My weekly reading routine
My secret to reading more & how to create your own routine
Hello, I’m Molly and I write about my slow and simple life in the Scottish Highlands. Please subscribe to support my work and to read more of my stories. You can also find me on YouTube and shop my Etsy Store and sustainable Teemill Clothing.
I’ve read almost 50 books this year. This is the most books I’ve read since I was a teenager. My secret? A weekly reading routine…
Why read?
There is so much science to back why reading is good for you. Of course, reading can increase our knowledge and improve our vocabulary, but interestingly, research also indicates that it can improve our empathy and even prevent cognitive decline, such as Alzheimer's disease.
Beyond this, its a wonderful hobby to help us slow down, reduce stress and get a better nights sleep.
Its the ultimate self care.
Why create a routine?
So many of us wish we could read more. It is one of our most popular New Year’s resolutions. Yet, we struggle to actually achieve this.
Why? Lots of reasons. The dynamic distractions of our phones and overly busy lifestyles being definite contenders.
That’s why its crucial to schedule reading in. Treat it like a work meeting. Find spaces in the day where you have spare time, or swap out something else. Usually scroll on Instagram whilst making tea? Why don’t you read a couple of pages instead?
Do this again and again and this routine will become habit.
How I organise my reading
I rarely read one book at once. I tend to have multiple on the go at the same time, albeit different genres. This can include a non-fiction guide, memoir, classic fiction, short stories and contemporary fiction.
In order to keep track of what I’m currently reading and ensure I’ve always got something to move onto next, I have a reading planner.
I choose to do this in Notion and sell a Bookworm Planner template on my Etsy store. This is by far the best method I’ve ever used as it gives me a useful overview and lets me organise my reading by different factors, such as genre, priority and season.
You can find my Bookworm Planner here (video tour below).
My weekly reading routine
Morning
My reading starts first thing in the morning. After I take the dog out for a quick stroll, I return to bed with my breakfast and, of course, a book.
I tend to read non-fiction in the morning, with memoirs being a preferred option as they are not as difficult to process as some non-fiction, nor will I struggle to put it down like some fiction.
This reading usually lasts 20-30 minutes between 6 and half 6.
Current memoir - Landlines by Raynor Winn
Afternoon
My next scheduled reading slot is over lunch. This has replaced my past habit of scrolling on my phone during this time. I either read a book or listen to a summary on Blinkist (access a free trial for this app here). Again, this tends to be a non-fiction, usually a guide that will get me inspired to continue working.
Current non-fiction - Write it all down by Cathy Rentzenbrink
Evening
Evenings are when when I get most of my reading in. Its the perfect activity to help me wind down and get ready for sleep. I tend to read between 7-9, the latter half of this being in bed. As I’m an early bird, my bedtimes are rarely later than 9pm!
This is my time to delve into fiction, as I enjoy reading this for longer stints.
N.B., if you struggle to read for long periods, I suggest starting small and working up to it. A couple of years ago, I couldn’t read for more than 15 mins and now 2 hours can pass with ease. Its like any muscle; repetition = stamina.
Current fiction - The murder of Rodger Ackroyd by Agatha Christie
Weekends
My routine differs slightly at weekends.
Rather than reading a book, I tend to read some of my favourite Substack posts on weekend mornings. I save these to my library during the week so I can pursue them at my leisure. Some of my favourite writers include
and I’m sure many more that aren’t on the top of my head!If I’m close to finishing a novel, then I tend to do this on a Sunday afternoon, snuggled up on the sofa with Skye. I love that new-week-new book feeling!
Pocket reading
This is what I call finding moments in my day for impromptu reading. These are scattered minutes here and there. Or when I feel the pull of a story that just can’t wait. That’s why I always have a book close to hand, no matter where I am. I feel naked without one!
Reflection
As I read so much, its important take the time to reflect before rushing on to the next book.
My preferred way to do this is to add a book to my Notion library, which is part of my Bookworm planner.
Here, I can add the book title, author and what my rating is to my year list. I then write a short summary of what I’ve read and add my favourite quotes. This means its easier to access these key points or inspiration for my own writing.
Its the perfect cosy Sunday activity.
How to create your own routine
In summary, these are my top tips if you want to create your own routine and read more this cosy season -
Set goals - make sure these are clear and realistic. Start small and build from there.
Track your reading - this can help you keep motivated as you can visualise your progress. (I’ve included a tracker as part of my Bookworm planner.)
Be organised - keep a manageable reading list that you can refer to easily.
Find time in your schedule - locate either current empty time or space where you can swap at existing activities e.g., read rather than scrolling on your phone or watching TV.
Read variety - don’t be scared of reading more than one book at a time if this works for you.
Always have a book close to hand - make sure this is one that is easier to dip in and out of. Short story collections can be ideal.
Take time to reflect - capture key information and rate your reading to inform what you want to read next.
Please include your own reading tips below. Do you have a routine? Would you like to build one? When is your favourite time to read? I’d love to know!
Until next week,
Molly xx
I recently came off Facebook and Instagram and I cannot believe the difference it has made to my powers of concentration and my enjoyment of reading without interruption. Thank you for this lovely post Molly. I’m sure it will encourage many people. Like you, I enjoy reading first thing in the morning and last thing at night, but I liked your tip of reading even when you are waiting for the kettle to boil. I see you are reading one of Raynor Winn’s books. I’ve read all three of her books and have enjoyed each one.
Food for thought, thank you Molly! Do you read in place of watching tv in the evenings? I like to spend time with my husband and reading would feel a bit solitary. I struggle with the draw of tv.... I always read before bed but usually in bed and I always fall asleep! So sometimes I only read a page a night, which makes for slow going. As a kid I read loads and used to spend whole weekends reading. Wish we could go back to before phones and etc!