How to Find Time for Daily Reading in a Busy Life

Let me guess—you’re always on the go, your to-do list is longer than a George R.R. Martin novel, and by the end of the day, the only thing you want to do is collapse into bed. But somehow, amidst all that chaos, there’s a part of you that just wants to curl up with a good book and escape for a while, right?

Well, I’ve got great news—you can find time for daily reading, even in the busiest of lives. Let's uncover a few ways to sneak some reading into your day, without losing your mind (or your car keys).

1. Set a Small, Manageable Goal

First things first—don’t aim to read 100 pages a day when you can barely find time to have breakfast. Set a small, manageable reading goal, like 10 pages a day or 15 minutes before bed. You’d be surprised at how those minutes add up over time. A chapter here, a few pages there, and before you know it, you’ll have read an entire book. Baby steps, folks. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither is a reading habit.

"Reading one page at a time may not seem like much, but over time it builds empires in your mind." - Unknown

2. Carry a Book Everywhere

Treat your book like it’s your wallet—don’t leave the house without it. Waiting in line at the grocery store? Stuck in traffic? Sitting in the waiting room at the dentist? That's prime reading time!

You can either bring a physical book or keep an e-book on your phone, so you’re never without a story. Sure, people might glance at you weirdly when you pull out War and Peace in the line at Starbucks, but hey, that’s what we call multitasking.

3. Make Reading Part of Your Routine

Make reading a non-negotiable part of your daily routine. Whether it’s 15 minutes with your morning coffee, during your lunch break, or right before bed, having a dedicated reading time helps make it a habit. Consider it your personal little escape from the day's craziness. Besides, it sounds a lot more fun than scrolling through social media for the umpteenth time, doesn’t it?

"A book is a dream that you hold in your hands." - Neil Gaiman

4. Audio Books Are Your Friends

Guess what? You don’t always need your eyes to read. Audiobooks are a game-changer when you’re on the go. Commutes, workouts, cooking dinner, even doing the laundry—all of these are perfect opportunities to get lost in an audiobook. Think of it as the ultimate storytelling podcast. Bonus: You can now argue that vacuuming counts as a “reading activity.”

5. Set Boundaries with Technology

Speaking of scrolling through social media, let’s address the elephant in the room. We’ve all gotten lost in the vortex of TikTok or Instagram only to realize an hour has gone by and we’re still not any closer to that reading goal. Setting some boundaries with your screen time can open up the perfect window for reading. Try swapping 10 minutes of social media scrolling for 10 minutes of reading. I promise, your brain (and your eyes) will thank you.

6. Join a Book Club (Even a Virtual One)

There’s nothing like a little social accountability to keep you on track. Join a book club, either in-person or online. Having a group of people to discuss a book with is great motivation to keep reading. Plus, it’s a lot of fun to have someone to vent to about that shocking plot twist or the character you loved to hate.

"No two persons ever read the same book." - Edmund Wilson

7. Read What You Love, Not What You Think You Should Love

Stop trying to force yourself through books that bore you to tears just because everyone else is reading them. If you’re into thrillers, read thrillers. If you love cheesy romance novels, embrace the cheese. Reading should be enjoyable, not a chore. Life’s too short to read books that make you fall asleep after three pages.

8. Multitask Reading with Everyday Chores

Who said you couldn’t read while brushing your teeth or cooking dinner? This is where a good book stand or audiobook can come in handy. Stirring a pot of spaghetti? Why not prop your book up next to the stove? Folding laundry?

Plug in your headphones and let an audiobook transport you to another world. You’ll be amazed how many books you can get through when you pair reading with daily activities.

9. Keep a “To Be Read” List

A list of books you’re excited to read can serve as a great motivator. Whether it’s on a piece of paper, an app, or a mental list, keep track of books that genuinely spark your interest. That way, whenever you do find a free moment, you’re not wasting time deciding what to read—you can just dive right in!

10. Learn to Let Go

If you’re halfway through a book and you just aren’t feeling it, it’s okay to let it go. Not every book is for everyone, and there’s no shame in moving on to something else. This is your reading time—you make the rules! Life is too short to read books that make you want to take a nap. Pick up something that sparks joy and keeps you turning those pages.

"Life is too short to read books you don't love." - Joyana Peters

Bonus Tips for Busy Readers

If you're still struggling to find reading time, here are a few extra strategies that can help:

• Set a Timer: Allocate a specific amount of time each day for reading. Even 10-15 minutes can help establish a routine.

• Read During Transit: If you commute by bus or train, use that time to get a few pages in.

• Use Book Summaries: For books you're curious about but can't fully commit to, consider reading summaries. It still gives you the key ideas while saving time.

• Buddy Up: Find a reading buddy who will check in on your progress. This is a great way to stay accountable.

• Reward Yourself: Treat yourself after you finish a book. A nice dessert or a movie night can make the experience even more enjoyable.

• Designate a Reading Nook: Create a cozy reading space. When you have a designated, comfortable area, it makes the reading experience much more inviting.

• Combine Reading with Relaxation: Consider pairing your reading time with a favorite relaxation activity, like drinking tea or sitting in your favorite chair by the window.

The Story Continues

Finding time to read in a busy life isn’t always easy, but with a few tweaks to your daily routine, it’s definitely possible. It’s about prioritizing what brings you joy—and, let’s face it, getting lost in a good book is one of the greatest joys out there.

So, whether you’re sneaking in pages at the coffee shop, listening to audiobooks on the go, or making reading a nightly ritual, make it yours. And always remember: the world may be hectic, but there’s always time to escape into a story.

P.S. Need a cozy book-themed hoodie to make those 15-minute reading sessions even cozier? You know where to find us. 😉