By the time I was in fourth grade I had read the Harry Potter series four times through, while also reading other young adult and teen books from the library. Now sometimes I struggle to make it through a chapter of a book that I would love to read.

Reading used to be my escape from the world, but now it feels more like a chore. A few months ago is when I really started to notice my lack of reading. Instead of reading I found myself busy with a full schedule, distracted by my phone, or just not feeling like it. I had never experienced a lack of wanting to read before in my life and immediately saw it as an issue.

I have since become determined to start reading more, and have come up with a few tips for anyone else who has found themselves in the same literature-less boat.

1. Make sure wherever you are trying to read is clean (or at least tidy).

If you are trying to read and you're surrounded by the laundry you need to do, papers that need to be organized, and floors that need to be swept you are going to be distracted by these things. Try to do a quick clean up in the room you like to read or try reading in a new area.

2. Buy a new book.

I know even as I type this I am making eye contact with the pile of books staring me down across the room, but sometimes buying a new book can give you the boost you needed to start reading again. If there is a new book out by your favorite author, or you want to go see a movie but want to read the book first this is a great want to launch back into your old reading habits.

3. Start off easy.

Once upon a time, I could tackle a 600+ page book in 3 days or less, but getting back into the habit of reading can be hard when you feel like the book is bigger than you are. If you start with smaller books it will be easier to set aside some time to read because the book itself won't take a large amount of time.

Starting small will also help get you into the habit of actually finishing the books you start, again as I make eye contact with a pile of started and forgotten books. Oops!

4. Let your phone die.

But what if something happens?!?

It won't, you will be fine, and you won't be distracted by the noises and beeps that emerge when Barbara next door lets you know for the fourth time that you need to repaint your side of the fence.

Not only that, but social media and online content can often seem more exciting than the beginning chapters of the book you are reading. Letting your phone die allows you to put it on a charger, go into the next room, and have some time free from the world where you and your book can have some bonding time.

5. Don't be discouraged!

I know it's cheesy, but seriously, if you feel strongly about reading and you want to start up a reading schedule it will happen even if it takes rearranging your schedule, trying weird tactics, or reading new genres of books. The important thing is that you are making an effort to do something you love, and if this thing also just happens to be great for your mind then that's just a plus!