This post is written by Shabana Ansari, Research Manager, Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) of Canada.


The problem: Finding the time to read is a challenge in our always connected world.

Why it matters: Unplugged activities like reading not only give our minds and eyes a break from staring at our screens all day, but are also great for learning and growth.

The solution: Instead of blaming digital distractions for keeping us away from books, we can try and use them to read more.

(Note: I acknowledge my privilege as a non-disabled, neurotypical person and realise that the approach outlined in the article may not work for everyone, especially for those who may be facing barriers on account of their disability or neurodivergence and/or struggling with issues I know nothing about.)


A friend was lamenting that no one reads anymore.

And why is that, I asked.

“Everyone is busy scrolling down their social media feeds. Where is the time to open a book?”

While it is true that reading often takes a backseat in this digital age – with our online lives taking over a big chunk of our leisure time – it is also true that many of us are consciously making the time to read.

Why?

Perhaps because we are tired of staring at our screens all the time and are returning to unplugged activities like reading.

And ironically, social media seems to be driving the trend for those looking to rediscover the joy of reading. For example, online trends like #booktok and #bookstagrm keep bringing books and reading accessories into our feeds while numerous blogs and virtual book clubs continue to entice us into picking up a book again.

When I was growing up, there was no source of entertainment in our home – we didn’t even have a TV – and cellphones were yet to be invented. As a result, I read voraciously, not only because there were so many undiscovered worlds between the pages of the books I wanted to read but also because there was nothing else to do!

But as I stepped into adulthood, started a career, began raising a family, there wasn’t much time left over to indulge in my love for books. Also, the internet became an inescapable part of my life, and I was constantly distracted by my phone. My reading suffered and I went several months without reading a single book!

I slowly got back on track when I intentionally started setting aside some regular, uninterrupted time to read.

I must confess it has not been easy – I still have a hundred things on my plate, and there are just not enough hours in the day to do everything I want to do. My “To Be Read” pile keeps getting higher, and I wish it was easier to tear my eyes away from my computer and not get distracted by the many apps on my phone.

However, I have realized that instead of fighting technology in order to find the time to read, it is better to make it an ally.

Here is what I do to fit my love for books into my always-online life:

1. Finding it hard to commit? Setting myself a reading challenge!

Goodreads is a great platform for recording the books I've read and/or want to read. I also commit to a Reading Challenge, estimating the number of books I think I would read that year. This holds me accountable and acts as a reminder if I fall behind.

2. Can't avoid screen time? Why not put books on all my devices!

Even with the best of intentions, sometimes it is just hard to find the time to read regularly. And just like many of us in our connected world, I am guilty of spending more time than necessary on the internet. However, it is as easy to open the Kindle app on my phone or laptop as Instagram or LinkedIn.

3. Getting the best of both worlds by joining a library!

What can be better than reading the latest books for free? And no more feeling guilty about the unread books collecting dust on my bookshelves and in every corner of my home.

One more thing: I don't have to trek to my local library to check out a physical book since there are thousands of ebooks that I can borrow and read on my phone, tablet or laptop.

If you have any more suggestions on how to find the time to read despite all the daily distractions in our digitally connected lives, do share them in the comments below.

Keep reading!