Reading more often tops New Year resolution lists every year — and for good reason. From sharper emotional intelligence to better sleep and reduced loneliness, the benefits of reading are well-documented.
According to BBC Teach, even 30 minutes of reading a week can improve health and well-being. Yet for many adults, especially those who haven’t picked up a book in years, knowing how to read more can feel surprisingly overwhelming.
In 2026, reading is no longer about forcing yourself through worthy classics or dusty textbooks. It’s about pleasure, flexibility and finding formats that fit real life. And experts say it’s never been easier to start again — even if reading has never felt like it was “for you”.
Why reading feels harder than it should
For adults with dyslexia or ADHD, reading can carry emotional baggage. Kingston University experts Paty Paliokosta and Alison Baverstock explain that many people grow up associating reading with tests, pressure and failure rather than enjoyment. Over time, books stop feeling inviting and start feeling like work.
When reading becomes a performance rather than a pleasure, motivation drops. The good news? Small changes can make a huge difference — and there’s no single “right” way to be a reader.
How to read more in 2026 without forcing it
If sitting still with a paperback feels impossible, the solution may not be more discipline — but a different format. Audiobooks, for example, are booming in 2026 and are especially popular with people who struggle to focus.
Neuroscience research shows our brains process meaning almost identically whether we’re listening or reading, making audiobooks a legitimate and powerful way to read more.
Graphic novels, short fiction and books designed with accessible fonts and layouts are also transforming reading for neurodivergent adults. Publishers specialising in inclusive design are helping readers reconnect with stories without the strain.
And thanks to libraries offering free digital books and audiobooks, reading more doesn’t have to cost a thing.
Reading doesn’t have to be a solo hobby
Despite its quiet reputation, reading can be deeply social. The Reading Agency highlights how book clubs and shared reading experiences expand interpretation, spark conversation and introduce readers to genres they might never choose alone.
In 2026, that sense of connection often happens online. Communities like Reddit’s /r/books, virtual read-alongs and digital book clubs offer low-pressure ways to talk about what you’re reading — or even what you didn’t finish.
For many people, this shared experience turns reading into a source of connection rather than isolation.
Choose enjoyment over obligation
One of the biggest mistakes new readers make is picking books they think they should read. Professor Baverstock, who founded the charity Reading Force, has long championed the idea that enjoyment matters more than literary status.
Reading purely for pleasure boosts confidence and self-esteem, while forced reading often does the opposite. Romance, fantasy, celebrity memoirs or TikTok-famous novels all “count”. If it pulls you in, it’s doing its job.
Find stories that reflect your life
Representation matters — not just for children, but for adult readers too. Seeing your experiences reflected in fiction can be comforting, validating and even healing.
Many readers with chronic illness, for example, have found connection through novels like Coco Mellors’ Blue Sisters, which explores how long-term illness shapes family dynamics.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Marshmallows Were Once Medicine: The Ancient Origins Of A Modern Sweet Treat
BookTrust continues to stress the importance of inclusive and diverse literature, helping readers see themselves — and the wider world — in stories. In a year where personal wellbeing is front of mind, that sense of recognition can be the spark that makes reading stick.
For More, Follow SurgeZirc UK On Facebook, X, Instagram, and Bluesky
