Developing a reading habit

When I was young, I could only access global information through books and magazines and my lack of access to these resources made me value the ones we managed to acquire at home.

I’m not sure if it was part genetics—because I was told that when my father was still alive, he was fond of reading books as much as he does with writing—but I was drawn to reading even before I knew how to read sentences. I could still even picture in my head how I’d carry my father’s old stack of Reader’s Digest magazines in my mama Belen’s bedroom and flip the pages from one magazine to the next. I would also revisit the ones that I could relate to, like the one with the words and picture of a “dog” in it.

For years I have read the same collection of books we have, including the ones our grandma gave us and the ones that our neighbors have “decluttered.” I think I could even memorize some of the lines back then. We did not have digital devices while I was growing up so reading books has been my way of distracting myself from boredom. And what a good way it was to spend my time indeed!

Now that I have carried the reading habit well into my 30s, I wish to share the same when my husband and I would have our children. But while they were still in God’s arms, I’d like to share my enthusiasm with you.

Did you know I’ve been hosting a radio program called “Word at Work,” along with other awesome young professionals?

Here’s an episode in which Nitch, Neil, and I discussed how to develop a reading habit:

And here are some of the salient points from the episode (prepared by our Scriptwriter, Franz):

Three main benefits of reading:

1. Reading makes your brain healthier.
2. Reading helps you communicate better.
3. Reading helps you concentrate and focus.

12 Tips from How to Develop a Reading Habit by Boris Mustapic:

1. Create a reading list
2. Set a goal
3. Schedule a time for reading
4. Find a good place to read
5. Eliminate distractions
6. Read actively
7. Keep a reading journal
8. Carry a book everywhere you go
9. Know when to quit
10. Replace other forms of entertainment with reading
11. Read multiple books at the same time
12. Get a reading partner