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Am I reading too much?

(79 Posts)
LaCrepescule Wed 12-Mar-25 19:44:46

I’ve always loved to read and since retiring I spend hours every day with my nose in a book. I have a healthy social life, am out walking every day with the dog and also volunteer but I can’t help thinking I should be doing something a bit more productive.
I know how good reading is for us but is it possible to read too much?

Taichinan Sun 16-Mar-25 17:40:15

I don't think you can read too much. I also don't think you should be doing anything else! Now in retirement is you time.

skate Fri 14-Mar-25 23:57:44

I love reading but for some reason, when I sit down in the daytime and start reading, within a very short time I cannot keep my eyes open and nod off. I have no idea why, I get sufficient sleep and my glasses are regularly upgraded. It's so annoying, I would love to read more but just can't stay awake. I am reduced to only reading in bed at night before I go to sleep. I do that every night, just wish I could enjoy a book in the daytime.

rocketstop Fri 14-Mar-25 14:51:43

LaCrepescule

I’ve always loved to read and since retiring I spend hours every day with my nose in a book. I have a healthy social life, am out walking every day with the dog and also volunteer but I can’t help thinking I should be doing something a bit more productive.
I know how good reading is for us but is it possible to read too much?

Reading is the most fantastic gift..us it or lose it ..as they say !

Sarahr Fri 14-Mar-25 14:44:38

You can never read enough. As long as you are keeping active there is no reason why you shouldn't read.

TerriBull Fri 14-Mar-25 13:35:12

There's no such thing as "reading too much" there's only not "just not reading at all". A personal choice of course, I can't imagine a life without books. Books have always been very important to me ever since my earliest trips to the library, I knew this was something I loved doing way back in the mists of time. I wouldn't expect everyone to agree but there's something wonderful in having a great book to read a source of joy. I wasn't bored as a kid, if I had nothing to do, I could lose myself in a book.

mabon1 Fri 14-Mar-25 13:22:05

Read if you want to.read do so There .was a programme on Radio 4 the other day saying that the average person readsjust 3 books a year. I simply could not believe the figure was so low.

LaCrepescule Fri 14-Mar-25 11:13:08

That’s so nice for your mum. Mine slowly lost her sight with AMD and she loved reading.

icanhandthemback Fri 14-Mar-25 10:34:06

Reading is the thing that has kept my mother with us in this world as she descends into dementia. We always used to joke that she couldn't pass the written word without stopping to read it but now we are relieved that something still keeps her engaged. Unfortunately, she sometimes believes what she is reading is real so we have to monitor her books because she can come distressed.

ViceVersa Fri 14-Mar-25 08:14:09

Books + music + dog = happiness.
With you all the way there!
As an only child, I was another who read anything and everything, from labels to encyclopaedia!

M0nica Fri 14-Mar-25 08:02:18

Books, magazies, books, newspapers, till slips, books, bus tickets, books.

There is no such thing as reading too much.

LaCrepescule Fri 14-Mar-25 07:40:15

Well, I’ve happened upon a tribe of like-minded souls. And a few of us have mentioned reading labels for fun when we were children, me too!
As I get older, I become more accepting
of myself. And if that means I see no-one all day (rare) and have my nose in a book, that’s OK.
I feel the same about music as I do reading - they’re as essential as breathing (as some of you have said about books.)
Books + music + dog = happiness.

grandMattie Fri 14-Mar-25 05:15:31

Absolutely not.
To me, reading is as natural as breathing…

Redrobin51 Thu 13-Mar-25 22:23:42

You are retired. Probably for the first time in your life you can please yourself what you do. If reading gives you enjoyment read to your hearts content. I've always loved reading and absolutely love that I can now give more time to it. So many books, so little time.x

Madmeg Thu 13-Mar-25 21:48:12

I only ever read on holiday - and can easily get through a decent book a day! At home I do puzzles - a real variety of different types. I maintain it keeps my brain healthy! But (apart from cryptic crosswords) most only take say 10-30 minutes so usually combine them with a bit of housework or attend to my volunteering duties as a Treasurer of three local charities. As soon as it's coffee time out come the puzzles again.

Deedaa Thu 13-Mar-25 21:14:25

I can't imagine reading too much. I have been known to have 3 or 4 books on the go but have lately slowed down to one at a time.

sodapop Thu 13-Mar-25 20:52:48

That's exactly what I do Patsy70 I have to rest between jobs now due to a health problem so I read a couple of chapters then start work again.

Patsy70 Thu 13-Mar-25 20:28:42

It is impossible to read too much. I only read in bed, night and morning, and when I wake up in the middle of the night. Couldn’t survive without!

Harris27 Thu 13-Mar-25 20:07:17

I retire Jan 2026 and that’s at the top of my bucket list!

pamdixon Thu 13-Mar-25 20:04:49

no such thing as reading too much I'd say! I read at least 2 books a week, and have done for years.

Truffle43 Thu 13-Mar-25 20:01:35

I am an avid reader and I think read when you want. You’re retired enjoy your pastime. I would say if it stops you going out or socialising then yes it would be a problem but it looks to me that what you’re doing is fine.

downtoearth Thu 13-Mar-25 19:45:48

I have a good balance, but always find time to escape into a different world, reading is as important as breathing to me, and at times been my only friend, my salvation.
Carry on reading for as long as you can .

grannyrebel7 Thu 13-Mar-25 19:34:51

Yes, I think you can read too much as you're then not living in the real world. I'm an avid reader, but I only read when I go to bed.

SillyNanny321 Thu 13-Mar-25 19:25:32

You can never read too much! I have a non fiction & a novel in the lounge. Then in my Bookroom with 100’s of books I have another non fiction to read. Then a lighter novel to read in bed! If I go out somewhere I always have a paperback in my bag. Addicted to reading? Me????

SaxonGrace Thu 13-Mar-25 19:17:53

I read every day, sometimes for hours, I’ve worked hard all my life, raised a family and now retired, I do as I please nowadays.
Enjoy whatever you please without guilt

grammargran Thu 13-Mar-25 18:29:55

No!