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13 Ways Book Lovers Make More Time for Reading
So many books, so little time? Every reader's been there. We asked on Facebook and Twitter: How do you make more time for reading? From savvy tips ("Listen to audiobooks while you drive!") to cheeky suggestions ("Just don't sleep!"), these are the ways your fellow book lovers fit reading into their busy lives.
1. "Throughout the day I play a little game. I read a chapter (just one) and then I get up and clean something. Example: Go and sweep the kitchen floor. Then read a chapter. Then fold a load of clothes and put them away. Then go read another chapter. I can do this all day. It works great for me!" (Shannon Strickland-Brown)
2. "I always carry a book with me, so if I have to wait—like at a doctor's office—I can get some reading in." (Brigitta M.)
3. "Get called for jury duty! Ha! Waiting can take hours. Get prepared to catch up on your reading." (Elizabeth Thayer)
4. "I take the bus to work instead of my car, which saves me money and gives me lots of time to relax and read!" (Michelle Garcia Ortiz)
5. "Well, I stay up late reading, which has lead to a mild sleeping disorder…but, guys, books are worth it!" (Kyushu Arora)
6. "I wake up a little earlier each day and enjoy a book with breakfast." (Kaitlynn Scribner)
7. "I am a huge fan of audiobooks. I listen to audiobooks while driving, taking a walk, cooking, and traveling…. Audiobooks offer huge opportunities to make the most of your time while you are doing something else." (Emile Armanious)
8. "Instead of watching TV before bed, I read! You sleep better that way, too. (Raquel N. DeSouza)
9. "I actually 'plan' my reading time each day and night. Even if I have a hectic day, I schedule at least 30 minutes for myself." (Susan Master)
10. "It's not the safest way to make time, but I read while walking to work." (Eliza viola Legault)
11. "I've actually called in sick when I've been reading something particularly good!" (Angela Free)
12. "I watch TV a LOT. However, it finally dawned on me that the commercial breaks these days are much longer than they used to be. So I keep my book with me when I'm watching TV, and I can get several pages read during commercial breaks. I average about 30-40 pages per night this way!" (Sara Foster)
13. "Get old. Retire from your job. Presto! More reading time!" (Linda White)
How do you make more time for reading? Share your tips in the comments!
(Top image credit: Beauty and the Beast)
Comments Showing 151-200 of 319 (319 new)
#1 has inspired me. Basically I can BRIBE myself into doing housework by rewarding myself with reading! How genius is that?? I've just gotten used to dusty surfaces in favour of reading!... 0_0
I read as much as I can in school : during the 10 mins breaks, the 2 mins between classes when I have 2 hours of the same subject in a row, when I eat there I read for a solid 20-30 minutes... Sometimes I read 50 pages in a day like that !I try to read in the mornings on saturdays and sundays, at least 100 pages each. Some sundays I just basically read in bed for a good portion of the day. If it's the holydays I stay up until 3 am if the book is really good and if I am not tired.
I always keep my book with me in my purse or beside me. Switching the movie I'm watching? Read during the previews. Before bed. While I am waiting at the doctors offices things like that. When I am on my lunch break. I take it with me on my smoke breaks at work and read two or three pages while I am out there. Then I read at my desk when I don't really have anything going on. ...Like now, back to my book. (;
Reading is such a natural part of my life, I don't really need to make time for it. Most writers are voracious readers also, and I fall into that category.
i read during commercial breaks too! also bring one to work and read during my breaks
Helen wrote: "My trick is to have several books 'on the go' at once. One in my handbag to read in queues or waiting rooms or whatever; one in my work bag for tea breaks and lunch breaks; one by my bed for readin..."Thats sounds helpful. I will try this trick.
I read during my exercise routine (45 min each evening). The treadmill we have now has a little shelf-like thing that holds a book. Double satisfaction: reading + not gaining weight. Highly recommend!! (although it would not be a good idea to use the speed above 3-4)
Don`t know how people find time to work.I need my time for reading.
I turn on a sporting event (baseball, hockey) and read during that time. Don't have to look up until the analyst and commentator start getting excited.
If you have many books you're reading at the same time, the thing is to make sure none of them are the same type of book. I have found that I can do two fictions and non-fictions at the same time. More than two fictions seems to be too much for some reason. For example, am reading A Tale of Two Cities by Dickens, The Great Mortality by Kelly (about the plague) and Where the Bluebird Sings to the Lemonade Springs by Stegner. None of them are the same type of book. I give it too much thought.
DON'T TRY THIS AT HOME - I stop studying to read (that way I lose more time than I can afford to lose... well, it's not like I really lost time, it's more that I decided to do something more interesting and less boring, so it's time well spend)Also helps that I have an ereader, which I take with me everywhere- even my classes!! and when you finish a book you can easily start reading the next one without needing to bring 2 books. Also helps that I have the goodreads app so I can look up what the book is about since my tbr list is waaaaaay too long ;)
I usually have one physical book with me at all times and in all my bags and at the same time one in my cellphone. That way if i want to go to the restroom and read no one thinks its weird that i have my cellphone with me, while if i go with a book everyone just stares.
The trick is to read GREAT books. If you're reading a GREAT book you will do WHATEVER YOU CAN to get the reading done. Before GoodReads, I used to have a 100 page rule. If the book didn't grab me by page 100 then I scrapped it. Setting reading challenges has ruined that for me and I will complete a book now, even if not great.How do you know if the book is good enough to keep reading after page 100? Easy. If you're watching the page numbers closely as you get up to 100, then put it on the chuck/sell pile. If you don't even notice when you've gone over page 100, then I'm picking that it is a damn fine book and you throw all other activities out the window. Fold the washing tomorrow, wash the dishes tomorrow, hell, hire a cleaner if you can stretch! Tell the kids it's treat night and order that pizza online between chapters. Yum...pizza in one hand, book in the other, lolling on the couch. N I C E ! ! !
One of my school librarian friends suggested reading to the page that represents your age. For school age children that's a pretty good rule. For those of us past a certain age, you have to read a lot more. Also, the Librarian's Bill of Rights says that there are too many books to waste time reading those that don't hook you quickly. (Paraphrased since I no longer have the Bill of Rights at my fingertips.)
I get an hour break at work so i sit in the local cafe reading for the entire hour. i also read before i sleep at night 30-60mins
I read early In the morning and before bed :)
I either wake up early to read before everyone in my family is awake, or I stay up late to catch up on my reading. I also read during meals if the conversation is dull. With school having started again, I find it harder to read throughout the day.
I have the best of all worlds. I'm retired so I have plenty of time to read - I consider reading my "job" now. I ride the bus most places I go, and I always have a book in my backpack for the ride and the wait at the bus stop. I read during TV commercials, and like many of you, I usually lose track of the show by getting more involved in the book. I also volunteer at my local library, so I get to see all the new books as they are delivered. Life is good!
I usually have an ebook copy that i can take anywhere and read if i'm waiting or taking a break or when i'm laying in bed and should be sleeping. I average about 9 books per month right now.
I carry at least two books at (nearly) all times. I read in the hallways at school (as bad as my vision is, I swear my peripheral has improved. I never fall down the stairs or run into anyone/thing!), occasionally in class (I do pay attention! Just multitasking, and I've got all As, thank you very much), and whenever I get the chance. As a writer, I often find myself doing both at a time.
I'm currently following No. 2 and longing for the day I can join No. 13!
I Always carry a book with me, whether I am going shopping,or to a party or dinner ,travelling or even going to work :P you never know when you can seek in some time to read in b/w
Fabian wrote: "How on Earth do you remember all those plots aha"Helen wrote: "My trick is to have several books 'on the go' at once."
Sometimes I read two books at the same time, but never more and they should be different genres or languages - otherwise I would mix them up for sure (if not immediately, then over time). But reading a horror story and e.g. some romance at the same time works great ;) It's even easier when reading one in English and the other in German.
Also, I reduced my TV time - I usually watch one episode of a series (or half a movie) - recorded or from DVD: no commercial breaks :) - and spend the rest of the night reading (and hope I'm not too tired...).
While I already use most of the ways listed above, #9 is a new idea and I will try that one. While I at least read a couple of pages before going to bed, there are some days where it seems there just isn't time to read - but with a fixed schedule I guess it should work anyway.
I also grab my ebook reader instead of my phone. Sometimes I even make a copy of the ebook to read on my phone, just in case.I usually have lunch with my colleagues at work, but once or twice a week I eat alone... and read some chapters.
I also have several books on the go. Most of my reading time is spent on the daily commute, I love my 40-minute bus ride! Then, of course, it's only polite to get to work a good 20 minutes early which gives me a bit more time. An hour early on Sundays because of the bus times. Of course, I read while I wait what else would I do?!
Onion wrote: "I hope Angela Free's boss doesn't read this!"hahahahaa.. right :-)
when I worked before in retail operations (time was very demanding), I read when I had chance to be alone like lunch breaks or coffee breaks, when i went to the comfort room and rest days. EXCEPT when I'm with my friends during those moments.now, i am working in a library sooooo i'm happy that i have "more" time to read (if there's no deadline for reports that is he he) :-D
I am an avid follower of number 12 on the list - my sister can't quite understand how I'm able to read during the ad breaks. I've also been known to read as I'm waiting for online games to load up.I'd love to be able to read whilst travelling to work on the bus but unfortunately if I read whilst in a moving vehicle I feel nauseous :(
Maybe I should try reading whilst standing at the bus stop...
Penny wrote: "The trick is to read GREAT books. If you're reading a GREAT book you will do WHATEVER YOU CAN to get the reading done. Before GoodReads, I used to have a 100 page rule. If the book didn't grab me b..."I am going a to so follow this. Most of the time I pick a book and keep on reading and then regret having wasted all the time. From now on it is the 100 page rule for me. Thanks!!!
Anne wrote: "I am an avid follower of number 12 on the list - my sister can't quite understand how I'm able to read during the ad breaks. I've also been known to read as I'm waiting for online games to load up...."I really applaud people who can read on moving vehicles :-) I also tried that before and it only gave me headaches hehe. But you're right, perhaps I should try reading at bus stops :-)
In high school, I had hours every day where I could just sit and read. Now, with writing and motherhood and work taking up the brunt of my time, I read whenever I have a chance: while I'm eating, before I go to bed, while I do dishes or fold laundry, when I have downtime at work, while I'm waiting on an appointment, even when I'm sitting in the car at a particularly long line at the bank. The opportunities are endless! I just have to catch them when they're there, and make sure that I always have a book on hand when one arises. Otherwise, a book that should have taken me two days to read will wind up taking me four lol.
Along with my actual books, which I read at home, I'm a huge fan of having books on my kindle app on my phone, so I get to keep a lot of my books with me when I go anywhere so basically any time I sit down I get to read. I'm also a huge fan of audiobooks, and listen to them while I'm driving or at work which gives me a good 10+ hours a day to just listen to my books while at work.
I read on the way to school, and the way back home. I read at school, and sometimes, when I'm home. Just decide about your priorities! If you're a real book lover, you can always let go of some activities and make more time for books. I study first, then I read books.
I thought I was the only person to do #1! This is exactly what I do. Also, if I'm on a TV binge I'll read a chapter or two in between episodes
Always have a book with you, that way you can read every chance you get. That's how I survive the day!
I take my ereader with me everywhere, and also a charger. I also download the book that I am reading to my phone, that way I can work at my desk and read also.
I drag my iPad along with me everywhere, so whenever I have a free moment, I read. Waiting for things to load, on my lunch break at work, standing in queues. Sometimes I go to appointments/classes etc. early so that I can read in the car beforehand.I'm also in a habit of reading a few pages before sleeping. Helps my mind unwind and helps me to sleep better. This keeps the books ticking over.
Can't wait to retire though LOL! :D
If you just get through your To Do List and forget about all the times you spend on social media you will find loads of time to read. i get at least 40 minutes in a night plus at least 30 minutes in at lunch plus 40 minutes in while I take kids to sport practices! ignore Facebook and just get a book!
I trade sleep for reading, especially if it is a good book. I will make some tea and do the night shift.
I do #2, sometimes #12 and also I read in the Univeristy between classes.
I can only read one book at a time, but I do the "chore trick" as well. Clean, read, clean, read. I also read on lunch breaks. This saves money too, because I won't run out to the fast food joints, and I pack my lunch.
Since I have 3 teens on the go, I always have time to read while waiting for their sports games to start, or waiting at school for them. Where there is a will, there is a way!!!
I have a book with me, always, and in a lunch time, i made two things, read and eat. Somedays i forgot food and only read.
I'm a full time college student and work part time, so I never have down time to read at home. I usually bring whatever book I'm reading to school and will read between classes. I'll also bring my book to work with me to read during lunch or when we're slow (I work at a college and so my boss let's me do this or homework on slow days!).
13. "Get old. Retire from your job. Presto! More reading time!" (Linda White) I'm loving #13.
Cute list - nice to see how other folks do it.
Helen wrote: "My trick is to have several books 'on the go' at once. One in my handbag to read in queues or waiting rooms or whatever; one in my work bag for tea breaks and lunch breaks; one by my bed for readin..."I often do this too!! I have two books in my room (I interchange them depending on how I feel) and one in my work bag for when I'm on the bus or taking a break/lunch at work.
When I used to work nightshift I would read for an hour when I got home in the morning. Helped me get to sleep! Now I just read during commercial breaks when watching my sports team or whenever my brain needs to focus. I also read at lunch at work or sometimes on the bus if I'm not driving that day.
Don wrote: "It's like watching several tv series at once.. not tough"I actually struggle with that. I prefer TV shows where the plot gets wrapped up in a single episode, because if something carries over, by the next episode I can't quite remember all the details. I can remember all of the main characters, but that bad guy from three weeks ago who is now showing up again... which one was he? What did he do? When did that happen? I love living in the age of Netflix where I can watch a whole season at once. Or even watch a whole series from start to finish in a few weeks. (I also don't read comic books as they come out. I either collect them until the story finishes and then read, or just wait for the TPB to come out.)
The best I can do as far as reading multiple books at once, is to have one audiobook that I listen to when I can't hold a book, and one book that I'm reading. And I would really rather find a way to easily switch back and forth between reading a book and listening to that same story as an audiobook. That's my dream.
I stay up late reading as well. My kids are young so I'm usually being called to "come look, mom" or "mom, can you help". LOL
Alex wrote: "The commercial trick for sure! I do this all the time. And sometimes I'll get sucked into the book so I forget to unmute the television."I can't really do this and concentrate on the book, but i agree completely when you say you can sometimes get lost in reading!
OR kids. I remember the days when they always interrupted my bathroom times. LOL Now they're grown and on their own, thank God!