Read More in 2025: A Realistic Guide to Building a Lasting Reading Habit

Why Reading Still Matters in 2025

Let’s be honest—2025 is noisier than ever. Between TikToks, email overload, AI tools, Slack pings, and the never-ending scroll of content, attention is in short supply. In this storm of distractions, reading feels like an outdated hobby for many. But here’s the twist: reading isn’t just relevant—it’s vital.

The Rise of Digital Overload

It’s not news that our attention spans are shrinking. Studies show the average person checks their phone over 90 times a day. And yet, amidst all the noise, people crave focus, depth, and escape. That’s where reading shines. Books offer a quiet, immersive world where your brain can slow down, concentrate, and actually think.

Unlike 15-second videos, reading builds your ability to focus for extended periods. It nurtures patience in an age of instant gratification. Whether it’s fiction, non-fiction, or graphic novels, books challenge your brain to visualize, reflect, and empathize. They force you to sit with discomfort, nuance, and complexity—skills you don’t sharpen with endless doomscrolling.

Mental Health and Cognitive Benefits of Reading

Reading is more than entertainment—it’s a form of mental exercise. Regular reading has been linked to reduced stress, improved memory, and even longer life expectancy. In a year like 2025, where stressors are constant and work never quite “shuts off,” opening a book can be a mental health lifeline.

Studies by Yale and other institutions have found that book readers live up to 23% longer than non-readers. It also boosts vocabulary, comprehension, and even emotional intelligence. Think of it like mental weightlifting—you’re training your brain to be sharper, calmer, and more resilient.

If you’ve been feeling frazzled, unfocused, or even emotionally numb, the solution might not be another productivity hack—it might just be reading a book.

Understanding Your Current Relationship with Reading

Before you can change a habit, you have to understand it. If you’re struggling to read more, it’s not because you’re lazy—it’s probably because your current life setup makes it nearly impossible to succeed at it. Let’s break that down.

Identify Your Reading Obstacles

Start by asking yourself: Why am I not reading more right now? Is it because you’re too tired? Because you reach for your phone the second you sit down? Because the books you’ve tried just don’t excite you?

List your top three reading blockers. Maybe it’s time, maybe it’s environment, maybe it’s motivation. Once you name them, you can tackle them one by one.

For example, if you’re always reaching for Netflix, ask yourself: What does it offer that books don’t? If it’s escapism, then maybe you just haven’t found the right genre yet. If it’s ease, then maybe switching to audiobooks or short stories can be a good starting point.

Self-Audit: How Much Time Do You Really Have?

We all have the same 24 hours—but the difference lies in how we use them. The average person spends over 2.5 hours a day on social media. Imagine if just 30 minutes of that was redirected to reading.

Try tracking your screen time for a week. Use your phone’s built-in digital wellbeing tools. Where is your time going? More importantly, where can reading fit in—without making your day feel overloaded?

You don’t need a two-hour window to build a reading habit. Even 15-20 minutes a day adds up to over 100 hours a year. That’s the equivalent of 20-30 books without changing anything drastic.

Start with an honest look at your routine. That’s the first real step toward change.

Setting Realistic Reading Goals for 2025

Now that you know why you want to read more and what’s holding you back, it’s time to set some goals. But don’t go overboard. Too many people set massive reading goals on January 1st and abandon them by February. Let’s do it differently this time.

The SMART Goal Framework for Reading

Set goals that are:

• Specific: “Read 20 pages a day” is better than “read more.”

• Measurable: Track the number of books, pages, or minutes.

• Achievable: If you haven’t read a book in 6 months, don’t aim for 52 in a year.

• Realistic: Life happens. Don’t punish yourself for missing a day.

• Time-bound: “Read two books this month” gives you a target to aim for.

Using SMART goals makes your reading habit feel manageable and fulfilling, not like another chore.

Choosing a Number vs. Building a System

Some people work well with numeric targets—like 25 books in 2025. Others thrive on routine—like reading every morning with coffee. Ask yourself: What motivates me more: hitting a number or following a system?

If you’re goal-oriented, set a number and break it into monthly chunks. If you prefer habits, just aim to read daily, no matter how little. The key is to build identity-based habits—ones that make you think, I’m the kind of person who reads every day.

When you do that, the numbers will take care of themselves.

Finding the Right Books That Hook You

You can’t build a habit around something you don’t enjoy. Too many people try to “force” themselves to read books they think they should read instead of ones they want to read. That’s a fast track to burnout.

Know Your Genres

Take a moment to reflect: What kinds of movies or podcasts do you love? Chances are, there’s a book genre that mirrors that. Love fast-paced action? Try thrillers. Obsessed with true crime? There’s an entire sub-genre of narrative nonfiction for you.

There’s no shame in starting with easy, fun, or “guilty pleasure” reads. In fact, those are often the gateway to deeper, more complex books down the line.

Curate a TBR (To-Be-Read) List That Motivates

Don’t just randomly pick books. Curate a TBR list of books you genuinely want to read. Use tools like Goodreads, StoryGraph, or even a simple Notes app to organize your list.

Keep a mix: short and long, fiction and nonfiction, light and heavy. That way, no matter your mood, there’s something you’ll want to reach for. Consider using the “rule of three”: always have one book you're currently reading, one queued up, and one wildcard.

Your reading list should excite you, not overwhelm you.

Creating a Daily Reading Routine That Sticks

Building a habit means showing up consistently, not perfectly. The key to reading more in 2025 isn’t reading faster—it’s reading more often. And that means creating a routine that fits your life, not someone else’s Instagram routine.

Habit Stacking: Pairing Reading with Daily Habits

One of the most effective ways to build a new habit is by attaching it to an existing one. This method, known as “habit stacking,” was made popular by James Clear in Atomic Habits. The idea is simple: take something you already do every day and add reading right after it.

Examples:

• After I make my morning coffee, I’ll read for 15 minutes.

• After I brush my teeth at night, I’ll read 10 pages in bed.

• After lunch, instead of scrolling, I’ll open my e-book app for a chapter.

This approach reduces the resistance of starting from scratch. You’re not trying to “find time”—you’re just anchoring reading onto something that already happens.

Using Time Blocks for Focused Reading

If your day is jam-packed and unpredictable, habit stacking might not be enough. In that case, use time blocking. Literally carve out a block of time in your calendar—just like you would for a meeting or workout—and label it “Reading Time.”

Treat it as sacred. No phone, no multitasking, no distractions.

Even 20-minute blocks of focused reading can transform how you engage with books. Use the Pomodoro Technique (25 minutes reading, 5-minute break) if you need structure. Set a timer and read without worrying about how far you get. What matters is the consistency, not the page count.

When your reading becomes a non-negotiable part of your day—even if it’s just 10 minutes—it stops being a task and starts being a ritual.

Leveraging Technology to Your Advantage

Here’s the good news: you don’t have to go full minimalist and ditch your devices to become a reader. In fact, technology—when used right—can actually help you read more in 2025.

Best Reading Apps and Tools for 2025

These days, your smartphone can be your personal library:

• Kindle App: Syncs with Amazon and lets you read anywhere.

• Libby: Borrow eBooks and audiobooks for free from your local library.

• StoryGraph: A Goodreads alternative with a clean interface and mood-based recommendations.

• Readwise: Save and resurface your favorite quotes and highlights.

• Notion or Obsidian: Great for tracking reading progress and making notes.

These tools help you fit reading into weird in-between moments—like waiting in line or commuting.

Audiobooks and E-readers: Game Changers

Audiobooks are not cheating. Let’s say that louder: audiobooks are reading. They’re especially powerful for people with ADHD, vision issues, or jam-packed schedules.

Apps like Audible, Scribd, and Libro.fm offer thousands of titles. You can listen while driving, cleaning, walking, or even working out.

E-readers like Kindle Paperwhite or Kobo Clara are perfect for people who want to avoid phone distractions. They mimic the feel of a book but allow instant access to your entire library—and they’re easier on the eyes than backlit screens.

Bottom line: If you’re struggling to read more, don’t fight technology—use it wisely.

Building an Ideal Reading Environment

Your environment can make or break your habit. Think about it: if your phone is within reach, the chances you’ll start scrolling mid-page are very high. Let’s change that.

Creating a Distraction-Free Zone

Designate a spot in your home as your reading corner. It doesn’t need to be fancy—just quiet, cozy, and clean. Remove temptations: no TV, no laptop, no noisy background.

Consider using a physical book or a distraction-free e-reader in this space. If you’re on your phone or tablet, use Do Not Disturb or Airplane Mode while reading.

The more friction you remove, the more likely you are to stick with reading. Make it easier to read than to avoid reading.

Lighting, Comfort, and Ambiance Tips

Comfort matters. If you’re straining your eyes or shifting uncomfortably every two minutes, you’ll give up fast. Invest in:

• A supportive reading chair or pillow

• A good reading lamp (preferably warm LED)

• A small side table for drinks or notebooks

Add some ambiance: a candle, soft music, or background rain sounds can elevate your reading experience. Think of your reading nook as a mini retreat—a place your mind wants to go to.

You’re not just creating a habit—you’re building a vibe.

Making Reading Social and Fun

Reading doesn’t have to be a lonely habit. In fact, making it social can dramatically improve your consistency and motivation. You’re more likely to read when someone’s counting on you—or when it becomes part of your community.

Joining Book Clubs or Reading Challenges

Book clubs aren’t just for retirees sipping wine. Today, you can find clubs on Reddit, Discord, Facebook, TikTok, and even workplace Slack channels.

You get accountability, fresh recommendations, and deeper discussions than you’d have on your own. Plus, knowing you have a deadline to finish a book by next week? That’s great motivation.

If clubs feel too rigid, try a reading challenge. Goodreads, StoryGraph, and Bookstagram host yearly or monthly challenges with fun prompts like:

• “Read a book set in the future”

• “Read a book under 200 pages”

• “Read a book by a debut author”

Gamify it. Make it fun. Let reading be an adventure again.

Sharing Reviews and Building a Book Community

Start writing mini reviews—just a paragraph or two—on social media or a reading app. It doesn’t have to be deep literary criticism. Just your honest take: Did you enjoy it? Would you recommend it?

Engaging with others over books creates momentum. Suddenly, reading isn’t just a solo habit—it’s a shared experience.

Over time, you might even inspire someone else to read more. And let’s be real—that’s a pretty cool ripple effect.