In the rapidly changing world we live in and the increasingly demanding schedules that people have, it can be a challenge ensuring there is space in our day for reading cricket books.

As cricket librarians, we are in the privileged position of having access to a plethora of reading material at our finger tips. Prioritising time to read though is paramount in ensuring we can provide timely and relevant advice to our community of readers.

With this in mind here are some proven strategies for ensuring you find time to read.

HOLD YOURSELF ACCOUNTABLE

Having someone in your life that you can trust with the responsibility of asking you about what you have been reading is a helpful motivator for some readers. Give people permission to ask you on a daily basis what you have been reading and how it has inspired you. You will find that once you have formed the habit of reading, the frequency of having others ask you about your reading can be reduced dramatically.

POST ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Social Media and screen time in general is often detrimental to time management and overall productivity. However, if there is one positive we have found with social media it is the social capital that can be derived from posting highly engaging content with your networks. When you commit to reading and sharing what you have been reading on the various social platforms, people will start to perceive you as someone who is refined, disciplined and resourceful. It will also have the two fold effect of encouraging others to put their device down and dedicate some time to reading.

 LEAVE BOOKS AROUND THE HOUSE

Having cricket books in strategic locations around the house can provide helpful visual reminders that reading is a priority. We have heard unconfirmed reports that some people have been known to keep books in the refrigerator to help stimulate a hunger for reading cricket literature. This is one of the coolest suggestions we have heard and would love to hear from anyone who has found this method beneficial.

COMBINE READING WITH EXERCISE

Riding a stationary exercise bike is a fantastic way to keep fit and healthy. When you next go to your local gym, instead of watching the cricket highlights while you exercise, we would recommend that you mix things up by bringing some reading material with you. This does not always need to be a cricket book as we have previously advocated reading cricket magazines is also OK. Combining exercise and reading is a helpful way to ensure your physical fitness is not neglected and your mind is stimulated.

READ OUTSIDE

Alfresco reading is a very popular phenomenon amongst our community of readers. There is something refreshing for the soul when you sit in a quiet spot outside and turn the pages of your favourite cricket book. Obviously, if you do decide to read alfresco, ensuring you are hydrated and have the appropriate sun protection will ensure the quality of the experience will be maximised.

We trust this non exhaustive list of suggestions will provide you with a starting point to reinvigorate your passion for reading and inspire others to do the same.