How I Learned to Read Again (By Only Reading in Bed)

Lately, my reading life has transformed in a pretty surprising way. For years, I was that person who read everywhere: on the bus, in line at the grocery store, while waiting for coffee—any little pocket of time I could find. It felt productive, like I was making the most of every minute. My book was my constant companion, a portable escape.

But a few months ago, I started to feel a bit... burned out. My reading had become just another task to check off my mental to-do list. I was flying through books, but I wasn't really absorbing them. I'd finish a novel and barely be able to recall the characters' names a week later. The joy was gone. It felt less like a passion and more like a race to the finish line.

So, I decided to try something radical: I stopped reading throughout my day. I no longer bring a book with me everywhere. Instead, I've made a new rule: I only read in bed.

And let me tell you, it's been a game-changer.

My bed has become a sanctuary, a dedicated space just for unwinding with a book. Reading is no longer a hurried activity squeezed between errands. It’s a deliberate act of relaxation. It's the final part of my day, a way to disconnect from the digital world and all its distractions.

Now, when I open a book, I’m fully present. I’m not half-listening for my bus stop or thinking about the email I need to send. I’m sinking into the story, letting the words wash over me. I've found that I'm retaining more, connecting with characters on a deeper level, and truly appreciating the author's craft. The plots feel more intricate, the prose more beautiful.

What I've realized is that this new habit isn't about reading less; it’s about reading better. It's about quality over quantity. The books I read in bed before sleep feel like a quiet, comforting ritual, a way to signal to my body and mind that it's time to rest. It has a calming effect that scrolling on my phone just can't replicate.

If you’ve been feeling like your reading has become more of a chore than a joy, I highly recommend trying this. Reclaim a specific time and place for your reading. Give yourself permission to make it a relaxing, intentional part of your day. It might just be the thing you need to fall in love with reading all over again.

Do you have a special time or place where you like to read? I'd love to hear about your own reading rituals in the comments!