As you know at Once Upon a Book Club, we are all about books, and for us, reading is one of life's greatest pleasures. It's a way to escape from reality and travel to exotic destinations – it's how we regain our sanity after a long day or hectic week. Sometimes life gets in the way, and we get caught up running kids to school, cooking, and juggling work, but we always try to take the time to read. It is an essential part of our lives.

For those of you who are battling to get started or to find that all-important balance, we've got a few tricks up our sleeve to help get you back on track and make reading a regular event. You deserve that much-needed "me" time! We've been known to sneak our book into the bathroom – there is something quite decadent about reading in the bath, and we love a bit of decadence.

Make it a Priority

One of the main reasons we struggle to make reading a habit is that we don’t make it a priority. We tend to make time for the things that we consider important, so if we want to make reading a regular part of our lives, we definitely need to prioritize it. Just like working out or eating healthy, making time for reading has to be intentional. It's not going to happen unless you make it a priority.

We know how hectic life can be, but try and set aside a specific time each day for reading and make it a non-negotiable part of your routine. It can be as simple as reading for 20 minutes before bed or during your lunch break at work. When you make reading a priority, you won't believe the difference it will make – it falls in the same category as that evening glass of wine! Turn off your phone, close the laptop, and settle in with a good book. You'll be surprised how quickly the time flies by!

There is always time

There is always time, just ask any bookworm - we are known for our ability to squeeze in a few pages just about any and everywhere. Take advantage of those few spare minutes while you wait for the kids to come out of school or for the timer on the oven to go off. We are renowned for having a book close at hand, no matter where we are. When asked what we have been doing, we love saying we were reading all day; it was bound to happen!

Mix it up

Reading the same genre over and over again can get pretty boring before you know it – a clear sign is when those true crime novels no longer make you nervous, or that inevitable first kiss leaves you yawning. So try mixing it up and read a variety of genres, from romance novels to thrillers, memoirs to historical dramas. This always keeps things interesting! If you're unsure where to start, ask friends or family for recommendations or check out our incredible book box subscriptions. We'd probably choose the latter, but then we're biased.

Find Your Happy Place

Reading is all about comfort and relaxation, so find a spot where you can get lost in a good book. This could be a cozy corner in your bedroom (we're definitely under the duvet types), a sunny spot in the garden, or your favorite couch. Find a place where you can read in peace and comfort, and make it your go-to happy place. You'll look forward to reading more, and we have the perfect bookish accessories to take your happy place to the next level!

Join a Book Club

Joining a book club is an excellent way to make reading into a social event while keeping you on track with your reading. There is something glorious about discussing books with friends and getting a different perspective on the same story. Not only will you discover new books, but it's also a fun way to meet new people who share your love of books! If there isn't already a book club at your local library or community center, start one yourself! All you need is a few friends and some good reads.

And if the thought of leaving the house for those book club meetings doesn't appeal, simply join ours and sign up for our monthly box boxes, which are always filled with the latest novels and exciting surprises. Plus, our Facebook Community is like having a book club with friends from around the world, and you can do it all from the comfort of your couch.

Make Reading a Part of Your Self-Care Routine

Reading is a great way to take care of yourself. It's a chance to escape from the stress and chaos of daily life and lose yourself amongst the pages of a good book. So, make reading a part of your self-care routine – we happen to think it is just as important as your retinol face cream and has far more aging benefits – less stress equals less wrinkles.

Whether it's reading a few chapters before bed, taking a book to the park for an afternoon of relaxation, or even going on a reading retreat, make sure you carve out time to indulge in some quality reading time. Not only does reading help you relax and unwind, but it will also give you a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. Congratulate yourself on putting yourself first for once! We'll try not to use this one too often, but it's time to be shelf-ish!

It's essential

Making reading an essential part of your life is all about making it a priority, mixing it up, finding a happy reading spot, joining a book club, and making it a part of your self-care routine. Whether you're looking to escape from reality, learn something new, or simply have fun, reading is a great way to do it. So, pick up a book, find a comfortable spot, and get lost in a great story.