Question #104: Tips & Tricks

[Faye]

If you've been reading my 50 list for the year, you know I've been listening to audio-books on my ipod while doing house-chores. I love it! And I'm way far ahead in my challenge this year and it helps me stay interested while doing no-brainer unfun stuff (folding laundry, washing floors etc). It's better than trying to listen to the tv while chore-minding, since there is no video to easily provide a procrastination opportunity.

Now I know some of you do not allow audiobooks in your challenge, and that's okay, but what I want to know is - do you have any tips, tricks, ideas for getting more books into your schedule?

[Alison]

this might sound real funny, but i try to take a nap before i read. no matter what book it is, whether i like it or dont, reading always makes me fall asleep.

[Belinda]

I've found that reading my Kindle whilst walking on my treadmill kills two birds with one stone! I suppose I could also try audiobooks too (might be a little less dangerous perhaps!)

[Faye]

Double points to you for including fitness in your reading, Belinda :) When I've tried audio-books on my treadmill in the past, I've found it a bit limiting - when you get to jogging speed, the treadmill is too loud. Worth a try walking, though!

[╟ ♫ Tima ♪ ╣ ♥]

Alison wrote: "this might sound real funny, but i try to take a nap before i read. no matter what book it is, whether i like it or dont, reading always makes me fall asleep."

Hahaha, Alison! This happens to me, as well. Maybe I need to try the nap trick.

Belinda, I can't walk and read at the gym because I get too distracted and I'll just find myself standing on the treadmill flipping the pages. Either that, or I'm running and everything is too bouncy to hold on the eReader ;)

[╟ ♫ Tima ♪ ╣ ♥]

For me, I'm only very newly inducted into the world of eReaders. I found myself reading much more on them though, so I put some of the ones I'm less excited to read on it to sort of trick myself.

I also start about 4 books at once, making myself read at least 50 pages of them before moving on to the next. That way, I always seem to be hooked on at least 2 and am reading them wherever I go.

[Belinda]

The key to successful simultaneous reading and walking on the Kindle is to walk at a bit slower pace (about 5.5km/hr) and increasing the font one size up from what I normally read at. Gives me extra motivation to keep up to turn the page quicker!

[Diane]

I've found that making a routine of reading -- for me I can't sleep at night until I read at least a few pages -- allows me to get more books in my schedule. Also, I bring a book wherever I go. Sometimes it is a paperback or just my nook, but yo have be shocked at how much reading I can get done in 5 minutes of downtime here and there.

[╟ ♫ Tima ♪ ╣ ♥]

Belinda wrote: "The key to successful simultaneous reading and walking on the Kindle is to walk at a bit slower pace (about 5.5km/hr) and increasing the font one size up from what I normally read at. Gives me extr..."

Brilliant! I actually just got my Kindle in the mail today (Poor Nook, just couldn't seem to stay working)! I will have to try this next time I go walking!