Ever get the feeling you're spending too much time online? It dawned on me recently that I needed a little 'tech break.' Sat in bed, with an actual book for a change, I attempt to scroll down the page with my finger. Yes scroll, down the page of the book like it's my iPhone. Not cool. Something has to change.
I want to read more in 2017. It's been a New Year Resolution. The problem is, when do I find the time? It's not easy when we lead busy lives. So I have decided I need to stop complaining and just go for it; make time to make it happen. Here's how I'm attempting to bring more reading back into my life:
• The library. A bit obvious maybe but I only joined my library a few months ago. My first challenge has been to read more about photographers I admire. One great tip I discovered if you live in London like me, is that you can reserve books from any London borough online. I've already borrowed and read at least a dozen beautiful, expensive, hardback photography books. Each reservation is just 60p and you get the book sent to your local library for collection.
• Schedule time. So when do I find time to read these lovely books? I've actually found a great local cafe and I escape for an hour at the weekend, taking a photography book with me. I know I'll have peace and quiet away from home to soak up the material.
A model backstage at London Fashion Week squeezes in some reading time before a catwalk show. Pic: Katie Collins/PA images
• No wifi. We went on a cruise recently and I decided not to buy an internet package. And it was great. I really didn't miss being online. It felt like I could clear my head. I also got so much more reading done. Any train or tube journeys are also a great opportunity to catch up with reading without the distraction of online.
• Keep notes & ask for recommendations. I've started writing down all the books I read in a year. Bizarrely when my family got together last Christmas, I discovered my brother had done exactly the same thing. We'd also both given our books a rating. I love looking back to see how much I have read in the past 12 months and getting ideas for new books to try. My family have also started a Secret Santa with books; a great way to share a favourite book with others and get a discussion going.
I also recently came across this great article on how to read more. It really struck a chord with me and got me thinking about how I can improve my reading volume even more. It's a great article and I hope you enjoy it:
https://hbr.org/2017/02/8-ways-to-read-a-lot-more-books-this-year