Reading is one of those things that I have enjoyed my entire life. But as I got into high school, I found I ditched the books for my phone, laptop, tablet etc. 

I stopped reading because I felt it 'required too much effort' and I 'couldn't be bothered', excuses which I used to tell other people off for. Because I stopped reading, I realised I eventually became uninspired and dull. My love for writing and English also diminished, which was quite shocking because I used to love the two. 

For the people out there who don't read, you don't know what you're missing out on! Reading is one of the best ways to escape, learn and explore your own creativity. It's very calming and reduces stress. There is nothing like it in the world. No TV, computer, phone or any other device will ever take the place of words on a page that create a story. 

If you really want to start reading more (which you totally should!) but can't bring yourself to, keep reading for my 7 tips that will help you enjoy reading! 

1 | SIGN UP FOR GOODREADS 

If you're unaware of Goodreads (how????) it's a site that has practically every book imaginable. It's a community where everyone who has signed up can track their books and make 'want to read' lists so they know what books to chase up. After reading a book, it also allows you to leave a review, which other people can come and read. Similarly, it allows you to read other people's reviews. It also allows you to be 'friends' with authors and even your own friends. 

I recommend signing up for it for whomever wants to get into reading because it allows you to find books from different genres and gives great recommendations. As you finish each book, you can add it to your 'read' list and add a review and give it a rating. 

I have challenged myself with reading 50 books in 2016 on Goodreads and now, each time I add another book to my 'read' list, I tick one more book off that challenge. It helps me stay motivated to keep reading and encourages me to participate and leave reviews. 

A fun idea is to grab all your friends and make a pact to read more, sign up and help each other stay on track. That way, after you finish a book (you could all read the same one!) you can all share your opinions and ideas on the ending. (A good one to read for this is Eleanor And Park by Rainbow Rowell - that book has such a controversial ending but in the best way possible!)

The public library is one of my favourite places! I love borrowing books from there because it means I can read tons of books and get to return them in the end so I don't end up with an overflowing shelf. It's also free to sign up! 

I think it's a brilliant way to discover good books to read. If you can't find anything you like on the shelf, request one of the librarians for help. They're usually super nice (unlike the one's in the movies that always tell you to shh!) and have some awesome recommendations. 

The key to doing anything right is research. Honestly. 

And the same goes with reading. If you have no idea where to start reading, research some genres you think you'll be interested in and see what books are the most popular there. Otherwise you could hit up some reading blogs to see good recommendations and reviews. 

If you need some books to read, check out these links: 8 Must Reads This Winter & All The Bright Places Book Review & Everything, Everything Book Review & The Young Elites Book Review 

What gets me really inspired and excited to start reading is a reading nook! It could be a space on the floor with lots of cushions or a chair or a spot on the sofa. 

It'll encourage you to read more often and it'll help you not get distracted while reading cause it's away from your bed, technology and TV. 

Not sure if other people do this but sometimes, I just keep putting off reading. I keep convincing myself it will take too much time and effort and I have other things to do but in reality, I can't just bring myself to start because once I start, I'll have to read the book because I don't like leaving things unfinished. 

However, I've recently just made myself to pick it up and read, even if it's just the first two pages. There is no real trick to start but just keep motivated and be excited to read it! You'll get hooked soon and won't be able to put it down! 

This may sound obvious but for a while last year, I would borrow stacks of books and never read them when I got home. 

It's important to take at least 15 minutes to read per day, even if you have to force yourself to sit down and do it. 

This is more for those people who don't enjoy reading and are forcing themselves to do it. If you're one of those people, reward yourself with something to eat, watch or do after you read a set amount. 

And if reading is your reward because you do love to read, keep reading!

What is your favourite book? Let me know in the comments below!