Losing (and rebuilding) the Reading Habit
I used to devour books. Forty a year, at least. My shelves groaned under the weight of stories, ideas and characters that had shaped my mind for as long as I could remember. Then something changed. Weeks passed without picking up a single book. The sight of my once-beloved novels filled me with guilt rather than excitement. I told herself I was too busy, too tired, too distracted… but deep down, I knew something had shifted in my brain. Why had reading, an activity I once adored, become so difficult? And more importantly, how could I get it back?
Determined to understand, I turned to… science!
The Neuroscience of Losing (and Rebuilding) the Reading Habit
Reading isn’t just a hobby, it’s a workout for the brain. Neuroscientists have found that when we read, multiple regions of the brain light up, from the visual cortex (processing the words on the page) to the prefrontal cortex (making sense of complex ideas). Engaging in deep reading also strengthens the brain’s default mode network, which plays a crucial role in imagination, empathy and self-reflection.
But in today’s fast-paced, digital world, our attention spans are under siege. Studies suggest that the constant bombardment of notifications, short-form content and dopamine-driven scrolling can rewire our brains, making it harder to engage in sustained reading. Neuroplasticity - the brain’s ability to adapt - means that if we neglect deep reading, those neural pathways weaken. Essentially, the brain stops recognising reading as a rewarding activity and starts craving quick hits of information instead.
The good news? Just as we can lose the habit, we can rebuild it.
Psychology’s Take on Forming (or Reclaiming) a Reading Habit
Psychologists have long studied habit formation, and reading is no exception. Research by James Clear and Charles Duhigg suggests that habits are built through a loop: cue, routine, and reward. For me, the struggling reader, the problem was that my old cues - curling up with a book before bed - had been replaced by scrolling on my phone or watching Netflix. The trick to reigniting my love for books was to reintroduce strong cues and make reading feel rewarding again.
One powerful psychological tool is temptation bundling - pairing reading with an activity already enjoyed. I started allowing myself a cup of my favourite tea only when I was reading, creating a positive reinforcement loop. Another approach was reducing friction; I carried a book everywhere, ensuring it was easier to start reading than to look at the phone. Finally, setting small goals helped. Instead of trying to dive into a 500-page novel, I committed to just five pages a day. Soon, five pages turned into ten, then twenty, and before I knew it, I was hooked again!
The Hidden Benefits of Reading
Science has plenty to say about why rebuilding a reading habit is worth the effort. Studies have shown that regular reading improves cognitive function, enhances emotional intelligence and even increases lifespan. A Yale study found that book readers live, on average, two years longer than non-readers - perhaps because reading keeps the brain engaged and reduces stress levels.
Reading fiction, in particular, has been linked to greater empathy. When we immerse ourselves in a character’s perspective, our brains activate the same neural circuits we use when understanding real people. Essentially, fiction serves as a simulator for social interactions, helping us navigate complex emotions and relationships more effectively.
Fun Facts About Reading
Did you know that people who read literary fiction perform better on tests measuring theory of mind - the ability to understand others’ thoughts and feelings? Or that reading a physical book (as opposed to an e-book) improves information retention because the brain creates spatial landmarks on a page? Even the smell of old books has been scientifically studied - compounds like lignin break down over time, producing a scent similar to vanilla.
The Return to Books
For me rebuilding the habit was slow at first, but science had given me the tools to push through. I swapped scrolling for intentional reading, reframed it as a reward and reminded myself of all the cognitive and emotional benefits that came with it. The joy of losing myself in a book returned - not overnight, but steadily, page by page.
And in the end, I didn’t just regain a habit. I reclaimed a part of herself.
