When I posted this picture on instagram a few weeks back, I got a lot of comments about not having enough time to read. This can be such a frustrating problem, but I understand completely. I offered a few tips on there for squeezing in more reading time there, but I thought I would share them on here too.
I’m a big reader, but during college and grad school, I felt like I had no time to read. When I finally finished grad school in 2013, I went a little crazy with the reading and through that I’ve discovered all of these new ways to fit books in. Though my schedule can still be a little crazy, here are some of my ways I fit in reading time:
Read before bed
Growing up, my mom always had us read before going to sleep and it’s a habit that’s stuck with me. Nowadays, it helps me calm down before bed and relaxes me. Even if it’s only 10 minutes, its a really easy way to get a little bit of reading time in.
Install the kindle app on your phone
I wish I had known about this earlier. I try to always carry a book with me, but sometimes you aren’t able to or you can’t really pull out a book wherever you are. Luckily, having the kindle app on your phone is the perfect thing for “waiting” times. Whether it’s waiting in line or waiting for the bus to show up, it’s an easy way to squeeze in a few extra pages. The best part about this? It syncs with my kindle, so I can easily switch between my kindle and the app.
Get into audiobooks
I listened to audiobooks growing up, but I really got into them last year. Like podcasts, I listen to audiobooks while I’m doing EVERYTHING from running errands to cooking or doing chores. In fact, it’s made my chores that much more enjoyable because while I am “washing dishes” what I’m actually doing is reading a book. And if that’s not a win, I’m not sure what is.
What are your tricks for squeezing in more reading time?
Also, while you’re at it, why not get yourself a few bookish accessories?
I love audio books and do exactly what you do, listen to them whenever possible! I turn on a book the moment I get up in the morning.
I do the same thing with audiobooks/podcasts in the morning-I've started listening to them while I'm getting ready and I love it.
Any good audiobooks that I should add to my list?
Love this post! I definitely have ups and downs in my reading, but it's always a bummer when you feel like you just don't have time for it… I need those books in my life. The Kindle app on my phone definitely gets me reading a ton more. And when I worked in an office, I always read during my lunch break. That got me almost an hour a day! But the best is planning a relaxing vacation… I can get 6-7 books in a week that way 🙂
Thank you! I'm glad you liked it! I miss my lunch break reading, I use to get so many books read during that. Vacation reading is seriously the best though.
I recommend Now I See You: A Memoir by Nicole C. Kear and The Silent Sister by Diane Chamberlain! Let me know what you think of them!
Thanks! i'll check those out!