, then move to a graphic novel, and maybe become a fantasy reader.

Asking a friend or family member for book recommendations is another good way to start.

More stories on reading

If a friend recommends a TV show, you might watch it. So, ask a friend who reads for book suggestions.

If you don't know a reader, librarians and bookstore owners can recommend books.

After reading a recommended book, tell the person what you liked, and they can suggest similar books.

If you don't enjoy a book, it's okay to stop reading it and find something else.

There's no pressure to finish every book. Don't struggle with something you don't enjoy.

Fitting reading into a busy life

Many of us are busy, but we can read while doing other tasks, like listening to audiobooks during our commute.

Dr. Saward says audiobooks are great for her commute.

Bethany Driscoll agrees that audiobooks are a good alternative.

Audiobooks work well for genres with plots, where you want to know what happens next.

You can listen to audiobooks while doing chores or exercising.

How to make reading a habit

Dr. Saward suggests setting aside time each day to read.

Reading before bed helps her unwind.

Temwani Mazaba, a writer and founder of The Literary Lounge, suggests setting a daily reading goal.

Temwani Mazaba founded The Literary Lounge in Melbourne.

She starts with 20 minutes of reading a day, which can be by page count or time.

Dr. Driscoll recommends making reading a mindful practice, like exercise or nature time.

Take time to enjoy reading, maybe create a ritual around it.

You can read in bed, with a candle, on the couch, or in a park.

Temwani Mazaba agrees, and says don't be surprised if reading feels tiring at first.

When you start reading again, it can be tiring, but your body adjusts.

Get reading into your social media

Social media can be a distraction, but it also has reading communities like BookTok on TikTok.

These communities can help you find new books and people who like them.

Temwani Mazaba wanted to join a book club but felt it wasn't for her, so she created her own.

She made a post on TikTok about starting a book club and got a great response.

The demand was high, so she decided to create her first event, which was successful.

Professor Driscoll says online book communities influence publishing trends.

If a book does well, publishers look for similar books to publish.

Social media helps popular books get noticed, which can get more people reading.

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