18 Ways to Make Time to Read
For much of this year, I was in a bit of a reading funk. I read a book here and there, but my time reading (normally, one of my favorite things to do) felt lackluster at best. Granted, earlier this year, I was also spending every waking moment with a five month old baby and a wild, two year old toddler. Of course I couldn’t find time to read! I was barely finding time to shower . . .
And I know I’m not the only one. Forbes actually found that 81% of Americans don't read as much as they'd like to, even though 85% believe reading represents an investment in themselves and their well-being. Not only that, but 55% only need fifteen minutes of reading to feel like they've accomplished something. So why can’t we find 15 minutes to spare?
There are plenty of reasons—much of which I’ve been battling. From T.V. time to doom scrolling to not knowing what to read, the list of excuses is endless. Not only was my TBR list getting higher and higher, but I also know that if I want to be a good writer, I also have to be a good reader. I have to make the time, but I also want to.
That’s why, the past few months, I’ve gotten really intentional about making time to read throughout my day. In fact, I’ve been reading one to two books a week—more books than I’ve ever read before!
What’s changed? How am I suddenly able to get through more books while still spending every waking moment with my now two toddlers? Here are 18 things I’m doing to make more time to read . . . I hope it sparks some fresh ideas and excitement in your own reading life:
Instead of scrolling on Instagram while you eat lunch, grab a book
Go to bed 20 minutes earlier and read until you’re sleepy
Wake up 30 minutes earlier and read while the house is still quiet
When you’re doing mindless tasks around the house (like laundry and dishes), put on an audio book
Instead of listening to music or a podcast in the car, listen to an audiobook
Take a book with you everywhere you go in case you get a chance to read (Kindle makes this easier)
Arrive to appointments 15 minutes early and read in the waiting room
Read while you walk on the treadmill or climb the stairmaster (I love doing this)
Read while you sit in a bath tub or sauna
Read in the car when someone else is driving (especially on long drives. Years ago, my husband and I had to drive from Tennessee to Florida a few times and I’d read the Harry Potter books out loud while he drove—it was so much fun)
Let your spouse have the remote and read instead (at least you’re still in the same room together!)
Set a goal (minutes or page numbers) and use the Goodreads progress tracker to keep track, it’s so satisfying to update
Don’t finish books you’re not enjoying! Why waste precious time? Plus, you’ll read more slowly and you’ll be less motivated to pick up the book
Join a book club for accountability or find a friend who will read the same book as you
Go to a coffee shop with a book and leave your phone in the car/at home
Figure out what you like to read and explore that genre far and wide. Find your favorite authors and fellow fans, the more fun this world is, the more you’ll want to be immersed in it. Don’t read what others like to read, read what YOU like (i.e. you won’t find me reading much romance)
Read to and with your kids (especially if they’re older)
If you have toddlers like me, teach them to play independently when you’re reading. You’ll probably have to do this in short spurts in the beginning, but the more you tell them, “Mommy/Daddy is reading right now, find a toy or a book and play until I’m finished,” the more they’ll learn to leave you alone and they’ll learn to enjoy reading time as well! Both of my toddlers (even the 15 month old) grab a book these days and find a comfy seat on the couch when they see me reading.
Reading is a worthwhile endeavor and a wonderful legacy to leave your children. You’ll be sure to experience tension in the beginning. After all, new habits are hard to start (and bad habits are hard to kick), but once you get into a good rhythm and find books you actually enjoy, I promise it will get easier.
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