In today’s fast-paced world, finding time to read books can feel like an insurmountable challenge. Between work, family, social obligations, and the constant pull of digital distractions, carving out moments for reading often falls to the bottom of the priority list. Yet, reading remains one of the most enriching activities, offering knowledge, relaxation, and personal growth. If you’re someone who loves books but struggles to find time to read, this guide provides practical strategies to help you read more, no matter how busy your schedule.
Why Reading Matters
Before diving into the strategies, it’s worth reflecting on why reading is worth prioritizing. Books offer a unique opportunity to expand your perspective, deepen your understanding of complex topics, and escape into different worlds. Fiction can boost empathy by allowing you to inhabit the minds of diverse characters, while nonfiction provides insights into history, science, and human behavior. Reading also sharpens critical thinking, improves focus, and reduces stress. Studies suggest that regular reading can even enhance cognitive function over time, keeping your brain agile and engaged.
For busy individuals, the challenge isn’t just about wanting to read; it’s about making it a sustainable habit. The good news is that with intentional planning and small adjustments, you can integrate reading into your life without feeling overwhelmed. Here’s how to do it.
1. Reframe Your Mindset About Reading
One of the biggest barriers to reading more is the belief that it requires large chunks of time. Many people think they need hours of uninterrupted focus to make progress in a book, but this isn’t true. Reading is a flexible activity that can be adapted to fit even the busiest schedules.
Start by letting go of the idea that you must finish a book quickly or read for long stretches. Instead, view reading as a cumulative process. Even 10 minutes a day adds up to significant progress over weeks or months. For example, reading 10 pages a day translates to about 12 average-length books in a year. Reframing reading as a series of small, manageable moments rather than a time-intensive task makes it feel less daunting.
Additionally, give yourself permission to enjoy reading without pressure. You don’t need to read “serious” literature or finish every book you start. Choose books that spark your interest, whether they’re light novels, thrillers, or nonfiction on topics you’re passionate about. When reading feels like a reward rather than a chore, you’re more likely to make time for it.
2. Integrate Reading Into Your Daily Routine
The key to reading more is to weave it into the fabric of your day. Identify pockets of time that are often underutilized and turn them into reading opportunities. Here are some practical ways to do this:
- Morning or Evening Rituals: Start or end your day with a short reading session. Reading for 10 to 15 minutes in the morning can set a calm, focused tone for the day. Similarly, reading before bed can help you unwind and transition away from screens, potentially improving sleep quality.
- Commute Time: If you commute by public transportation, use that time to read. E-readers or paperbacks are easy to carry, and audiobooks are a great option for drivers or those who prefer listening. Even a 20-minute commute each way adds up to 40 minutes of reading time daily.
- Waiting Periods: Life is full of small moments of waiting, whether at the doctor’s office, in line at the grocery store, or while dinner is cooking. Keep a book or e-reader app on your phone handy for these moments. Over time, these brief sessions accumulate into substantial reading progress.
- Lunch Breaks: If you get a lunch break at work, dedicate 10 to 20 minutes to reading. This can be a refreshing mental break from work tasks and a chance to engage with a story or idea.
To make this easier, always have a book accessible. Carry a physical book in your bag, download e-books to your phone or tablet, or have an audiobook queued up. The less effort it takes to start reading, the more likely you are to do it.
3. Leverage Audiobooks for Multitasking
Audiobooks are a game-changer for busy people. They allow you to “read” while doing other tasks, such as driving, exercising, cooking, or cleaning. Platforms like Audible, Libby (for library audiobooks), or Spotify offer vast selections of titles across genres. Many public libraries provide free audiobook access through apps, making this an affordable option.
To get the most out of audiobooks, choose narrators whose voices you enjoy, as a good narrator can enhance the experience. Also, experiment with playback speeds. Many listeners find that 1.2x or 1.5x speed allows them to cover more material without sacrificing comprehension.
Audiobooks are particularly effective for nonfiction or lighter fiction, where deep concentration isn’t always necessary. However, if you’re listening while multitasking, be mindful of choosing books that don’t require intense focus to follow. Save complex narratives or dense nonfiction for dedicated reading time.
4. Set Realistic Reading Goals
Setting specific, achievable goals can motivate you to read consistently. Instead of aiming to “read more,” define what that means for you. For example, you might set a goal to read one book per month, 20 pages per day, or 30 minutes per week. Tailor your goals to your schedule and adjust them as needed.
Tracking your progress can also keep you motivated. Use a notebook, app, or spreadsheet to log the books you’ve read or the pages you’ve completed. Apps like Goodreads allow you to set annual reading challenges, track your progress, and discover new titles based on your interests.
If you’re competitive, consider joining a reading challenge with friends or an online community. For example, Goodreads groups or social media challenges can create a sense of accountability and make reading more social.
5. Minimize Distractions and Digital Overload
Digital devices are one of the biggest obstacles to reading. Social media, streaming services, and endless notifications compete for your attention, making it hard to focus on a book. To read more, create boundaries around your screen time.
- Designate Device-Free Time: Set aside specific times of the day when you put your phone on “Do Not Disturb” mode or leave it in another room. Use this time to read without interruptions.
- Replace Screen Time with Reading: Identify moments when you reflexively reach for your phone, such as during a coffee break or before bed. Replace that habit with reading a few pages instead. Over time, this small swap can lead to significant reading time.
- Curate Your Environment: Create a reading-friendly space at home, even if it’s just a cozy chair with a lamp. Keep books visible on your nightstand or desk as a reminder to read. A physical book in sight is a stronger cue than an app buried in your phone.
6. Choose the Right Books for Your Lifestyle
Not all books are suited for a busy schedule. Long, dense tomes might feel overwhelming if you only have short bursts of time. Instead, opt for books that align with your availability and energy levels.
- Short Books or Anthologies: If time is tight, choose shorter books (under 200 pages) or collections of essays, short stories, or poetry. These formats allow you to read in bite-sized chunks without losing the thread of a narrative.
- Page-Turners: Books with fast-paced plots or engaging writing styles can be easier to stick with when you’re tired or distracted. Thrillers, mysteries, or popular fiction often pull you in quickly, making it easier to return to them.
- Mix It Up: Alternate between genres or formats to keep reading fresh. For example, pair a nonfiction book with a light novel, or switch between audiobooks and physical books to suit different parts of your day.
If you’re unsure where to start, ask for recommendations from friends, librarians, or online communities. Websites like Goodreads or BookTok on social media platforms can also help you discover books that match your interests and time constraints.
7. Join or Create a Reading Community
Reading doesn’t have to be a solitary activity. Joining a book club or discussing books with friends can make reading more engaging and hold you accountable. Many libraries, bookstores, and online platforms host book clubs that meet in person or virtually. If you can’t find one that fits your schedule, start an informal group with colleagues or friends, where you discuss a book over coffee or via group chat.
Sharing your thoughts about a book can deepen your appreciation and motivate you to keep reading. Even casual conversations about what you’re reading can spark excitement and encourage you to make time for the next chapter.
8. Be Flexible and Forgive Yourself
Life is unpredictable, and some weeks will be too hectic for reading. That’s okay. The goal is to make reading a consistent part of your life, not to adhere to a rigid schedule. If you miss a few days, don’t abandon your habit altogether. Just pick up where you left off and keep going.
It’s also fine to abandon a book that isn’t working for you. If a book feels like a slog, switch to something else rather than forcing yourself through it. Reading should be enjoyable, not a source of stress.
9. Use Technology to Your Advantage
While technology can be a distraction, it can also enhance your reading habits. Here are a few tools to consider:
- E-Readers: Devices like Kindle or Kobo allow you to carry thousands of books in one lightweight device. They also offer features like adjustable text size, built-in dictionaries, and progress tracking.
- Reading Apps: Apps like Libby, OverDrive, or Kindle let you borrow or buy e-books and read them on your phone or tablet. Many also sync your progress across devices, so you can pick up where you left off.
- Reading Trackers: Apps like Bookly or StoryGraph help you track your reading time, set goals, and analyze your habits. Some even provide stats on how much time you’ve spent reading or how many books you’ve completed.
- Text-to-Speech: If audiobooks aren’t an option, some e-readers and apps offer text-to-speech features that read e-books aloud, which can be useful for multitasking.
10. Celebrate Your Progress
Finally, take time to acknowledge your achievements, no matter how small. Finishing a book, reading for a week straight, or discovering a new favorite author are all worth celebrating. Reflecting on what you’ve learned or enjoyed from a book can reinforce the habit and make reading feel rewarding.
Consider keeping a reading journal to jot down thoughts about the books you’ve read. This can be as simple as noting a favorite quote, summarizing the plot, or writing how the book made you feel. Over time, this journal becomes a record of your reading journey and a source of motivation to keep going.
Conclusion
Reading more books as a busy person is entirely possible with the right strategies. By reframing your mindset, integrating reading into your routine, leveraging audiobooks, setting realistic goals, and minimizing distractions, you can make books a meaningful part of your life. Choose books that excite you, connect with a reading community, and use technology to streamline the process. Most importantly, be patient with yourself and enjoy the journey. With small, consistent steps, you’ll not only read more but also rediscover the joy and fulfillment that books bring.