My daughter was two weeks old when I realized how much time I was spending on my phone scrolling. I didn’t want to waste my whole maternity leave on Instagram, so I got a book from the library. That day sent me on a journey of exploring new titles and genres I wouldn’t have expected I would like. This is how I started reading for myself again during my maternity leave, and how I have continued to pursue reading as a hobby.
As an adult, I would maybe read 1 or 2 books a year.
I always said I never had time to read or couldn’t find anything that interested me. But by actively choosing to read more, I find myself realizing how much time I do have for myself and my own hobbies. Instead of watching TV or just doom-scrolling all night, I turned off the screens and picked up a book.
Reading to my son and newborn daughter was always a priority.
Reading to them was so important for their development. I was always buying them books or going to the library for them. Why wasn’t I making it a priority to be reading for myself and my development?
Every night, I read at least 10 pages, no matter how tired I am.
Oftentimes, I will read for an hour or two after my kids are asleep, or when I have trouble sleeping, instead of picking up my phone. When I read, I fall back asleep much faster. I noticed how much more rested I feel, and I’m not having as much trouble falling asleep at night. Reading more has definitely improved the quality of my sleep each night.
Last year, I read 52 books.
And I am tracking the same for this year. There’s no pressuring myself into this goal. I like having a stack of books ready, so I always have a new book ready for when I finish one. I was going to the library several times a month with my kids, so I just made sure I grabbed one or two myself. This has also helped me become more open to trying more genres, and I’ve found new authors I’m excited about.
I like having this hobby for myself.
So many areas of my life are shared, and my time is spent on others. But when I’m reading for myself, it’s truly on my terms. I can read as fast or as slow as I want. Dive into the story or allow my thoughts to wander. It feels good to have a story in front of me and let my mind check out of reality.
