Ways to Increase Reading Time

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So far this year I have read 100 books. I’m pretty on track to hit my 200 book Goodreads goal. I often am asked how I make the time to read so many books, so I thought I would write down some of the ways I sneak in reading.
I will say, that I don’t have children so that does make it easier to sneak in reading time. But, I also have a pretty active social life and am constantly traveling or going to shows/parties and have to work around those.

Without further ado, here are the ways that I make more time for reading.

Reading Apps

iBooks, Kindle, Overdrive, Libby and Hoopla. I have them all and I use them all. I know plenty of people don’t like ebooks, but they can really help to boost reading time. I read when i’m standing in line places or waiting on my friends to show up. If my husband is driving us somewhere, I’m likely reading on my phone. It’s a great way to read in the 10-15 minute moments you have.

Silent Mode on Your Phone

If I find myself procrastinating or distracted by my phone, I turn it to silent mode and set an alarm. It’s amazing how much more you can focus if your phone isn’t constantly blowing up.

Set aside a specific time for reading

I use the hour before bedtime to dedicate to reading. Everyone knows that is my time and they tend to respect that.

Decrease tv time

I know this is a hard one to do. I don’t watch much tv so it really isn’t a problem for me, but I know that lots of us are attached to certain shows. But what if you cut out the shows that you watch just to have on? The ones you aren’t really attached to and possibly don’t even really enjoy?

Read what you like to read

This sounds silly, but if you aren’t forcing yourself to read, you read faster. I’m all for moodreading and dnfing books that you don’t like. Life is too short, so read the book you want to read and don’t waste time on the rest.

Audio books (if possible)

Not everyone can do audio books, but if you can, they can be a great way to increase time. The key for me is finding a great narrator. The full cast books are always really fun as well. I’m not huge into audio books, but I have a long commute so they have grown on me.

Set up your reading space

It’s the procrastination again. You sit down to read and then you are thirsty or hungry or need a blanket. Grab all of those things beforehand and it will help you settle in and not distract you from the story.

Wear headphones (without music)

It keeps people from talking to you and distracting you. I promise you, it works.

How do you make time to read? Let us know what you thought in the comments! 

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31 thoughts on “Ways to Increase Reading Time”

  5. Great post! I feel like I get most of my reading done in 2 times.
    1. In bed at night where no one bothers me and my phone is already in that nighttime mode. I usually read on my kindle so I just prop it up on it’s side and read till I fall asleep (no bent pages yay)

    and

    2. Audiobooks when I am getting ready for work, commuting, or gardening.

    Liked by 1 person

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  6. On the note of turning your phone off, I like to use the app Forest, which basically locks your phone for a certain amount of time and “plants” a tree. If you exit out of the app before time is up, the plant dies.

    Liked by 2 people

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    2. I use this all the time. Such a good useful app. Especially for work as I have the premium version which allows me to make calls, text, email and use the calculator, while it keeps me off my social media. Super useful!

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  12. I don’t think I even know what my ringtone sounds like, it is always on silent mode LOL. I am the worst millennial in that I don’t have any social media apps on my phone, I use it for texting and Kindle reading. I am jealous you are able to read in the car – I get so motion sick! I am getting into audiobooks though which is helping with that.

    I also carve out time every day for reading – the hour or so before bed, and sometimes before work (when I am working) if I wake up extra early. It’s easier to read more when you schedule time for it. I don’t always read before bed, sometimes I don’t feel like it, but I make time for it all the same.

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  13. Yes! Fantastic tips, one and all! I would add for any “to-do list” people out there (I know I live and die by mine), I find the easiest thing to do is add “reading” to the list of things to do each day. Like exercise, like grocery shopping, if it’s on the list it must be done – amazing how motivating that can be, even if you’re not exactly in love with what you’re reading (I still struggle to DNF, will try to bear your life’s-too-short message in mind!).

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