I don’t know about you, but I find that one of the worst feelings in the world is feeling like schoolwork is getting in the way of reading With exams looming (eek!), lots of us are starting to think about revision, but how do you revise and read at the same time without exploding?

1. Get into a routine

Revision timetables are always useful to use, but make sure you slip time to read into them. If it’s written down, you’re more likely to stick to it and it will mean you have something to look forward to. Also, reading timetables are so much more exciting than revision timetables 😉

You can also revise at the same time each day and then read for the rest of the time. I’ve got into the habit recently of reading at least a chapter of the book I’m reading before bed. It doesn’t matter what time it is, I’ll read and then I have something to look forward to at the end of each day. It’s time to de-stress, relax and get lots of words read!

2. Make reading a reward

Done twenty minutes of revision? Reward yourself with ten minutes of reading! It makes it so much fun, and you’ll find yourself being a lot more productive just so you can squeeze your reading time in.

I also like to throw chocolate rewards into the mix if I’m really struggling, but usually I end up eating the chocolate first before any revision has been done…

3. Don’t read.

Sometimes I find that if I don’t read anything, I’m more likely to read more when I finally do get around to reading. It sounds counterintuitive, but it works! Abandon books for a week and come back feeling fresh and ready to read!

4. Throw all revision out of the window and READ.

I usually try to do this at least once a month where I binge read millions of books for an entire weekend. In fact, this is usually my favourite way to read because it means I’m so engrossed that I pretty much forget to do anything else. I think other people may get annoyed with me though when I ignore them for long periods of time… It’s just you and your books and it gives you a well-deserved break too.

5. Find out what works for you

Everyone’s brain works differently, so figure out how you work best. For some people, reading is totally out of the question, but I find that if I don’t read I go just a tiny bit insane. My brain works best with words in it! Experiment, try new things out and listen to your heart.