Updated on December 26th, 2025
I hope everyone is having a good start to the new year. This month I am excited to share a guest post from Jenny in Neverland on why to prioritize reading in the new year and how to do it.
Reading has always been one of my biggest loves and hobbies. My Mum got me into books and reading as a kid – she’s always loved reading too – and it’s stuck. I couldn’t imagine my life without books and reading. It baffles me how people don’t enjoy reading.
I was always that kid who, in the Summer holidays from school, would take part in the local libraries reading challenges. Every kid who took part would have their name on the wall under the number of books they had read. For each book, your name moved up.
Guess who was always at the very end under the most amount of books read during the Summer holiday? Me!
Of course over the years, there have been times where reading has sadly taken a back seat. During my teenage years, I was more concerned with going out and getting drunk than reading and there’s always going to be stressful times in life where reading isn’t a priority.
But over the last two years, particularly during the pandemic, reading has very much been a priority again. Books have kept me sane. They’ve kept me stimulated. They’ve allowed me to travel when I couldn’t.
Books always give you that lesson, right when you need it.
So reading has very much become a priority again and today I want to share some reasons why you SHOULD prioritize reading in the New Year as well as some ways to do it.
I understand that not everyone loves reading as much as I do and we all love different genres and types of books, so whether you’re an avid reader like me or read casually and occasionally, hopefully you can transfer these tips to your own reading habits.
Here are 6 reasons to prioritize reading in the New Year:
It’s a great way to de-stress
Reading can be incredibly relaxing. It’s a great way to help you switch off and relax from your everyday worries for a while, which as a result, can decrease stress and anxiety levels. Which, considering how the world is right now, is something we all need to try and do.
It helps you get off your laptop or phone for a while
We all need to reduce that screen time. I know I definitely do! And reading is a perfect way to do that. It is a productive past-time because reading has SO many benefits but it’s also a great act of self-care, too. Whenever you’re tempted to scroll, pick up your book instead for a digital detox!
It broadens your mind
Reading different genres, different time periods, different characters with different problems can definitely broaden your mind and make you more aware of different aspects of life that you might not have considered before. Think of how many times you’ve been transported to another world in your mind, just from a word on a page!
It can help you learn
Yes, even fiction. Books are a great way to learn about different cultures, beliefs, traditions, rituals, people, and more. Even Science Fiction and Fantasy often have a LOT of very valuable lessons in them too. And of course, non-fiction is a great way to educate yourself on important topics too.
It can help with creativity
Which is particularly helpful if you’re in a creative career – like blogging! You can often get a ton of inspiration and motivation for the creative side of your work from reading and it can help you overcome creative blocks.
It can effect empathy and social perception
Given the state of the last few years, I think we could all do with learning a little more empathy. Books and reading, the worlds within the pages, CAN actually help with cognitive engagement which includes things like empathy, thinking skills, and emotional intelligence.
And if you know that you should prioritize reading but you’re not sure how to do it, here are some tips for that too:
Read what YOU love to read
There’s nothing that’s going to cause your reading motivation to go down the drain than trying to read books that you don’t really love because everyone else is reading them or because you feel like you should. So drop the expectations and read for the love of it and read what you love.
Carve out the time for it
Life is busy and we’re often preoccupied. So carving out time for reading is a great way to slowly but surely prioritize it. Eventually, you won’t have to consciously carve out time, it’ll just fit naturally into your day. Put it on your to-do list, read on your commute instead of scrolling through your phone or make an hour spare for a bath and a nice reading session a few times a week.
Get involved in the book community
This is a great way to prioritize reading because there’s nothing more infectious than other book lovers! There’s a great online community of book bloggers and book lovers to get involved in, or even check in with your local library to see what events they do.
Join a book club
One of those ways you can get involved in a book community is by joining a book club. What better way to help you prioritize reading? If you’re not comfortable going to a physical book club, you might be able to find one online. My library does a virtual book club once a month!
Always go back to your faves if you’re finding your reading mojo flagging
We’re not ALWAYS going to be motivated to read and there will be times where it drops on the priorities list. If you find yourself in this sort of situation, then consider going back to an old favourite and having a re-read. It’ll make you remember why you love reading so much!
Hopefully, these tips will help you prioritize reading a little more in 2022! Reading is a wonderful hobby with so many benefits. It’s all about finding genres and authors you love and what works for you in regards to fitting reading into your schedule.
About the Blogger
Jenny is a full-time blogger and content creator. Over 6 years ago, she started her blog writing book reviews, but since then she has expanded to lifestyle content. On her blog, you will find blogging advice, personal development, and well-being posts.
Thank you Jenny for sharing your reasons to prioritize reading in the new year! I definitely agree reading is so beneficial, but I have been through a reading slump before. However, reading books I enjoy and putting down those that I don’t helps keep up my reading mojo. Be sure to check out Jenny’s blog and social media accounts below!
- Blog: Jenny in Neverland
- Twitter/X: @jennymarston_xo
- Instagram: @jennyinneverland
- Facebook: @Jennyinneverland
- Pinterest: @jeninneverland
It is indeed sad as we grow into adulthood we have less time to read compared to when we were kids. I guess it comes down to time management and choosing a book over my phone. Thank you for this article it is very insightful 🙂
It is sad & I agree! I also enjoy listening to audiobooks as I can do chores while listening.
It’s so true what you wrote! I love reading so much. I read before going to bed, and it gives me a moment of full relaxation, and also give me a better sleep. It’s a good idea to join a book club, I think it would be very inspiring 🙂
xx Dasynka
http://dasynka.com/
That’s wonderful you read before bed! Reading is really relaxing & I would lik to join a book club as well!
I love this so much. One of my goals is to read more this year as well.
I’m glad to hear that & I hope you’ll be able to find time to read more!
I loved those library reading challenges when I was a kid! They were so fun and motivating 😉 I really agree with all points in this great post. I absolutely love reading and have started reading again over the last few years. It really does help expand the mind and, if I’m ever in a reading rut, I’ll return to my faves and spark the love again.
I agree the reading challenges were fun!
That’s wonderful to hear you love reading & you’ve started reading again! Yes it’s defintiely good to return to your favs if you’re ever in a reading rut!
I completely agree with every argument that you wrote. When was last lock down I started reading, and after I come back to work every day I find half hour to read. It is so helpful and de stress and I learn so much about different topics.
That’s wonderful you started reading during the last lockdown & you find time to read after work!
Making a reading a priority is actually one of my 2022 resolutions! Great post, thanks for sharing!
Thanks! & I hope you’ll be able to find time to read this year!
I used to read so much as a kid, I miss the old me! Thanks for this post, it was a great reminder to get back into a truly valuable hobby.
I read a lot as a kid too. It would be great to spend more time on reading this year!
Wonderful encouragement regarding reading. I agree with the points you included. Although, we may not have the time to read a lot in a day, we definitely can include a chapter of a book. Great post. ☺️
Pastor Natalie
Letstakeamoment.com
Thank you & yes for sure! Just setting aside a little time to read can make all the difference!
This is a great guest post! Reading is one of my favourite hobbies – and I definitely want to prioritise it more in the new year x
mia
Thank you! Hopefully you’ll find the time to prioritze reading this year!
I love reading! I don’t get to the library often, so, unfortunately, I do most of mine on the screen.
Me too! That’s perfectly okay you do most of your reading on a screen! For me, I often listen to audiobooks.
Love this post! We always prioritize reading.
Thanks & that’s great to hear!
Totally agree with the reasons in this post, it’s such a great escape to rely on.
Yes for sure!
Love this! I prioritised getting back into reading last year and it was one of the best things I did! It’s also made me expand my search and discover genres I wouldn’t of normally gone to!
Ab x
That’s awesome! That’s also great you started reading genres you normally wouldn’t read!
Loved this post and all the tips! Reading has been such a saviour for me during the years and got me to travel so much! I really want to join a book club or try buddy reading with someone this year x
That’s wonderful to hear! I would like to join a book club as well!
We love this post. Reading is a big priority for us and we’re in a book club. It’s the perfect way to destress and relax for us!
That’s awesome you’re in a book club! Is it a local book club or one online? Yes reading is a great way to destress!
This is such a great guest post. I wanted to read more in 2021 and then I never did. So I do want to read more this year as I have some great books that I need to read. Thank you for sharing these great reasons to read more.
Lauren
Thanks! I hope you find more time to read this year!
Thank you so much for having me and publishing this post! Glad to see people enjoyed it and agree with the reasons why reading is such a wonderful thing to prioritize! 🙂 xx
You’re welcome! I’m glad to see that so many people enjoyed it too & are now inspired to prioritize reading!
I love reading and I can understand how it helps with de-stress. Because it first, I wasn’t sure how it would be.
That’s great to hear you love reading & it is great for de-stressing!
Great Post. Reading has so many benefits.
Thanks!
Oh wow, THANK YOU! This was exactly what I needed. I want to read more in 2022 but didn’t really know how. Now I’m super inspired to read the books that have been lying around for years and then get new ones. Reading is just such a great way to unwind, especially after a stressful day to relax and prepare for the next day 🙂
Lots of love,
Krissi of the marquise diamond
http://www.themarquisediamond.de/
You’re welcome! I’m glad to hear this post was helpful & inspired you to read the books you have! I completely agree reading is de-stressing & a great way to unwind.
I love this post. I think reading is already a priority for me but I’m going to share this with a couple of friends I know who are struggling. Very well laid out post.
Thanks! That’s wonderful you already prioritize reading & that’s great you’ll share the post with your friends
These are all great reasons why we should spend more time reading. There’s a genre for everyone and it allows us to either use our imagination or learn something new. I also love that there are book clubs online! It’s always nice to discuss books because you can see other’s perspectives or what you might’ve missed. Thank you Karalee and Jenny for this post!
You’re welcome! I agree there is a genre for everyone whether they want to learn about history or travel to a magical world. I’m definitely interested in joining an online book club because it is fun to talk about the books you’ve read.
I really enjoyed this article! I, too, was the kid who always checked out the max number of books at the library and voraciously read through them and ran back to get more ASAP.
Reading is a wonderful, relaxing, soothing thing to do. I think one of the reasons that it works so well for relaxation is that you can’t multitask while you do it. While focused in on reading a book, your brain gets into the flow the same way it does while doing creative hobbies—and flow is scientifically proven to be good for your brain!
Anyway, thank you for the nice article. I was just thinking about how I need to schedule reading time in during the new year this morning, and then this comes up on my feed… Thanks, serendipity. ♥
That’s great you were a voracious reader too!
I completely agree. When you’re reading, you can completely focus on the book & not worry about social media or anything like that.
Yes it’s always good to schedule some time for reading!
What a great post. This is my goal this year. I love reading and used to finish a book in a day. After kids I buy books that end up never even opened.
I hope you can achieve your goal of reading more this year!
I feel the same. I bought so many books after I had my daughter, but there’s only a small amount that I’ve actually sat down & read
One thing I need to do this year is to get back into regular reading again, I seemed to have stopped and I just haven’t had the time! A great post x
Lucy | http://www.lucymary.co.uk
Thanks! Hopefully you can get back into regular reading! If you don’t have time to sit down & read, I would definitely recommend trying out audiobooks.
I love reading! And these are all great reasons why to prioritize it. Thanks for sharing this guest post- I love Jenny’s blog!
You’re welcome! I’m glad you love reading too & Jenny’s blog is amazing!
I Love reading as well. there were times that I was in a slump at some point, I love how you inspiring me to continue my reading journy thanks for sharing this.
You’re welcome! I’m glad to hear you love reading too & we’ve all been in a slump before.
This is a great post, reading is fascinating, inspiring and de-stressing, for me the books are really friends. Thanks for sharing.
You’re welcome! I’m glad to hear that reading is de-stressing for you!
I can certainly understand the benefits of reading books, but I’ve never really enjoyed reading, largely because of my dyslexia. I also don’t have a very good inner eye, so reading fiction can be really dull. How’s your inner eye?
As such, my reading is generally limited to news and psychology journals
I have physical and visual disabilities and use a screen reader on my iPad (VoiceOver) to read books out. This makes for a relaxing experience. It’s also useful for articles, blog posts and large papers. I pick something short if I don’t want a novel, like a short story or some articles.
Ah I understand how having dyslexia can make reading unenjoyable.
Usually I can picture the story when I’m reading so I would say I have a good inner eye.
There’s no problem with that!
Love this, one of my goals for 2022 was to read more! I definitely love the fact it gets you off your phone more because I feel like that’s my bad habit!
Courtney x
c0urrtney.blogspot.co.uk/
Being on my phone & laptop is a bad habit of mine too but this year I plan to set some time aside to read more!
Reading is one of my favourite hobbies but I don’t always have time to read with uni. I try to read before bed, to keep off my phone as you said. Love the reasons x
I love reading too but I often don’t have time either because of Danish classes, blogging & being mother. I do need to set some time aside to read this year.
Reading is a great love of mine that has taken a back seat for a long time because of other stuff going on; I really want to make time for it and get back into it. It is a great stress reliever and way to practice some self-care. Thanks for the reminders!
Same here. I’ve always loved reading since I was a kid, but with everything going on, I haven’t had the time I would like to read, but I want to change that this year!
I totally agree with the reasons and tips.
Since the coming of the new year, I’ve re-joined a writing community and was quickly greeted with a book to review. Suffice to say, it opened my mind and now I want more.
Anyhow. Happy new year!
That’s great you’ve rejoined the writing community & you sparked your interest in books!
Happy new year to you too!
This is a great post. I love books and agree they help you travel when you can’t. I always do the Goodreads Reading Challenge and have reviewed lots of NetGalley books since 2016. I agree books are a great way to relax,
I completely agree! I do the Goodreads challenge too & it’s a great way to keep track of books I’ve read.
I’m behind on reviewing NetGalley books heh
NetGalley books do take longer but I have found so many good authors and books I like. Goodreads is great for tracking. The groups on there are fun too. It’s a shame they only ship to the US for book giveaways now.
It is a shame the giveaways are only for the US when there are many people worldwide who use Goodreads!