How to Make Time to Read More
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I hear people say all the time that they don’t have time to read. And honestly, I get it. Life feels busy, everyone’s tired, and it’s way too easy to end the day thinking, “I’ll read tomorrow.”
But reading doesn’t actually require huge chunks of free time or a perfectly calm schedule. Most of the time, it’s just about how we use the little pockets of time we already have.
I’ve always loved reading. Ever since I learned how, I’ve been a total bookworm — 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… doesn’t.
And if you don’t love physically reading, that’s 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 — social media, TV, random internet spirals, you name it. That doesn’t mean reading isn’t important to you. It just means it hasn’t 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 isn’t 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 doesn’t last. But small goals are easy to stick to, and once reading becomes something you do every day, it’s way easier to keep going. Some days you’ll read more, some days less — 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 you’re 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 didn’t need to carry a physical book everywhere. I read a lot on my phone or iPad, which means I can read whenever I’m waiting — at appointments, in long lines, during car rides, or anytime I’d normally be scrolling.
Whether it’s 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
I’m not anti-social media at all — but cutting back on mindless scrolling has given me so much more time to read. When I’m not automatically opening apps, I’m way more likely to pick up a book instead.
You don’t 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 it’s 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 — 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 doesn’t have to be all-or-nothing. You don’t need hours of free time or perfect focus. A few pages here and there still count — and over time, they turn into finished books.
