How to Develop a Reading Habit – Practical Tips for Busy Pakistanis
In a fast-paced world dominated by smartphones and social media, cultivating a reading habit can feel like a challenge, especially for busy professionals, students, and parents in Pakistan.
Yet, reading is one of the most rewarding habits you can develop. It sharpens your mind, reduces stress, and expands knowledge—whether you’re reading Urdu novels, English bestsellers, or self-help books.
If you’ve always wanted to read more but struggle to find time, this guide is for you. Here are practical, science-backed tips to help you build a sustainable reading habit—even with a hectic schedule.
My Reading Journey – From Digest Jokes to a Mission for Pakistan
I still remember how my reading journey began—with the funny joke boxes in Jasoosi Digest. Those small, lighthearted snippets hooked me instantly. Gradually, my curiosity grew, and I started reading short stories from the same digest.
Over time, my appetite for stories expanded. I moved to longer stories, then eventually finished an entire digest in a week. That’s when my reading habit truly took root. Soon, I discovered the depth of Islam, Urdu Adab (literature), and English literature, and books became my lifelong companions.
Today, I’m an avid reader on a mission—to inspire more Pakistanis to fall in love with reading. That’s why I created Reader to Leader, a platform to promote readership across Pakistan and make books easily accessible, delivered right to your doorstep.
If I could transform from a casual joke reader to a book lover, so can you! Start small, stay consistent, and let books change your world.
Why Should Pakistanis Read More?
Before diving into the how, let’s address the why:
✅ Career Growth – Reading improves vocabulary, critical thinking, and communication skills (essential for jobs and exams like CSS, PMS, IELTS).
✅ Mental Wellness – Just 6 minutes of reading reduces stress by 68% (University of Sussex study).
✅ Cultural Connection – Urdu literature (e.g., works by Ashfaq Ahmed, Bano Qudsia) keeps you rooted in Pakistani heritage.
✅ Better Sleep – Unlike screens, books help you unwind before bed.
Now, let’s get to the actionable steps.
1. Start Small – The 10-Minute Rule
Many Pakistanis abandon reading because they set unrealistic goals (“I’ll finish a book every week!”). Instead:
- Read just 10 minutes daily (with tea/after Fajr/before bed).
- Use a bookmark to track progress.
- Example: If you read 10 pages/day, you’ll finish a 300-page book in a month!
Pro Tip: Keep a book in your work bag, car, or bedside table for easy access.
2. Choose Books That Match Your Lifestyle
Not all books work for everyone. Pick based on:
- Time Available?
- Busy professionals → Short stories (“Manto Ke Afsane”) or self-help (Atomic Habits).
- Students → Subject-related books or motivational reads (The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People).
- Language Preference?
- Urdu readers → Peer-e-Kamil, Shahab Nama.
- English readers → The Alchemist, IK’s “Pakistan: A Personal History”.
Try this: Visit Reader to Leader’s curated collection for personalized recommendations.
3. Replace Screen Time with Reading Time
The average Pakistani spends 5.76 hours daily on phones. Reclaim some of that time:
- Swap social media scrolling with reading during commutes (via Metro/waits at clinics).
- Use the “20-20-20 Rule” – After 20 mins of screen time, read for 20 mins.
- Delete one entertainment app (e.g., TikTok) and replace it with a physical book.
Bonus: Reading physical books before bed improves sleep quality compared to screens.
4. Join a Book Club or Challenge
Accountability works! In Pakistan:
- Online: Join Facebook groups (e.g., Pakistani Readers Corner).
- Offline: Check if your local bookstore (like Reader to Leader) hosts meetups.
- Challenges: Try “1 Book a Month” or # BookReadingChallenge.
5. Make Reading Social & Rewarding
- Gamify It: Track progress with a “Books I’ve Read” journal or Goodreads.
- Discuss Books: Share takeaways with family/friends.
- Reward Yourself: Finished a book? Treat yourself to a new one!
Pro Tip: Pair reading with a habit you already love (e.g., reading with karak chai).
6. Overcome Common Excuses
| Excuse | Solution |
|---|---|
| “No time!” | Read in short bursts (e.g., 10 mins in the bus, hospital while waiting). |
| “Books are expensive.” | You spend more on mobile phone recharges |
| “I lose focus.” | Try small and interesting books |
Final Thoughts: Your First Step Starts Today!
Building a reading habit doesn’t require huge changes—just consistency. Start with one book, set a small daily goal, and gradually increase.
Ready to Begin? Explore These Bestsellers at Reader to Leader:
📖 Atomic Habits (for habit-building)
📖 Peer-e-Kamil (Urdu spiritual fiction)
📖 The Power of Now (mindfulness)
“Read today, lead tomorrow—every book is a stepping stone to greatness.“
Visit https://readertoleader.store to find your next read!
Tell us why you didn’t build a reading habit and what stopped you from making one. What’s the first book you’ll pick up? Comment below!
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