Habit #3: Be Reading a Book (or Several)

It's so easy to reach for the phone. I pick up my cell when I'm bored, when I need to feel productive, when my mind is racing, when my mind is too slow–in sum, I use my phone more often than I'd like to. Something I have found helpful in reducing my screentime and actually putting me at ease is reading.

Having a book to come back to in moments where I would like to have something to do but also rest is great. Picking up where I left off in the book gives me something to look forward to. Plus, reading helps me get on the treadmill, have interesting conversations, learn all the time, and feel accomplished when I finish a book, or multiple that I rotate through during a period of time.

Having a good book can also help facilitate prayer and thinking. St. Teresa of Avila would often bring a book to prayer, and this would help her talk to God. In the same way, when thoughts are stuck, sometimes reading can bring inspiration for a project at work or a difficult conversation that needs to be had.

The third habit for grounding life in it's crazies and busies is reading a book or several. Carry them with you, listen to them in audio format, and reach for more books and less screens.