Struggling to get into the habit of reading? Try this ‘couch to 5k’ for books

The Reading Agency is keen to change that, launching a new ‘couch to 5k’ initiative for new and lapsed readers called the Road to Reading.

Far from being a meaningless hobby, studies have linked reading with higher self-esteem, better mental health, social and personal change, sparking curiosity and a desire to connect to others.

According to research, adults who read for 30 minutes a week are 20% more likely to have greater life satisfaction, 52% more likely to feel socially included and 57% more likely to have better awareness of other cultures.

If you used to read more but struggle to carve out the time for it now, or are newer to reading, this initiative encourages people to read for at least 30 minutes every week over a 10-week period.

Regular readers are invited too, so they can log their reads.

For those taking part, The Reading Agency will be sharing weekly tips, advice, and reading recommendations and more, to help people along the way.

There will also be ideas for shorter reads from the Quick Reads series, and social media imagery for people to share their progress.

Calling it a ‘valuable tool’, the organisation hopes it’ll get the nation reading more regularly.

Louise Pentland, World Book Night Ambassador, said: ‘Whether you are a regular reader, or are keen to fall back in love with reading, then the Road to Reading is perfect for you.

‘This wonderful initiative organised by The Reading Agency highlights the importance of regular reading, and the crucial difference it makes to our wellbeing.’

Sign up is open from today, with the challenge officially starting on World Book Night, during the Reading Hour (7-8pm) on April 23.

For more information, please visit worldbooknight.org.

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