Seasonal Reading Rhythms

I find that sometimes my reading feels stagnant and needs a refresh; sometimes I get stuck in a rut, reading the same types of books, and need to change it up. If you struggle with this, too, building seasonal rhythms into your reading life can help. Our reading shouldn’t look the same in Winter and Summer, Spring or Fall, and while it will look different for everyone, I think there are a few key ways we can build these rhythms into our lives.

1. Read a certain type of book during certain seasons. A classic example of this is “beach reads” during Summer. In Fall I love a cozy mystery or a reread of a favorite series. Winter is the perfect time to binge read a lot of fiction. I tend to feel a new energy in Spring that prompts me to read lots of nonfiction. You may find yourself drawn to different sets of books during different seasons; this is where, again, paying attention to your reading through reading logs and journals can help you notice what you’re naturally drawn to in different seasons. The way my schedule feels will also often determine what I’m reading: if our schedule feels jam packed with little margin, I’m probably going to read a lot more fiction because my brain simply can’t handle anything else. Sometimes I will even decide from October-December that nonfiction is off-limits; this takes away some of the decision making around what I read during a season that is already full to overflowing between the holidays and back-to-school craziness.

2. Consider where you can build a specific reading rhythm into your day. If you’re wanting to read more and struggling to know how to make it happen, I would encourage you to think where you can build a reading rhythm into your day. And notice I’m being careful not to use the word habit or goal here; yes, we probably hope that reading will become a habit, and, yes, we can absolutely set goals around our reading. But I have found that when I consider a rhythm it takes a lot of the pressure off. A rhythm doesn’t always have to be done; technically, neither does a habit or goal, but if you are a perfectionist like me that is probably hard to accept. So think about your current season and consider where reading would best fit into your day. In the Fall I love to read in the afternoons, when it’s a little chilly outside (and inside), and I can cuddle up with a cup of coffee and a cozy blanket. In the Summer I might take a book outside while my kids play in the yard. In Spring I’m probably going to read in small pockets of time because I’m itching to be outside and active after the long Winter, whereas in Winter I’m probably just going to pick up a book anytime I have a free moment because there’s not a lot else to do and it’s cold and dreary. Again, think about what makes sense for your own life, and only try something different if what you’re doing isn’t working.

3. Incorporate seasonal elements into your reading. Fall is absolutely my favorite season, so this is when I probably do this the most. From pumpkin creamer in my coffee, to my favorite Fall blanket, to lighting a Fall-scented candle, these kinds of things add an atmosphere to our reading that takes it to the next level. We’ve all experienced the joy of curling up with a book when it’s pouring buckets of rain outside, right? I usually feel the same on snowy days, too, and I love to keep my curtains open so I can appreciate the rain/snow while reading. In Fall and Winter months I also make sure that I have good lighting with a floor lamp nearby. Think about what it makes it feel like that particular season and take one small step to incorporate it into your reading time.

4. Don’t forget about the kids! Our kids need seasonal reading rhythms, too, even if it’s just a stack of picture books that you only pull out during that season. Or maybe you have a special drink or snack during read alouds that are only enjoyed during that season? Hot chocolate in Winter, smoothies in Summer, pumpkin muffins in Fall, lemonade in Spring, etc. We sometimes change up our read aloud location in different seasons, too: snuggling on the couch with a book is perfect in Winter, but it’s equally fun to spread a blanket outside in Summer and read.

If you’re like me I’m betting you love creating a seasonal home, especially in the Fall and Winter. Just don’t forget to tend to your reading life this season, too!