I mentioned the other day on Twitter that I was going to write a post about finding time to read. It is something I have heard people say that they struggle with and I am even guilty of saying it myself until Beth aka Plastic Rosaries basically said to me you need to make time. It sounds so simple but she’s right! She gets through a lot of books and she is such a busy, busy bee but she always makes time to read – and that is what I have been doing too.
So when I talk about finding time to read, what do I mean? Setting aside time even if it is only five minutes a day to read a little bit. Whether you read a page, a chapter or a whole book in one sitting, as long as you are finding time to read, that’s great! You can schedule time to sit down on the sofa and read but there are so many other ways you can schedule in reading time during your day!
- Try to set aside a small amount of time each day to sit down and relax on the sofa and read. If you can’t manage to spare this amount of time during your busy day though, not to worry.
- Read before you go to sleep. I always try to read a little before I go to sleep – and if I can’t sleep then I will read. Often Steve goes to sleep before me so I can’t read a physical book but I will carry on an eBook or start a new one on my Kindle or on the Kindle app on my phone.
- Read whilst travelling. Obviously this won’t work if you have to drive but if you are the passenger in a car or take public transport on a regular basis, take the time to get some reading in.
- Are you waiting around for something? READ! I often find myself getting to Jack’s school about ten minutes earlier than I need to. Since I walk from home which is the other side of the village, sometimes I get there quite quickly and other times not as quickly. Whilst I stand around waiting, I use my Kindle app to get some reading in.
- Listen to audiobooks. Perhaps you don’t have time to read the written word but what’s to stop you listening to audiobooks? This can be done at work if you’re allowed to, on your commute, even whilst doing housework.
These are just some of the occasions when you can utilise that time to get some reading in. Since utilising this time more I have been reading a lot more, I haven’t hit any reading slumps and I am finally making a huge dent in my TBR pile. Do you struggle with finding time to read?
I must admit I don’t read as much as I used to but theses are great tips Bex. I try and read something last thing at night as I find it really relaxing and I often read in the bath too.
I don’t read books which I should because I used to enjoy it a few years ago. I just don’t find the time right now, hopefully in a few years
This is one of my main goals for this year. I read for work related stuff, but I rarely make time to read for just enjoyment and I really need to start doing that.
What a timely reminder for me to make more time to read “off-line”. So much of my reading is screen based now either at work or on this blogging lark and I love a good book.
I’m hoping to get back into reading this year. When I travelled by bus I read a lot of books! Now I don’t think I even managed 1 book last year.
I really missed reading until I discovered Audiobooks, they are amazing! I now get through around 1-2 books a month as I listen on my way to work (I drive so reading isn’t an option) and as I’m falling asleep.
As for actual reading – I find making time REALLY hard. If I read in bed, I just fall asleep! Ha.
Lyndsay | Fizzy Peaches Travel & Lifestyle Blog
Oh see I am an avid book worm and once I start a book and get into it I can’t put it down its part of my bedtime routine is to a read at least chapter in bed
I’m tempted by audiobooks. I am guilty of having ‘no time to read’, but I have been trying 🙂
I usually read when travelling as it is usually the only time I get a chance to sadly!
I dont read and I should do. Thanks for the tips on finding time for me to read something
Some great suggestions here. Reading before bed is my preference, but sometimes I am just too tired to stay awake!
I’m always saying this! Of course, your tips blow that excuse out of the water. I will try and follow your tips and fingers crossed I can make some progress!
This is such a good post. I often struggle finding the time to read and really want to change that. I get travel sick a lot so I struggle reading on my commute and when I get home I’m too exhausted!
I am quite impressed with myself for finding time to read and have managed to read 5 books already this year which I am proud of x