Finding time to read. Five ways to add reading to your busy schedule.
We’re all way too busy with fussy schedules that stop us to do things that we love doing. We drop our hobbies in the back burner to do adult things. I have a full-time job, a part-time job, and I write. As a writer, I need to read to get better and become inspired, without reading, I won’t write. Here are five ways of finding time to read.
Set a reading Goal
Goodreads have an excellent reading challenge where you can set the goal you want to read throughout the year. It can be 20, 50, or a 100 books it’s up to you. Don’t overdo it, it’s better to aim small. You can always go back and increase the challenge as you go along. I find this useful as last year, I’ve read about 60 books. This year, I set the goal for 75. I am already at 45 with 8 books ahead of the reading schedule.
Try to put some time aside dedicated only to reading.
A method of finding time to read is to put some time aside for reading. It doesn’t have to be two hours, even half an hour will do. Just switch off your phone or put it on silent, fill a glass of wine, or coffee, and pick up that book. Find a comfortable position, a bed or sofa and start reading.
Pick a format you enjoy
Another way to finding time to read is by picking a format you enjoy. In this day and age, we have so many book formats to choose from. Such as PDF, Kindle, paperback, hardbacks, and audio. I always say the book will remain THE book. Nothing beats the feeling of the paper in your fingertips, the smell, but I’m a book lover. I always prefer the physical thing it’s more sentimental. I read kindles too it’s not the same at all, but hey, see what works for you.
Buy cheaper books.
Let’s face it books can be expensive bookworms splash a lot of money on books without a blink of an eye, but everyone loves a bargain, right? Bookdepository offers discounted books and it’s free shipping worldwide say what? Yes, it’s free shipping. There also is Awesomebooks where you can purchase second-hand books. You can look at charity shops. Amazon is another holy grail for books. For digital ones, you can sign up to sites such as Freado Bookbub Bookrebel Instafreebie and more. Those sites will have kindles as low as $0.99 even free, yes FREE! And of course, you can head to your local charity shop or borrow books in the library.
Listen to Audiobooks
Another way of finding time to read is audio books. Audiobooks are a good way to read more, well technically listen. The experience is different as you can’t see the words, or where the commas are placed but I find them so effective. You can listen while you’re driving, doing the house chores, exercise, or while you’re cooking. I managed to reach my yearly goal with them. You can sign up with audible for free for the first a month. Personally, I go to Youtube it’s filled with audiobooks and it’s always free.
Hope this helps here is a book recommendation to add to your reading lists Top-5-must-read-thrillers and Top five overrated books worth reading.
Happy reading xx
Stalk me on these other accounts
29 Comments
Chevelle
I love reading. I’m obsessed with the library and audiobooks. I try to read one book a week.
joannewritesbooks
I love audiobooks too it’s good source to keep up.
Sylvie Hanes
reading is part of my everyday life… I actually am still one who goes to the library – thanks for the tips.
joannewritesbooks
Welcome 🙂
Shadab Alam
Goodreads and Kindle being my best souce to read.. Will use audio book after some time.
Thanks for motivating though.
joannewritesbooks
Anytime 🙂
Jasmin N
I thought that when I stayed home for a maternity leave I would have had time to read but nah, I’m so bad at fitting some reading to my schedule. With your tips I think I could actually make it 🙂 thank you!
joannewritesbooks
Glad you find them helpful 🙂
Leni Sonck
Great article! I love reading but somehow it takes me a lot of time to choose a book and get to it so when I finally made my choice, my enthusiasm is almost gone… However, it’s been too long since I’ve read a book that was not for school! Maybe I should get back to it!
joannewritesbooks
Thanks 🙂
Fiona
I love this. This is actually motivation to take some time for me. Thank you
joannewritesbooks
Welcome anytime 🙂
Devajani
I used to read books a lot. But with two kids home, family, blogging, I hardly get time to read. After reading your post I feel I need to continue it. Love the idea of goodread. Surely try.
joannewritesbooks
Goodreads is really helpful, it keeps me motivated.
Ricarda Christina Hollweg
“Nothing beats the feeling of the paper in your fingertips” – I absolutely agree with you, but most people I speak to have another opinion. Good to see that books and reading apart from the web is still appreciated. As a travelblogger reading is also an important source of inspiration to me and it can really be tough to make time for it.
joannewritesbooks
I don’t think physical books can be replaced. Thanks 🙂
Tisha
It’s so difficult but working in a busy city mean I can commute to work and read on the Kindle App on my way, other times I ‘ll listen to an audiobook in the car. Nothing is the same as holding a paperback though. Great post!
joannewritesbooks
Thnaks 🙂
Stephanie
Great tips for sure! I wish so badly I could come around to digital books, but it is so hard for me to get into a book on a screen. I’m still obsessed with having the physical books in my hands! Thanks!
joannewritesbooks
Thank you 🙂
Bianca Danise
I’ve never thought about using audio books before! I think I might give this a try so I can really catch up on my reading 🙂
joannewritesbooks
They are great I didn’t consider it till last year. Some of them are brilliant 🙂
Dalal
Picking the right format is definitely a game changer. Audiobooks saved my life when I had a 3h commute to work per day.
Rosemerry
I struggle to find time to read but it is so important. I will go for the audio book.
Thanks for post
Melitta Campbell
I used to love reading and got through lots of books thanks to my commute. But now I run a home-business I don’t have so much time for reading – but I’ve found that listening to audio books has been a great solution. It’s amazing how many opportunities there are to listen to books in a day.
Karin
I loved your post! I’m an avid reader but struggle to find time. Your tips are great and I will try a few of them!
Stephanie
Hi, these are some great tips. I’ve been trying to make an effort to read more and these tips are given me some ideas.
I like the feel of a paper book too, but it’s nice to have the mobile app when I’m out and about and cautious about space in my handbag.
Also, I hadn’t thought about listening to audio books, so that’s something I might need to consider to help me read more.
Thanks for sharing!
Blackellis
In the last couple of years, I’ve focused more on audiobooks, it’s a great way to relax after work
Stephanie
Audiobooks are a lifesaver!! I’ve gotta check out this Goodreads challenge, too!
xx,
Stephanie
http://www.thediaryofadebutante.com