Reading manga is one of the most enjoyable hobbies in the world. There’s nothing quite like getting lost in a beautifully illustrated story with complex characters and intricate plotlines. However, keeping up with your favorite series can be overwhelming, especially if you have a busy schedule.

Creating a reading schedule that actually works for manga requires careful planning and organization. In this post, we’ll explore the key steps to creating a successful manga reading schedule that fits your lifestyle.

Step 1: Identify Your Goals

Before you start planning out your reading schedule, it’s essential to define what you want to achieve. Do you want to catch up on a specific series? Finish a long-running series? Read a certain number of chapters per week?

Write down your goals and make them specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). For example: “I want to read 20 chapters of ‘Attack on Titan’ every week for the next three months.”

Step 2: Track Your Reading

The first step in creating a reading schedule is tracking how much you’re currently reading. Take a week or two to keep track of when and how long you spend reading manga.

You can use a spreadsheet, a planner, or even a mobile app like Manga Tracker to record your progress. This will help you identify patterns in your reading habits and determine how many chapters you can realistically read per day/week.

Step 3: Determine Your Reading Time

Now that you have an idea of how much time you spend reading manga each week, it’s time to determine when you’ll actually be reading. Consider the following factors:

  • Work or school schedule
  • Other hobbies and activities
  • Sleep patterns

For example, if you’re not a morning person, you might prefer to read after dinner or before bed.

Step 4: Plan Your Reading Schedule

Using your goals, tracking data, and reading time, it’s now time to create a detailed reading schedule. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Start with small, manageable chunks of time (e.g., 30 minutes per day)
  • Prioritize the most important series or chapters
  • Leave buffer days for unexpected events or changes in your schedule

For example: “I will read 20 chapters of ‘Attack on Titan’ every Monday and Wednesday at 9 PM.”

Step 5: Adjust and Adapt

As you start following your reading schedule, it’s essential to regularly review and adjust your plan. Life is unpredictable, and unexpected events can throw off even the best-laid plans.

Don’t be too hard on yourself if you miss a day or two; instead, focus on getting back on track as soon as possible. And remember, your goals are flexible - they can change over time.

Step 6: Use Technology to Your Advantage

There are many apps and tools available that can help you stay organized and on track with your manga reading schedule. Some popular options include:

  • Manga Tracker (iOS, Android): This app allows you to track your reading progress, set reminders, and receive notifications when new chapters are released.
  • Trello (Web): This project management tool lets you create boards for different series or genres and move cards representing individual chapters across lists as you read them.
  • Google Calendar (Web): You can use this calendar app to schedule specific times for reading manga each day.

Conclusion

Creating a reading schedule that actually works for manga requires careful planning, tracking, and adaptation. By following these steps and using technology to your advantage, you’ll be able to stay on top of your favorite series and enjoy the journey without feeling overwhelmed.

Remember, the key is to find a balance between your love for manga and the demands of your daily life. Don’t be afraid to adjust your schedule as needed, and always prioritize self-care and relaxation time. Happy reading!