"To acquire the habit of reading is to construct for yourself a refuge from almost all the miseries of life." -- W. Somerset Maugham

Reading more is one of the top goals that many people set for themselves. And rightly so: A good book can be hugely satisfying, can teach you about things beyond your daily horizon, and can create characters so vivid you feel as if you really know them.

If reading is a habit you'd like to get into, there are a number of ways to cultivate it.

First, realize that reading is highly enjoyable if you have a good book. If you have a lousy book ( or an extremely difficult one ) and you are forcing yourself through it, it will seem like a chore. If this happens for several days in a row, consider abandoning the book and finding one that you'll really love.

Other than that, try these tips to make habit of reading.

1. Set times

You should have a few set times during every day when you'll read at least 10-20 minutes. These are times that you will read no matter what- triggers that happen each day. For example, make it a habit to read during breakfast and lunch (and even dinner if you eat alone). That's a great start, and by itself would be an excellent daily reading habit. But there's more you can do.

2. Always carry a book

Wherever you go, take a book with you. When I leave the house, I always make sure to have my driver's license, my keys, and my book, at a minimum. The book stays with me in the car, and I take it into the office and to appointments and pretty much everywhere I go, unless I know I definitely won't be reading. If there is a time when you have to wait for anything, whip out your book and start reading. Great way to pass the time.

3. Make a list

Keep a list of all the great books you want to read. You can keep this in your journal, in your pocket notebook, on your personal home page, and wherever you want. Be sure to add to it whenever you hear about a good book, online or in person. Keep a running list, and cross out the ones you read.

4. Find a quiet place

Find a place in your home where you can sit in a comfortable chair (don't lay down unless you're going to sleep) and curl up with a good book without interruptions. There should be no television or computer near the chair to minimize distractions, and no music or noisy people. If you don't have a place like this create one.

5. Reduce television/ internet

If you really want to read more, try cutting back on TV or Internet consumption. This may be difficult for many people. Still, every minute you reduce of Internet / TV. you could use for reading.

7. Keep a log

Similar to the reading list, this log should have not only the title and author of the books you read but the dates you start and finish them if possible. Even better, put a note next to each with your thoughts about the book. It is extremely satisfying to back over the log after a couple of months to see all the great books you've read.

8. Go to use book shops

My favorite place to go is a discount book store where I drop off all my old books and get a big discount on used books I find in the store. I typically spend only a couple of dollars for a dozen or more books, so although I read a lot, books aren't a major expense. Make your trip to a used book store a regular thing.

9. Have a library day

Even cheaper than a used book shop is a library, of course. Make it a weekly trip.

10. Make it pleasurable

Make your reading time your favorite time of day. Have some good tea or coffee while you read, or another kind of treat. Get into a comfortable chair with a good blanket. Read during sunrise or sunset, or at the beach.

11. Set a high goal

Tell yourself that you want to read 50 books this year ( or some other number like that). Then set about trying to accomplish it. Just be sure you're still enjoying the reading.

12. Have a reading hour or reading day

If you turn off the TV or Internet in the evening, you could have a set hour when you or maybe all the members of the family read each night. Or you should do a reading day when you ( and again, your other family members if you can get them to join you ) read for practically the whole day.

Benefits of making reading as you Habit

1. It keeps your brain active:

You may be attracted to the games that are considered to improve brain activity. But you do know that staying mentally alert can slow down the risk of diseases. Reading books play an important role in keeping yourself mentally fit.

2. It keeps you away from worries:

When you get involved in reading a book, you feel less stressed about the things which were giving you trouble. According to studies just reading for six minutes can reduce stress levels by up to 68%.

3. Greater knowledge:

People who read books have more knowledge than people who do not.

4. Improved vocabulary:

Learning words on their own might not be easy but books have the power to make you remember the words unintentionally. Books provide you with a variety of descriptive vocabulary which helps you to capture the admiration of other people.

5. It improves sleeping patterns:

This is the benefit of reading books that you get the most improved form of sleep. There is nothing better to fall asleep with a book in your hands and act strongly than a sleeping pill.

Hope after reading this article you will know that reading books might help you mentally and healthy.

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