From therapy to running and conversing with strangers, we asked experts what the basics are of starting anything new

The hardest part of any new habit or activity is starting it. Do you need special equipment? How do you know if you’re doing it right? What are the basics, and how do you take your practice to the next level?

In the series How to start, we ask experts to break down how to start, well, anything – including running, dating, cooking and lucid dreaming.

Why start reading for fun? Among its numerous benefits, studies have found that reading fiction specifically can make people more empathetic, less stressed and protect cognitive function in later life.

Three tips to get started: