How to Stop Scrolling & Finish One Book a Week

Do you ever look at your phone and realize that forty-five minutes of perfectly good reading time has vanished into the void of mindless scrolling? You aren't alone. Believe me, I've been there more times than I care to admit. 

There was a time when I could easily breeze through over 100 books a year, but lately I've found myself landing at about half that. In today's world it is so incredibly easy to get distracted by the constant noise of notifications and the general chaos of daily life. We are all navigating the same digital noise, but I've found that finding your way back to your favorite stories doesn't have to require a total life makeover. Instead, it just takes a little bit of gentle focus and a cozy place to crack open your book.

I've put together a list of some simple swaps that have helped me carve out more time for doing more of what I love, reading. These small shifts in your daily routine are sure to help tackle that TBR pile and turn your reading goals into a reality. So with that, let's put down our phones and get back to the books we love!

Digital Detox & Boundaries

We all know the feeling: you sit down to read, but the second your phone screen lights up with a notification, your focus is thrown out the window. Reclaiming that time starts with setting a few gentle yet firm boundaries for yourself. Here are some of my favorite ways to do this.

• "Out of Sight Out of Mind" Rule: If your phone is close by, your brain is trained to subconsciously wait for it to buzz. To prevent this, try placing your phone in another room, or even across the room, while you read. You'd be surprised how quickly the urge to check it fades when it isn't within arm's reach.

• The Power of Do-Not Disturb: Go into your phone's settings and create a "Reading Focus" mode. By silencing everything besides your most urgent contacts, you then give yourself permission to fully disappear into a story without the guilt of an unread text hanging over your head. 

• The Reading Timer Method: If you're a clock watcher try setting a timer for 20 or 30 minutes strictly for reading. Treat it like an appointment with yourself, where you are allowed this allotted time to relax and just read your book. Knowing the timer is running helps you immerse yourself in the book without checking the clock, and will help you fly through those pages with less interruptions.

• The One Chapter Challenge: If setting a full hour aside for reading feels daunting, then instead just commit to one single chapter. Often, getting through those first few pages is all it takes to get hooked or drawn into a story. If you're still not feeling it after a chapter, then you can put it down and try something else next time.

Make it Fun

Once you've set your boundaries, the best way to stay motivated is to make the process actually fun. We all love a good dopamine hit, so why not get it from your TBR pile opposed to an app? Here's how to turn your reading time into something that brings you joy.

• Play a TBR Game: If you get overwhelmed by having to make choices (because there's so many amazing books out there), let a game decide for you! Whether it's a Reading Bingo Board or a TBR Jar, you're sure to be flying through those books in no time!

• Join a Reading Challenge: There is something so satisfying about checking off a box. Whether you are doing a personal "Read More Buy Less challenge" or a genre-specific bingo, having a visual as you achieve your goals helps you see how far you've come. You also can look online to see if there are any reading challenges going around that you could participate in.

• Track Your Wins: Don't just finish a book and move on, celebrate it! Logging your progress in a Reading Journal (see How To Start a Reading Journal Here) or checking off a book from your physical TBR list makes the achievement feel official. 

• Give Yourself Reading Perks: Treat your reading time like a mini date with yourself. Pair your reading experience with a special perk, maybe a seasonal latte, a cozy new candle, or a fancy snack board to munch on while reading. When you associate books with these little rewards, your brain will begin to crave that reading time even more.

Set the Scene for Your Reading Nook

Sometimes, the best way to stop scrolling and finally get some much needed reading time in is to make your physical environment so inviting that you can't wait to dive in. Your reading nook doesn't have to be a specific room, instead it's more about the ambiance you create surrounding you. Here is how to set the perfect reading mood.

• Light a Candle: There is something so intentional about lighting a candle. As if to say, my candle is lit, it's officially time to unwind and read. You can even choose a scent that reminds you of the setting of your book (for example, for a moody dark romance get a rain scented candle) to help ground you in the story.

• Get Cozy: Grab your favorite blanket to snuggle up with and find a comfortable spot to hunker down and really commit to reading your book. When your body is physically relaxed, your mind is much less likely to search for the fast paced stimulation of social media.

• Put on an Ambiance Video: If you are anything like me and don't like total silence while reading, then search YouTube for "Bookish Ambiance" videos. Whether it's a "Rainy Dark Academia Library" or a "Cozy Coffee Shop," the background noise and calming visuals are sure to help block out the distractions of the outside world.

• The Audiobook Pivot: Sometimes life happens and we have to multitask. If you have a mountain of laundry or a house to clean but you're also dying to get through your TBR, then try swapping to an audiobook. It allows you to tackle your chores while still "reading" so you can be productive without sacrificing your story time.

Reset with a Short or Easy Read

Sometimes the reason we are scrolling is simply that the book we're currently reading isn't clicking. When you're stuck in a slump, one of the best things you can do is reach for something light and easy to help you get your momentum back without any of the pressure.

• The Power of the DNF (Did Not Finish): Life is too short and our TBR piles are far too long to spend time on books we aren't enjoying. If you find yourself reaching for your phone because you're bored with your current read, then give yourself permission to DNF it. Put it down, walk away, and start a new book that actually excites you.

• Try a Palette Cleanser: If you just finished an intense dark romance or a lengthy fantasy series, then your brain might need a break. Try a palette cleanser, something in a completely different genre or a low-stakes story in order to reset your reading mood.

• Reach for a Novella: When you are struggling to finish anything, a 400 page book can feel like a mountain. Instead, grab a shorter read or a Novella. There is something so satisfying about finishing a whole story in one or two sittings, and can give you that little boost of momentum you need to jump back into your reading goals.

Final Thoughts: Finding Your Flow Again

At the end of the day, reclaiming your reading time isn't about being perfect or hitting a specific number of books read. Instead, it's about making room for the stories that make you happy. By setting boundaries for yourself and making your environment a little more inviting, you aren't just tackling your TBR pile. You actually are giving yourself the gift of a quieter, more intentional life.

So light your favorite candle, put your phone in the other room, and let yourself get lost in a new world. Whether you are checking off a square on your Reading Bingo Board, or finally finishing that novella you've been eyeing, remember that every page read is a win.

Happy Reading, and I'll see you in the Reading Nook! 

If you've read to this point what is the #1 book you’re determined to finish this week? Let me know in the comments!