How to Make Time to Read More
You can view my disclosure here.
I hear people say all the time that they donโt have time to read. And honestly, I get it. Life feels busy, everyoneโs tired, and itโs way too easy to end the day thinking, โIโll read tomorrow.โ
But reading doesnโt actually require huge chunks of free time or a perfectly calm schedule. Most of the time, itโs just about how we use the little pockets of time we already have.
Iโve always loved reading. Ever since I learned how, Iโve been a total bookworm โ and even now, reading is still one of my favorite ways to relax. It helps me slow down, sparks my creativity, and feels like a mental reset in a way that scrolling just… doesnโt.
And if you donโt love physically reading, thatโs totally fine too. Audiobooks absolutely count. Stories are stories.
A lot of people say they want to read more, but it keeps getting pushed aside for other things โ social media, TV, random internet spirals, you name it. That doesnโt mean reading isnโt important to you. It just means it hasnโt found a comfy place in your routine yet.
So if you love the idea of reading more but feel like you never have time, here are a few simple, realistic ways to make it fit into everyday life.
Set small, daily reading goals
If reading isnโt already part of your routine, start small. Like… really small. A chapter a day. Ten pages. Even five pages.
Trying to read for an hour a day right out of the gate usually doesnโt last. But small goals are easy to stick to, and once reading becomes something you do every day, itโs way easier to keep going. Some days youโll read more, some days less โ both are fine.
Read in the morning or before bed
This is one of the easiest ways to read more without changing your schedule.
In the morning, try reading a few pages while you wake up instead of immediately grabbing your phone. At night, reading a bit before bed can be a really nice way to unwind instead of scrolling or watching TV until youโre half asleep.
Even ten minutes here and there adds up faster than you think.
Keep a book with you
One of the biggest things that helped me read more was realizing I didnโt need to carry a physical book everywhere. I read a lot on my phone or iPad, which means I can read whenever Iโm waiting โ at appointments, in long lines, during car rides, or anytime Iโd normally be scrolling.
Whether itโs a physical book, an e-reader, or an app on your phone, having something to read nearby makes a huge difference.
Be a little more mindful about mindless scrolling
Iโm not anti-social media at all โ but cutting back on mindless scrolling has given me so much more time to read. When Iโm not automatically opening apps, Iโm way more likely to pick up a book instead.
You donโt have to delete everything or set strict rules. Even swapping one scrolling session a day for reading can make a noticeable difference over time.
Pair reading with something you already do
This is where habit stacking comes in, and itโs honestly so effective. Basically, you attach reading to something you already do every day.
You could read while eating breakfast, during your morning coffee, or while walking on the treadmill. Audiobooks are especially great for this too โ think chores, errands, or walks.
When reading is part of an existing routine, it stops feeling like another thing you should be doing and just becomes part of your day.
Reading doesnโt have to be all-or-nothing. You donโt need hours of free time or perfect focus. A few pages here and there still count โ and over time, they turn into finished books.
