I hear quite frequently “I would love to read more books, but I just don’t have the time.” And I get that, I do.
Life is busy and most of us have littles or a job or school–we don’t always have a whole bunch of free time. However, I think the key is to get smart about the time that you do actually have. That means reevaluating where you might fit reading in, and ultimately–deciding if you actually want to make reading a priority or not.
If you have decided that you do indeed want to make reading a priority, then here are several ways to make fitting books into your schedule both doable and practical.
Give Audiobooks a go!
Not everyone is an audiobook person. But if you don’t mind them then this might be a great way to squeeze more literature in!
I often listen to audiobooks while I’m cooking, cleaning up around the house, folding laundry, getting ready for the day, driving—anytime really! As a mama of two littles, I do frequently have to pause. Yet even still, 15 minutes or more (or less) here and there really adds up!
You can use Audible or other paid services, but I highly recommend Youtube for audiobooks or apps like Hoopla or Libby! (I personally use Hoopla–it uses your library card and you can “borrow” ebooks or audiobooks for absolutely free on your phone/device!)
Keep your book visible
Out of sight, out of mind. It’s true! Keep your book (or multiple) in your “spots”. In the kitchen, by your fave seat in the living room, by your bed, in your purse for when you’re waiting somewhere, or in the car. Wherever you frequently find yourself, there your book should be also 😉 This way, it is always readily available to you and you’ll be more likely to remember it and less likely to forget.
Put your phone down
I think for many of us our phones are our biggest distractions. When we have “a couple of seconds” or “a few minutes” it’s really easy to use that time to scroll. But you take all of those minutes during the day that you scroll and it really adds up. Imagine if you read two or three pages instead, ya might have a lot more time to read than you think!
There’s been times when I have realized that my phone was in the way of my other hobbies. I felt like I didn’t have time but really I did. I just needed to put my phone down to get that time. I came to the decision to be specifically intentional about grabbing my book to wind down instead of scrolling or reading a few pages in a free moment. And honestly, it made my reading become a habit too. But a good one, right?!
This is where keeping your book handy/visible is really helpful! Our phones tend to stay at arms reach, making it easier to grab at any given time. But try opting for your book instead now and then, you’ll be surprised at how much reading you can actually chip away at!
Set reading goals
If you’re a goal oriented person, then set some reading goals! Keep track of your TBR (To Be Read) through Good Reads or in a notebook. You could try choosing an easily achievable number of books you’d like to read per month, and keep adding one on as time goes on. (2 books? 3 Books? Or really jab at a competitive nerve and shoot for 10? Haha maybe not that many…but also maybe so????) You could even find a “reading buddy” to keep you accountable or set a similar reading goal to both work towards. For a goal minded or competitive person, this could be a fun way to get motivated!
Get inspired!
Find others who are big readers and give them a watch or a follow. Whether that be through Good Reads, Instagram (bookstagram), or Youtube (booktube). Not only is it fun to see what others are reading, their reviews, library picks, and book hauls–but it’s motivating and inspiring. Especially when they read bunches! This is a fabulous way to put new/interesting books on your radar or get a heads up for things you actually might not enjoy reading after all.
I recently discovered booktube this summer and I’m entirely hooked. I could watch book hauls/reviews all day. It’s so much fun but it really has inspired me in both my reading goals and book picks. I’ve read sooo many wonderful books this year per recommendation of my favorite booktubers. I know I’ve for sure read more books because I’ve been so motivated to read their recs!
Don’t wait for an ideal moment to read
Ahh yes, I can see it now. A hot cup of coffee, a rainy day, a cozy spot at home in the peace and quiet–don’t wait for that. By all means absolutely take the opportunities as they come, but don’t hold off your reading until then. Be willing to get a few pages in amid the chaos (mamas–I’m looking at you right now!). If you have to reread a page or only get two in–then you are still reading and you’re still making progress!
As a mama of two toddlers I admit the majority of the time it’s not easy to read. But I try anyway, and the more I try, the more successful I feel (and am) about it. I really think you can find your groove with reading around your littles, but you just have let go of any ideals and expectations. I just do what I can, when I can. Choose to be happy with what you can do instead of being frustrated with what you can’t.
And anyways, would you not rather your littles see you reading than constantly seeing you on your phone?
Designate a time
If carving out an intentional 15 minutes (or more!) is what’s going to ensure you squeeze your reading time in, then go for it! This could be a set time of day or something as chill as ust making a point to read before bed. This might not work for everyone, but it could absolutely work for some.
Make it a priority
If you want to read more books, well, ya gotta really wanna. You have to be willing to make space for it, cut some things out, and possibly make sacrifices. Reading is such a wholesome thing to prioritize and if you put forth your best efforts, you are sure to read more books than before!