I just can't stop reading

Submitted by Wind_onmyface t3_zuxtmk in books

I always wanted to be that person who reads but I could never bring myself to finish any book I started reading. I would read a few pages and then would never pick up that book again even if I wanted to.

Then one day I decided to give a fiction book a try because I really liked it's blurb and never for a second I thought to put the book down . Since that day it's been 2 years and I have read many many fiction books. I love reading now. I have also read many fantasy books. I know it's an escape from reality but reading fiction really makes me happy.

The problem is when I am not reading I'm finding something to read and when I'm reading any book I can't put it down until I finish it and it's really affecting my studies and work . I am always reading something and I can't stop. Even if I do decide to take a break , it makes me feel worse and I'd still keep researching what I could read next.

I like to read but I only want to read during free time and not always. I would like to focus more on other important things in my life . How do I get rid of this habit? Can any of you relate?

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Comments

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apickyreader t1_j1lv7mn wrote

This is how I was when I was younger. Every spare moment I would pull my book out. And it got me in trouble because I just couldn't, wouldn't stop. I think I grew out of it. Also telling myself that it will still be there tomorrow. Plus, sometimes I wound up not having anything else to read because I'd spent a lot of time reading the night before when I should've been sleeping.

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audiomagnate t1_j1lvgau wrote

Your "affliction" was common before the internet took over our lives. As long as you're not reading while driving or flying a passenger plane I wouldn't worry about it. Consider yourself lucky and enjoy!

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tolkienfan2759 t1_j1m2rwu wrote

huh... never been addicted to anything so it is actually kind of hard to relate, sorry. Maybe take up drinking, instead? lol but seriously, read Brandeis, by Melvin Urofsky, or Tinderbox, the past and future of Pakistan, by M.J. Akbar. Read something that teaches you something and I bet you'd a) slow down and b) find that your mind is a different shape afterwards - maybe enough different to let you take control.

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boxer_dogs_dance t1_j1me8ct wrote

Maybe consult a productivity subreddit or read a book like Eat that Frog. Reading is an amazing hobby but learning to be self disciplined is part of adulting effectively. Any habit can be a problem if you don't manage it.

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Remishh t1_j1oe8xa wrote

Not a helpful comment from me sorry, but curious what genre you read and what books specifically?

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IllMongoose4605 t1_j1osoex wrote

I personally don’t see the issue here. Having a passion/hobby/ way to spend leisure time is good for one’s mental health. Maybe this is your brain’s way of telling you that you need more regular breaks from/ stricter boundaries with the “important” things.

As an aside, this level of interest in a hobby is very normal for so many people! Every brain is different— this could be a passing phase for you or a new lifelong obsession. Either way, theres nothing wrong you.

Happy reading 💖

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