One of the common questions I get is some version of “how do you make time to read?” or “how are you able to read so often?” For me, the answer is pretty simple: I make it a priority. Reading is something that I have always enjoyed and it’s something that I consciously make time for even when I am busy. Each month is different in terms of how much I’m able to read. Some months I am able to read more often than others, it just depends on how much I have going on and what I’m reading.
For me, reading is one of my favorite hobbies because it can be done anywhere and I find it to be very relaxing. There’s nothing better than getting sucked into a good book whether it’s fiction, non-fiction, a romance novel or a good thriller. Since I am an avid reader, I thought that I would share how I make time to read!
HOW I MAKE TIME TO READ
DON’T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT A BOOK | I am 100% the girl who always has a book with me wherever I go. Whether it’s an e-book on my phone or a physical book, I always have something to read if I’m waiting in a doctor’s office or stuck in traffic. You never know when you’re going to be stuck waiting, so it’s nice to have a distraction when it does happen! This helps me get a few pages in and prevents me from scrolling aimlessly on my phone.
SET GOALS | I solely read for fun and because it’s something I enjoy, but with that said, I do set yearly goals for myself. I try to be realistic in my goals and not over exert myself to the point where it feels like a chore. You can set a monthly goal, a yearly goal, or even a page goal. I set a yearly goal every year on my GoodReads account and it helps me keep track of what books I’ve read that year and if I’m on track to meet my goal. In 2017 I set my goal at 35 books and surpassed it (by one book!) and read over 13,000 pages. So far this year I’ve read 16 books and my goal is to read 40 books.
LESS PHONE, MORE BOOKS | I’ll admit, I spend WAY more time on my phone than I need to. In an effort to spend less time on my phone, I told myself that anytime I planned to scroll aimlessly on my phone I would read a few pages instead. It’s a great way to spend less time on my phone and get some reading in! By implementing this “rule,” I have successfully spent less time on my phone and have been able to read more books this year already!
MAKE IT A HABIT | Research shows it takes 21 days to form a habit. Try picking up a book every single day for 21 days, even if you only read a few pages each time. After those 21 days you’ll be more likely to pick up a book to read! I read every night in the bath and before bed.
ALWAYS HAVE A FEW BOOKS TO READ | My bookcase, and Kindle for that matter, are always overflowing with books that I want to read. Having a good amount of books that I want to read makes me even more motivated to keep reading so I can finish one book and move on to the next one that I’ve been wanting to read! I typically try to read one book on my kindle app and one physical book simultaneously, so in case I leave my physical book at home I still can read on my kindle app. Anytime I come across a book I want to read I add it to my “To Read” list on Goodreads!
READ BEFORE BED | I used to have the worst habit of being on my phone before bed. I would scroll through every social media channel before finally calling it quits and going to bed…later than I expected. Not only was scrolling on my phone keeping me up later, it was stimulating me and keeping me awake. Now I grab my book and read before bed. Even if it’s just a few chapters, I like to read before bed to relax and unwind. There’s been quite a few times that I’ve even dosed off with my book still in my hand haha 🙂
JOIN A BOOK CLUB OR THE LIBRARY | I’m part of a book club on Facebook and it’s great to have people to chat with about books you’re reading and even recommending ones you may like! If you want to read more, I highly suggest getting a library card. It helps save on books and most libraries now offer e-books to check out! I also have a good group of girlfriends and we exchange books with each other- which is always fun! My mom is also an avid reader, so we always exchange book suggestions as well. 
Yep, less phone and more books! I’m a big book worm but even I don’t read as much as I’d like to because I did give in into too much of digital world and being busy over taking time for myself and just reading a book I’ve been meaning to read or finish reading for a while. It’s all about making it a habit and a form of self-love/ treatment for the soul. 🙂
Love these ideas! The past I’ve gotten much better about picking up a book instead of scrolling on my phone and it’s made me feel more relaxed and accomplished. 🙂
I’ve been working really hard to read more this year and the reading before bed has been a game changer for me. I used to scroll mindlessly, too, and then I couldn’t fall asleep. Now, by reading a few chapters at night, I sleep better and make it through my books faster to get to the next one on the list!
Yesss, I have been trying harder this year to make reading a priority! Before bed is my favorite and I try to have one with me or on my ipad all the time!
xx Rebecca
These are great ideas! I always make it a goal to myself that I want to read more and I end up not doing it. I like the idea of reading right before bed!
Less phone, more books is something I need to focus on!
I have always loved reading but haven’t read much in the past because life gets busy. Your book updates & blog posts have inspired me and I definitely read more now than I have in years. =)
These are all such great ideas. Once Nathan goes to sleep I try to read for at least 30 minutes just to decompress.
xo Jessica
http://www.whatsfordinneresq.com
Fantastic ideas! I love to read too. Since our apartment doesn’t have a ton of extra room I mostly read on my iPad Kindle app. Making time to read every night is so important! I like to mix current event books with history, romance, and good fiction.
These are such great tips! I love to read, but I’m so bad about making time. I think my biggest enemy is definitely my phone. I need to be more intentional about setting it aside to read!
These are great tips! One of my NYR was to read more.
Megan
Reading before bed is the best for me! I have never thought about carrying a book with me at all times. That’s such a great tip!
-xo, Azanique
Seriously keeping this post up so I can start making more time to read! I know it would be so helpful to my stress level and be very relaxing in the evenings. Thanks for sharing Em!
xo Laura Leigh
The only time I find time to read is when I am traveling.
LOVE this – and all small things that I started doing too! I’ve already finished two books on our trip (only five days in!) x