Swap screen time for something soft: Easy guide to reading again

Smartphones have made everyday life easier in countless ways, but they can also take up more of our time and attention than we realise. Children can become absorbed in their screens, while adults often find themselves scrolling through one video after another, even when they have nothing particular to look for. What begins as a quick check can easily turn into a much longer session, leaving little time for other activities.

Reading is one habit that often gets pushed aside. Books have long been a source of knowledge and a way to broaden our understanding of the world, yet many people now rely on short snippets of information picked up on their phones. Constant scrolling can also make it harder to set aside time for activities that require sustained attention. Getting back to reading need not mean giving up smartphones altogether. A few simple changes can help make books a more regular part of everyday life.

Keep Your Phone a Little Further Away

Whether you are settling down on the sofa or getting comfortable in bed, try leaving your smartphone somewhere out of easy reach. When it is right beside you, checking it takes almost no effort, and a quick look at a notification can turn into several minutes of scrolling. Author Cal Newport suggests keeping the phone in a designated spot at home rather than carrying it around from room to room. His approach, known as the “phone foyer method”, encourages people to go to the phone when they need it instead of having it constantly within reach. The next time you find yourself reaching for your phone simply because you have a few minutes to spare, consider picking up a book instead. You may find that those little pockets of free time are just right for reading a few pages.

Read Books and Make Notes

Digital notes, e-books and online reading platforms make reading material readily available, but a physical book has its own appeal. Turning its pages, marking a passage and returning to a favourite section can make the experience more enjoyable. As you read, try noting down lines or ideas that catch your attention, whether they make you think differently about something or simply leave a lasting impression. These notes can also help you revisit the parts of a book that meant the most to you. For many readers, even the feel and smell of a physical book add to the pleasure, making it easier to look forward to the next reading session.

Give Your Brain Time to Get Back into Reading

If you are used to spending much of your free time on your phone, sitting down with a book for half an hour may feel difficult at first. A passing sound, a notification or the urge to check something online can easily interrupt your concentration. Rather than expecting yourself to read for long stretches straight away, begin with a few pages each day. As reading becomes part of your routine, you can gradually spend more time with a book. There is no need to rush or set ambitious targets; the important thing is to find a pace that feels comfortable and keep returning to the habit.

Make Newspaper Reading Part of Your Morning

For many people, reaching for a smartphone is one of the first things they do after waking up. Notifications, social media updates and messages can quickly take over the morning. A simple alternative is to keep the phone away from your bedside and use a traditional alarm clock or watch alarm instead. Once you wake up, try starting the day with a newspaper or a book before turning to your phone. It is an easy way to make reading part of your morning routine, rather than something you hope to fit in later.

There is no need to abandon smartphones altogether. Audio books and other digital resources can also be useful, including while getting ready for work. The aim is simply to strike a better balance between screen time and reading. Whether it is a few pages with your morning tea, a newspaper before work or a book at the end of the day, small changes can help bring reading back into everyday life. Sometimes, all it takes is putting the phone aside for a while and giving a book the time and attention it deserves.