How to Read a Book without Falling Asleep

When I was younger, I would get into bed with a good book and read for five hours straight. It was better than sex. However, now that I'm no longer a spring chicken, I fall asleep on my book in five minutes or less. This is a terrible disappointment to an avid reader. I even fall asleep if I read sitting up in a chair. I know my grandmother is looking down and laughing at me, because I used to laugh at her for doing the same thing. I'll share a few tricks that I've developed to stay awake longer than five minutes.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Book

1. 

   If at all possible, do your reading in the morning, perhaps while you're having your cup of coffee, or after the kids are off to school if you're a stay at home parent. I knew a lady who would read while she took her morning walk. I would rather look at nature while I'm walking, but you might like this method. Just be sure to walk on the sidewalk, and stop at the corner to look for traffic before crossing.

2. Sit in a stiff back chair at the table. Sitting in your easy chair has the same effect as lying in bed. Eat something nutritious like an apple while you're reading. Or drink an ice cold drink. Make sure it's not too warm in the house. Open a window if it isn't winter.

3. Read on a bench at the park. The backless seat and fresh air will keep you awake. Meet a friend at Barnes & Noble or Borders. I used to do this with my friends before I moved away. We'd have coffee and talk for a while and then we'd each get a book and read sitting in the cafe.

4. Buy audio books or check them out from your library. I listen to a book while running errands, cleaning house, or driving. It's great to get through a book, and get all your work done at the same time. I find housework less detestable if I can listen to a book at the same time.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure the book you're reading is motivating and fun. A very funny book that's out now is Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man by Steve Harvey. Click the link in resouces to preview it.
• Don't read while you're cooking dinner. You'll burn it. I speak from experience.

Resources

• http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=wwwehowcom04e

[inkwolf]

on 3/22/2009 I never could get the hang of audiobooks...being a fast reader tends to make one an impatient reader. Still, many good tips. 5*

[nerovondrake]

on 3/22/2009 I got to show this oneto my son great job keep them comming

[turtledove]

on 3/21/2009 I read print books in bed, AND audiobooks, which means I'm often reading two books at once! I try to mix fiction and non-fiction.You have an entertaining writing style. (Thanks. I want to know how you burned dinner while reading.) 5*

[emcsims]

on 3/21/2009 Haha, great tips! I'm going to share these ideas with my high school students...they just love fallling asleep while reading :)

[veryirie]

on 3/16/2009 But I really enjoy falling asleep while reading a book! :) Good tips here!