During my undergrad I basically only ever read books for class. Now that I’m entering year seven of higher education, however, I’ve decided if I don’t follow through on my love of reading for fun I’ll never establish the habit. This summer I managed to read around 25 books for fun (i.e. not counting the books I read for my PhD), and throughout the year I've narrowed in on a few strategies that make me more likely to spend time reading. This post is not meant to pass judgment on how you spend your time at all - you do you - but, if you would like to read more, here are three tips:

1. Don't Watch Television

I'm probably going to lose most of you here, but hear me out. I'm not saying I never watch TV - I love Game of Thrones and I've done my fair share of binge-watching (Grey's Anatomy, Gilmore Girls, Friends, you get my drift). I have noticed, however, that when I'm not in the middle of a series, I spend my free-time reading. When I finally finished watching all ten seasons of Friends at the end of May - a huge commitment which took months - I decided not to look for a new show. I don't open Netflix "just to browse" and if I feel like I'm really in the mood to watch something I'll watch a film (that way, when it ends, it actually ends). This may be easier for me than for other people because I've never been a huge film or TV fanatic - it takes me a while to find a show I like and I find the process of looking for one tedious. I've also never had a very cerebral attitude towards film or TV (i.e. I have crap taste), so watching television is probably not as fulfilling to me as it is to people who can actually appreciate the artistry of the medium.

2. Surround Yourself with Books

Okay, you don't have to (and you probably shouldn't) take this one as literally as I have. I'm currently at the point where I need to buy new bookshelves to hold all my books, but I think there's a happier middle-ground in having a small stack of books on your "to read" shelf. It doesn't need to be a big shelf, but if you have a few different options I think you're more likely to feel excited about picking up a book. Reading can be an emotional experience, and sometimes I feel "in the mood" for a certain kind of book and not for another. I try to listen to these whims, even if I can't explain them, and having multiple books on my shelf means I'm more likely to find at least one of them interesting and want to start reading it.

Check out a few books at a time at your local library, or if you're like me and you prefer to own your books (I like to be able to write in them and/or revisit them), used bookstores are your best friend. For Cambridge people, my favorite used bookstores are the Oxfam on Sidney Street, the Amnesty Bookshop on Mill Rd, G. David on St. Edward’s Passage, and the used books section of Heffer's. The charity shops around the Grafton also have lots of books and the bookstalls in the market square often have real gems. The vast majority of my books are purchased used (often in like-new condition!). Always try to buy from independent or charity bookstores rather than Amazon.

3. Start a New Book Immediately

This one is related to my second recommendation, and is probably the most effective way to keep reading. Put simply, after you finish a book, start a new one right away. If you like to linger in the glow of a finished book let yourself do that, but as soon as possible pick up your next read and get stuck in. I find that if I don’t do this I get out of the habit of reading, and it’s much easier to stay in the habit if you’re engrossed in a story. When I’m in the middle of a book I’ll constantly reach for it, and I’m more likely to gravitate towards reading rather than watching YouTube videos of cats or scrolling through Instagram.

Reading is a habit - like having an exercise routine or making home-cooked meals - and once it’s incorporated into your daily routine it becomes second nature. Maybe you only have ten minutes before bed or maybe you’re able to set aside an hour every evening - either way, I hope you enjoy your book and your reading journey.

Let me know below if you have any other tips for making the most of your free time. For me, reading is part of a larger goal of not letting my PhD consume my life, and it can be hard to establish routines independently. I’m starting to see why so many people join bookclubs as they get older!