Let’s be real, Gen Z: our lives and minds are busy, I mean dopamine busy. Between endless scrolling on TikTok, binge-watching the latest Netflix series, and keeping up with the latest trends, squeezing in time for books might feel like a stretch. But here’s the thing, reading isn’t just about cracking open a dusty classic. It’s a superpower that boosts your creativity, sharpens your mind, and gives you a break from digital chaos. So, if you plan to have a digital detox or read more books this year, this one is for you
1. Choose the Right Books
You’re not going to stick with reading if you’re forcing yourself to read something boring. Find books that excite you! Whether it’s gripping thrillers, self-help, spicy romance, or manga, read what genuinely interests you. And remember, audiobooks and comics count too. No gatekeeping here, reading is reading! Find a movie type you love, then find books that are related to your favorite movie genres.
2. Set Realistic Goals
Don’t start with a goal of reading 100 books a year if you’re currently at zero. Start small: one book a month, or even a chapter a week. Progress is progress. Apps like Kindle can help you track your goals and keep you motivated.
You can join a reading challenge or a book club. There are plenty online, and nothing fuels motivation like some friendly competition.
3. Make Reading Social
Let’s admit it, we’re social creatures. Start a book club with your friends (virtual or IRL), or engage with BookTok communities. Sharing bookish hot takes and memes can make reading more fun and less solitary.
If you can’t find a club? Start your own on Discord or Instagram. Who knows, you might just create the next big reading community.
4. Use Your Dead Time
Dead time is everywhere, commuting, waiting in line, or even during gym sessions. Swap scrolling for audiobooks or eBooks. Apps like Audible, ePresigio, and Scribd let you carry entire libraries in your pocket. Sometimes, you can create your own dead time by going to a quiet place to read a book.
5. Create a Reading Ritual
Turn reading into a habit by associating it with specific times or places. Maybe it’s 15 minutes with your morning coffee, or 20 minutes before bed instead of doom scrolling. Even small chunks of time add up.
Pair reading with something cozy like a warm drink, a comfy blanket, give yourself the aesthetic feel.
6. Ditch the Guilt
Didn’t finish that hyped-up bestseller? That’s okay. Skimming through a book? Still counts. Reading is for you, not for anyone else’s approval. Read at your own pace and in your own style.
7. Leverage On Technology
We live in the future, so why not use it? E-readers like Kindle or apps like Wattpad make it easier than ever to access books on the go. And don’t sleep on AI tools that can summarize chapters or help you pick your next read.
8. Reward Yourself
Motivation thrives on rewards. Finished a book? Treat yourself to your favorite snack, a new journal, or a victory post on your book club community. Celebrating milestones keeps the momentum alive.
In 2025, reading doesn’t have to compete with your digital world, it can complement it. Whether you’re flipping through pages, swiping on a Kindle, or vibing with an audiobook, the goal is to find what works for you. Remember, reading isn’t about hitting quotas or looking smart, it’s about enjoying the journey and expanding your mind. So, go ahead, pick up that book and let’s make 2025 the year we actually hit those reading goals and shifting our mindsets beyond influencer feeds.
