How To Make Time To Read More When You Are Busy

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Have you been wondering how to make time to read? I’ve got you covered!

In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, carving out time to read can feel like a monumental task. As someone who’s navigated this challenge and emerged with a love for reading, I totally get it. My experience juggling work, family, and personal goals has led me to some insightful strategies that might just resonate with you.

I consider myself a professional reader in the book industry world and, I’ve picked up a tip or two that have been a huge help in my own reading life, and I’m excited to share these game-changers with you.

One of the simplest hacks? Always have a book with you! This way, you’ll find yourself squeezing in a few pages during those unexpected pockets of free time.

Another tip is to embrace different formats. Not every moment calls for sitting down with a paperback, but an audiobook can make commutes or chores more enjoyable and productive as you dive into a new story.

Let’s explore some practical strategies for reading more and make it seamlessly fit into your busy schedule.

Chapter Breakdown

11 Best ways for finding time to read

1. Always have a book with you

This might seem simple, but it’s honestly been a total game changer for me! When you always have a book with you, you’ll be more likely to sneak in a few pages during those moments of downtime.

Keep one in your purse or bag, on your phone as an eBook, or your Kindle with you for easy access to your current reads.

These can be moments like:

While waiting at the doctor’s office.
If you aren’t driving, you can read a book, or if you are driving put on an audiobook.
Read while you’re nap-trapped. (This is currently my fave since I have a newborn!)
Listen to an audiobook while doing household chores.
Flip through a book as your food cooks.
Listen to a book while in the shower.

You will be surprised at how fast you can get through a book when reading in these short bursts of time.

2. Set realistic reading goals

I love setting reading goals! This year, my goal was to explore more genres, and I’ve already ticked that one off. Your goal could be anything from wanting to read 5 books each month to visiting your local library at least once a month.

Whatever you choose, it’s sure to motivate you to read more, even on those days when you don’t quite feel like it. I would take a look at your current level of reading and then maybe shoot for a little bit more.

It’s important to have realistic goals. If you’ve only ever read 10 books a year don’t make your goal 100 books.

I also suggest making your goals SMART, so you can have an action plan. In From Busy to Bookish, I share some fun ideas for reading goals, but let me highlight a few favorites for you:

Try out 5 different genres this year
Dive into 1 reading challenge
Try a new non-fiction book
Set aside 15 minutes a day for reading
Attend at least 1 book event this year

3. Read different formats

Don’t limit yourself to just physical books. There are so many different formats out there, and you may find that some fit better into your schedule than others.

The other options include eBooks and audiobooks.

Right now I read way more on my Kindle but that may change as my kids get older. Experiment with different formats and see what works best for you.

4. Join a book club community

Joining a book club or a Facebook reading group can be a game-changer! It’s like having a bunch of book-loving friends to keep you motivated to read MORE. Plus, you get to share your thoughts, get recommendations, and maybe even discover genres you never knew you’d love.

👯‍♀️ You can join my Facebook group here.

5. Schedule it

Depending on your personality, creating a scheduled reading time might just do the trick! Personally, I love creating a daily schedule on my phone’s calendar and setting a little reminder. I like to set a reminder for early mornings to read before my kids wake up.

It’s kind of like having a personal assistant nudging you to dive into that book you’ve been eyeing. Trust me, being mindful of your time this way really helps you get in some more dedicated reading time!

6. Make it easier to read

Being a mom to a newborn and a toddler means I’m often stuck on the couch during nap time, scrolling through my phone.

I noticed my phone habits ramping up, so I decided to shake things up with my app organization.

I’ve tucked away social media platforms into folders on different screens and moved all my reading apps front and center on the first page. That way, diving into a good book is just a tap away! This is a really effective strategy especially if you have young kids.

The simpler something is, the more likely you’ll actually do it!

Whether it’s having the Kindle app right on your home screen or keeping your book close by, you’ll find yourself diving into those pages more often.

7. Limit distractions

This ties into the previous point but deserves its own spotlight. I dive into this in From Busy to Bookish because it’s super important!

Try cutting back on social media scrolling or TV watching. If you’re serious about reading more, it won’t feel like a sacrifice—it’ll actually boost your mood.

Personally, I feel fantastic after an hour of book reading compared to an hour of TV bingeing.

You can also turn off notifications on your phone with the Do Not Disturb (DND) feature, which will help create a better reading experience.

➡️ Reading Tip: If you have an iPhone you can create more Do Not Disturb options. I use their one for reading. You do this by going to your Settings –> Focus –>Select the + sign in the corner –> Select Reading –> Then hit Create Custom Focus. From there you can choose what notifications you want to come through. This makes it very easy to get into the reading mood!

8. Build your dream TBR

It could be possible that you are having a hard time reading more because your TBR is boring. Not everyone likes the same stuff, and that’s what makes our world so awesome, right?

Just because everyone’s diving into fantasy romance right now doesn’t mean you have to jump on the bandwagon if it’s not your jam.

Load up your reading list with books that resonate with your values and what you love. That way, when you grab your next read, you’ll be super excited about reading it!

This also means keeping it organized and not cluttered. This will speed up the process of finding books to read and making it way easier.

9. Read more than one book

One of my favorite hacks for diving into more books is super simple: read multiple ones at once!

I’ve got a whole blog post on this topic that you can check out, but the main idea is to mix up the formats or genres for the best experience.

So, maybe you’ve got an audiobook, an ebook, and a good old physical book all lined up. Or, you could mix it up by genre, like this:

Listen to a mystery thriller on Libro.fm
Get lost in a fantasy romance on your Kindle
Enjoy a rom-com with a physical book

By keeping them in different genres or formats, it’s easier to keep track of each story and not get them mixed up.

women writing in reading journal with coffee and candles

10. Track your progress

I think a lot of people forget about tracking their reading progress, but it’s super important! Especially if, like me, you’ve been reading almost daily for over a decade.

Keeping track of your reading can really motivate you to finish the book you’re on, save you from accidentally re-reading one (been there, done that!), and keep you excited about what’s next on your TBR list.

There are so many fun ways to track your reading! You could go with a physical reading journal, dive into Goodreads (my personal fave!), set up a spreadsheet, use Notion, or try out my free reading planner printable. ⬇️

Whatever you decide to do, stick with it! You’ll find that being consistent helps you make time to read, and you’ll love seeing your progress as you go.

11. Create a reading plan

Before you start your next book, take a minute to think about what you want to read next. Do you have a specific genre in mind? Have any of your favorite authors released new books recently?

Having a reading plan can help you avoid the dreaded “I don’t know what to read” slump and stop you from feeling overwhelmed. It also allows you to set goals for yourself and stay on track with your reading.

Plus, planning ahead gives you something to look forward to and get excited about. Maybe there’s a highly anticipated sequel coming out soon, or a classic that’s been on your TBR list for ages.

FAQs about finding reading time

When is the best time to read?

The best time to read really depends on your schedule and personal preference. If you’re an early bird, starting the day with a good book and a cup of coffee can be your thing. For night owls, winding down with a few chapters before bed might be more your style. Personally, I like to read early in the morning, then sneak in some reading throughout the day in small chunks, and then dive into a lot more once my kids are asleep at night.

The key is finding a time where you can consistently set aside even just 10-15 minutes to dive into your book.

This routine helps make reading a part of your day, whether it’s during your lunch break, commute, or a cozy weekend afternoon.

Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all, so find what works for you!

How to make a habit of reading books?

To make reading a habit, start small and set achievable goals. Try picking a regular reading time each day to read, even if it’s just for 10 minutes.

Keep books easily accessible, like on your nightstand or in your bag, so you can grab them whenever you have a free moment.

You might also consider joining a book club or participating in book challenges to keep your reading motivation high.

Most importantly, choose books that genuinely interest you. This way, reading becomes something you look forward to rather than an obligation. You can read more tips on building a reading habit here.

How to get in the mood to read?

Getting into the mood to read can be as simple as setting the right atmosphere and minimizing distractions. Create a cozy reading nook with good lighting, a comfortable chair, and maybe a warm beverage like tea or coffee.

Sometimes, playing soft music or white noise can help enhance your focus. It’s also helpful to disconnect from digital distractions by putting your phone on silent or in another room.

If you’re diving into a new book, reading reviews or summaries can pique your interest and make the initial chapters more engaging. Remember, it’s okay to try different strategies until you find what works best for you!

Did you discover how to make time to read?

Thanks for diving into these tips on finding more time to read! Life gets hectic, and finding those moments to indulge in a good book can feel like a challenge.

But remember, it’s all about starting small and making reading an enjoyable part of your daily routine. Whether you’re waiting for your coffee to brew or calling it a day with a chapter or two, make those minutes count.

By following the above tips you will have created a unique reading routine that works best for you!

If you’re ready to explore even more strategies and transform your reading habits to fit your busy lifestyle, check out From Busy to Bookish.

This guide is packed with ideas and practical advice to help you become a more consistent and passionate reader.

Happy reading, and here’s to discovering new worlds between the pages!