In today's fast-paced world, it often feels like there's never enough time in the day. Many of us are juggling work, family, and personal commitments, and it can seem impossible to find a moment to read. As a book lover and organizer of a world-famous book club, I understand how easy it is to push reading to the side when life gets busy. But reading is a gift that allows us to escape, learn, and grow. The joy of immersing ourselves in a good book is something that brings comfort, insight, and inspiration. When we read, we not only entertain ourselves but also expand our minds and nurture our creativity. That’s why it’s worth making time for books, even when life feels overwhelming. It doesn’t have to be a huge commitment—small, consistent moments of reading can add up to a lot over time.
If you’ve ever thought, “I just don't have time to read,” you’re not alone. But with a few simple adjustments, you can create space for books in your daily routine. You don’t have to set aside hours at a time. In fact, reading for just a few minutes here and there can be incredibly rewarding. It’s about making reading a priority, even in the busiest of days. Whether it’s scheduling reading time, reading during breaks, or using audiobooks while on the go, there are many ways to fit in reading without feeling overwhelmed. The key is to start small, be consistent, and find what works best for you. Let’s explore how we can all make more time for reading and continue to enjoy the wonderful world of books.
Schedule Your Reading Time
One of the best ways to make more time for reading is by scheduling it just like any other important task. In our busy lives, we often find time for work, meetings, or other commitments, but reading can easily be pushed aside. I’ve learned that when I treat reading like a priority, rather than a luxury, I can always find time for it. For example, I started setting aside 30 minutes each morning before my day begins. It wasn’t much, but it made a huge difference. You can also try scheduling reading time during lunch breaks, while commuting, or before bed. The key is consistency. By planning your reading time, you turn it into a regular part of your routine. You’ll quickly realize that even small moments of reading add up over time, helping you read more without feeling overwhelmed.
Another helpful tip is to set a realistic goal for how much you want to read each day or week. This goal doesn’t need to be big; even reading a few pages or a chapter a day can make a difference. You might want to set a goal like reading for 15 minutes each day or finishing a chapter every two days. Having a goal gives you something to work toward and helps make reading a habit. As you check off your goals, you’ll feel a sense of accomplishment that will motivate you to keep going. Just remember to keep it flexible, as life can sometimes get in the way. The idea is to keep reading a regular part of your routine, and soon, you’ll find that you’re reading more than you ever thought possible.
Utilize Short Breaks Throughout the Day
One of the easiest ways to find more time for reading is by taking advantage of shorter pockets of time throughout your day. Many of us have brief moments during the day when we’re waiting for something or taking a break, and these can be perfect opportunities to dive into a book. Whether it’s waiting for a friend to arrive, waiting in line at the store, or during a lunch break at work, you can grab a book or an e-reader and get a few pages in. I’ve found that these short bursts of reading, while small in the moment, can add up to a lot over time. At first, it might feel like it’s not enough, but when I look back, I realize that these moments are what helped me finish a book during a busy week.
Another time to think about is during your commute. If you take public transportation, riding the bus or train gives you a perfect chance to read a few chapters. Even if you’re driving, audiobooks can be a great way to enjoy a story without taking up extra time. These moments of the day are often when we don’t have much else to do, so why not make the most of them? Even if you only have 10 to 15 minutes, you’d be surprised at how quickly those minutes add up over the course of a week or month. The key is to make the most of those in-between times, so they don’t go to waste.
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that reading doesn’t always need to happen in long stretches. Sometimes, all it takes is finding those small moments throughout the day. In fact, these 10-15 minute bursts of reading can help you stay engaged with the book and make progress without feeling overwhelmed. Before you know it, you’ve finished a chapter or two, and your reading habit is growing steadily. You’ll find that making use of these small windows of time can make reading feel more doable, no matter how busy life gets.
Combine Reading with Other Activities
Another great way to make more time for reading is by combining it with other activities you already do. For example, you can listen to audiobooks while exercising, cleaning the house, or even cooking dinner. I started doing this a while ago, and it’s amazing how much more I’ve been able to read without adding extra time to my schedule. Multitasking in this way helps me keep up with my reading goals, even on busy days. Some of my most productive reading moments happen when I’m walking, doing laundry, or washing dishes. These tasks don't require much thought, so I can easily focus on the story in my audiobook. It’s a simple way to fit in extra reading time without feeling like you’re missing out on anything else. So, get creative with how you use your time. You might just find that combining reading with other daily tasks helps you finish books faster while still accomplishing everything else you need to do.
Making time for reading is all about prioritizing it in your day-to-day life. We all lead busy lives, but when we carve out small moments to read, those moments add up. It doesn’t have to be a long reading session; even just 10 or 15 minutes a day can make a big difference over time. What matters most is the consistency. Reading becomes a part of your routine, and soon enough, it feels natural. So, think about how you can make reading a habit, even in the busiest of times.
I’d love to hear your own time-saving reading tips! What little changes have helped you find time for books? Whether it’s a unique strategy or just a small adjustment to your day, your tips can inspire others to start making reading a regular part of their life too. Let’s keep the conversation going and continue celebrating the joy of reading, one page at a time.