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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Increasing my reading time is something I always want to do, even when others think that I read plenty! Great ideas!
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Thanks!!
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I like the silencing your phone tip! I think I’ll give that a go!
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I hope it helps!
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These are great tips! I love listening to audiobooks while I’m doing stuff around the house. I’ve also tried putting my phone on airplane mode while I’m reading a couple times and it really helps!
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Thanks! Audiobooks really help once you figure out your ideal listening conditions I think.
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Audiobooks has honestly doubled my reading time and allowed me to squeeze more time between work to listen. I’ll definitely try to plan out my reading space beforehand. Love these tips!
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Thanks! Audiobooks are awesome.
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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.
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Thanks! I also started setting a nighttime mode and it helps a lot with making me go to bed.
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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.
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That’s awesome! I will look into that.
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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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I’m here for all the tips because I always need more reading in my life. I love the silent mode idea, I didn’t even think of that! And the headphones one because people suck. Lololol.
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People do suck
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For me reading for bed is my favourite time of the day haha, also audio books and less TV also really helps!
(www.evelynreads.com)
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Yes, I find that reading before bed calms me down.
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Exactly!
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These are great tips! I don’t watch much TV either! I read ebooks from my tablet but not from my phone, it’s too much strain to the eyes. Reading before bed is my favorite too!
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I got a special screen cover from amazon for my phone and it makes my eyes deal with it a lot better!
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I do many of these things but I still think 200 books is amazing!
I could do 150 last year 🙂
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150 is amazing!!!!!
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[…] Jess shared tips for finding more time to read! […]
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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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I feel like being the worst millennial is an amazing feat!
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It is kind of fun being an anomaly!
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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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Yes I love this idea! I DNF now because I don’t have time or patience for books that I don’t love.
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Great tips, I am definitely going to use ebooks for lines! Instead of Facebook.
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It always helps me! Plus, less social media time is better for my mental health lol.
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