Amid those New Year’s resolutions for healthier eating and more exercise, why not also give your brain some workout?
 

Consistent reading offers numerous benefits for both mental and emotional health, such as slowing cognitive decline, enhancing empathy and curiosity, expanding vocabulary, and alleviating stress. Additionally, reading can contribute to better sleep quality.

As with any habit or skill, you’ll see greater benefits if you remain consistent and make reading a priority. There may not be a quick fix, but there are strategies to help increase your reading time in 2025.

Tips for Increasing Your Reading This Year

From exploring various formats to recognizing when to set a book aside and knowing the best time to start a new one, these seven tips will help both avid and novice readers. For insights, I turned to Al Woodworth, a senior editor at Amazon Books who reads hundreds of books annually, and Ryan Carr, a book influencer who dived into nearly 70 books in 2024, almost twice his total from 2023.
 

1. Establish Goals and Intentions

Take a moment to think about why you want to increase your reading this year. Is it to join in on the BookTok trend? To spend less time on your phone? Or perhaps to learn about a specific topic?

Woodworth recommends digging deep to understand your motivations. If your goal is to read more books, consider setting an annual or monthly target using a book tracking app like Goodreads or Storygraph. You might also participate in a themed challenge, such as the YSL News Winter Book Challenge bingo sweepstakes.

Once you have your goals outlined, let them guide you.

“To me, it’s about being intentional,” Woodworth states. “Recognizing the many moments throughout the day when you could be reading is key; it’s just a matter of choosing to do so.”

2. First Impressions Matter: Read the First 50 Pages

I often start a new book right before bedtime, but Carr has found a more effective approach: read at least the first 50 pages to grasp the characters, writing style, and plot.

“Not every book will captivate you from the first page or even the first chapter,” Carr notes. “First impressions truly count, and this holds true for books as well.”

3. Establish a Routine

Just like any new habit, establishing a routine is essential.

Woodworth enjoys reading in bed for the first half-hour after waking up, and she utilizes her 30-minute subway commute in New York City to get significant reading done.

Carr, however, prefers reading calming poetry before bed and makes an effort to read during the day on weekends and during his lunch break on weekdays.

“Reading before bed often leads to falling asleep quickly,” he mentions. “That’s a common scenario… but if that happens to you, try reading elsewhere like a coffee shop.”

4. Always Carry a Book

Those small pockets of time can lead to the temptation of aimless scrolling on social media. Instead, keep a book or an e-reader handy to turn those moments into a more rewarding experience.

“It’s simply a slight shift in mindset,” explains Woodworth. “Mentally affirm that you want to read more each day.”

No need to carry heavy hardcover books—experiment with formats to find what suits you, whether it’s e-books or audiobooks. Woodworth admits her “dirty secret” is using her Kindle app on her phone, and I’m a fan of audiobooks while doing household chores. You can also borrow e-books from the library with tools like Libby.

5. Create the Perfect Reading Environment

When you find time to read, Carr suggests organizing your space for success by keeping your phone away from easy reach. Apps like Bookly offer features that allow you to time your reading sessions and play soothing music.

I personally enjoy winding down in my favorite armchair with a cup of tea, a cozy blanket, and some instrumental music. My go-to tunes include pianist Elijah Fox, the late Ethiopian composer Emahoy Tsege Mariam Gebru, or film soundtracks—”Little Women” by Alexandre Desplat provides great atmosphere.

6. If You Don’t Like It, Don’t Force Yourself to Finish!

Don’t hesitate to DNF—slang for “did not finish.” It’s all too easy to stubbornly push through a book you aren’t enjoying, but both Carr and Woodworth agree that your time could be better spent.

“If a book isn’t connecting with you, isn’t bringing you joy, or isn’t holding your attention, put it down and maybe revisit it later,” Woodworth suggests. “Aim to find a book that speaks to you at that moment. One book may resonate today, but not necessarily tomorrow, and that’s perfectly fine.”

Carr prefers to read through at least half the book before making a decision to stop but believes listening to your own thoughts about the book can guide you. If he notices himself expressing more negativity than positivity, that’s a cue to switch things up.

It’s also beneficial to reconsider what a DNF means—rather than viewing it as a failure, see it as an opportunity to better understand your tastes.

“I fully support this approach,” Carr believes. “It’s empowering to refine your preferences.”

7. Join a Reading Community

Although reading is often a solo activity, being a reader doesn’t have to feel isolating.

Ask your family and friends for book recommendations—it’s a great way to start conversations with loved ones and they’re likely familiar with your preferences. Woodworth recommends being specific when asking for recommendations to ensure you receive a suggestion that resonates with you. Tell them if you seek a book that will make you laugh or one that will keep you awake at night.

You can also engage with BookTok, chat with a local bookseller, join a book club, or explore discussions on Reddit about specific books to feel part of a larger community.

Searching for Your Next Great Book? YSL News is Here to Help.

Reading preferences vary widely, and YSL News Books provides a range of genre recommendations. Check out our list of 15 most anticipated releases in 2025. Are you into dystopian tales? Discover books similar to “The Hunger Games” and “1984.” Or if you prefer lighter narratives featuring endearing characters, see if a “cozy mystery” or “cozy fantasy” suits your taste. For best-selling titles, explore YSL News’s Best-selling Booklist.

Clare Mulroy is News’s Books Reporter, covering trending releases, interviewing authors, and exploring reading culture.