Bringing Back DEAR in 2026

How reminiscing about elementary school helped me make my 2026 resolutions

Over the past couple of years, my reading habits have started to look a lot like my scrolling habits. I read in fragments, ten minutes here and there, whenever I have time between errands, emails, and whatever else life has me caught up with. I pull out my Kindle while waiting in line at the grocery store or while waiting for my pasta water to come to a boil. I am reading, but not in a way that I feel is meaningful.

A few weeks before Christmas break, I caught myself daydreaming about big blankets, fireplaces, hot chocolate, and reading all the books. I wanted nothing more than to read slowly and peacefully, without work, errands, or mental clutter.

Around the same time, I reconnected with an old friend who works in education. We found ourselves deep in conversation about recent curriculum changes, kids these days, and what we missed most about our days in elementary school. Then it came up. DEAR.

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If you’re unfamiliar, DEAR stands for Drop Everything And Read. From as early as I can remember, DEAR would appear once or twice a month on my elementary classroom schedule, and I was giddy with excitement every single time. For a 10-year-old, DEAR wasn’t just reading; it was the ultimate freedom. For 30 glorious minutes, we were allowed to put our feet up on the table, sit on the floor, or even steal our teacher’s chair (if she was feeling generous). Comfort was encouraged with no limitations.

We were never assigned books. In fact, we were encouraged to visit the library that day or even bring something from home. It never felt like something we were forced to do. And in that quiet room filled with twenty kids, all absorbed in their own worlds, I remember feeling a kind of calm that I don’t feel very often in my adult life.

Between this conversation and my cozy Christmas reading fantasies, I started thinking… Why don’t I put in the effort to give myself that kind of reading experience now?

Sure, making a warm drink and taking time out of your day to read sounds lovely, but it is an effort. And effort isn’t always tempting.

But some things are worth it.

Doing things intentionally, slowing down, and creating meaning allows us to be in the present and enjoy the moment. Slowing down to make things better is exactly what I am looking to do this year. Less scrambling to get 5 pages in at the Safeway self-checkout line, and more settling into a book with purpose.

It also feels impossible to ignore how much our attention spans have changed. We are living in the age of ten-second entertainment through reels, constant notifications, and endless dopamine hits that train our brains to expect instant gratification. It’s no wonder sitting still with a book can feel harder than it used to. That’s exactly why dedicated distraction-free time matters. Reading without interruptions isn’t just about feeling cozy and happy; it helps rebuild focus, patience, and the ability to stay present.

So, I am officially bringing DEAR back in 2026 and inviting you to do the same. The best part? There are no real rules. Everyone’s DEAR time will look different. But here’s how I am making it work for me:

Make a Fun Beverage

Whether it’s Lipton tea, a glass of water, or a freshly brewed pot of chai, a drink sets the tone and helps signal to my brain that this is intentional time.

30 Minutes Minimum

Reading ten minutes at a time throughout the day works, but it’s not the same. Just like how three scattered ten-minute walks don’t equate to a 30-minute run, I want a dedicated 30 minutes to truly be able to immerse myself in a story.

Do Not Disturb

If phones had existed during our elementary school DEAR sessions, we definitely wouldn’t have been allowed to check them! My phone goes into another room or is set to Do Not Disturb.

Get Comfy

Blankets, oversized pillows, couch, bed, patio, whatever feels good. Let your body relax while your mind escapes.

Schedule the Time

It doesn’t have to be the same time every day, but it may require some planning ahead. I would love to be able to DEAR every morning before work, but in reality, some days it will have to be pushed to another time. The routine is what makes it stick.

The More, the Merrier

A partner, friend, a toddler, or even a shared reading hour with people who live far away, reading together allows us to find peace with each other. This one is probably the hardest one to implement, and it won’t happen all the time, but when it does, it will feel magical.

I hope this January newsletter inspires you to bring DEAR back into your own life. It’s a 2026 resolution I am shouting from the rooftops because it is something I am genuinely excited about, and something I want to make permanent.

Here’s to dropping everything and reading!

- Neha

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Last week, Shruti shared her resolutions for 2026. Plus some other past newsletters you may enjoy!

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