Reading Tips for Busy Adults: How to Make Time for Books
Hey, Well Read Baddies!
We know how hectic life can get, especially this time of year with the holidays right around the corner. Finding time to read can feel like a challenge (literally the whole point of why we made this show lol). But don’t worry – we’ve got you covered with some practical tips to help you make reading a part of your busy routine. Whether you’re juggling work, family, or other commitments, these tips will help you carve out time for your favorite books.
Set Realistic Goals
Start small and set achievable reading goals. Instead of aiming to read a whole book in a week, try either reading a chapter a day or even setting a reading timer. This way, you’ll make steady progress without feeling overwhelmed.
Create a Reading Schedule
Just like any other important activity, schedule your reading time. It could be 15 minutes in the morning with your coffee, during your lunch break, or before bed. Consistency is key, so try to stick to your schedule as much as possible.
Carry a Book Everywhere
Having a book with you at all times makes it easy to sneak in a few pages whenever you have a spare moment. Whether you’re waiting for an appointment or commuting, those little chunks of time add up.
Use Audiobooks
We love audiobooks in this house!! Audiobooks are a fantastic way to enjoy books while on the go. Listen to them during your commute, while doing chores, or even during a workout. They’re a great way to multitask and fit more reading into your day. Shameless plug to try out libro.fm and use our code SHEWELLREAD for a free audiobook with membership sign up!
Join a Book Club
Being part of a book club, like ours, can motivate you to read regularly. The accountability and the excitement of discussing a book with others can keep you on track and make reading more enjoyable. You can even join our online book club community in the Bookum app!
Combine Reading with Relaxation
Reading can be a great way to unwind. Pair it with other relaxing activities, like sipping a cup of tea, taking a bath, or lounging in a hammock. This way, you’ll associate reading with relaxation and look forward to it.
Be Selective with Your Books
Choose books that genuinely interest you. If a book isn’t grabbing your attention, it’s okay to put it down and try something else. Reading should be enjoyable, not a chore. Also, remember, DNF’ing (did not finish) a book is OK!! Why waste time trying to struggle through a book when you could pick up something else and maybe come back to it later or give it to someone else who may enjoy it.
Mix it Up
Another great way to fit more reading into your busy schedule is by diversifying what you read. It doesn’t always have to be a book! Articles, magazines, blogs, and even podcasts, like ours, that include book excerpts or discussions totally count. We’re all about celebrating all forms of reading on the show because we know that life can get hectic. Sometimes, a short article or a quick magazine feature is all you need to spark new ideas or learn something interesting. Whether it’s a deep dive into a long novel or a quick scroll through your favorite online publication, it all contributes to expanding your mind and keeping your love of reading alive. Remember, it's not about what you read—it's about the joy of reading in whatever form works best for you!
Track Your Progress
Keep a reading journal or use apps like Bookum and StoryGraph to track your progress and stay motivated. Seeing how much you’ve read can be incredibly satisfying and encourage you to keep going.
Buddy Up
Reading with a buddy can be a game-changer when it comes to staying motivated and making time for books. Whether it's a close friend, family member, or even someone from the She Well Read community, having someone to discuss books with keeps you accountable and makes the reading experience even more fun. You can share recommendations, set small goals together, or even start a mini book club where you both read the same book and chat about it. Plus, it’s a great way to bond and keep each other inspired to make reading a priority, no matter how busy life gets!
We hope these tips help you find more time for reading in your busy life. Remember, it’s all about making small, consistent changes that fit your lifestyle.
Happy reading!
XOXO,
Lana and Sam
📸: Ochuko Akpovbovbo | @reading_aesthetically on Instagram | author of ‘as seen on’ newsletter on Substack
