“I don’t have time to read.” Yes, you do.

When I meet someone new, and I tell them that I love reading, most of the time they answer with, “How do you read so much? I can never find the time.” So, if you have been wanting to read more, here are some ways to make time.

Get off your phone

I think one of the easiest ways to read more is to replace phone time with a book. Replace your endless doom-scrolling with a chapter or two. Turn off your phone and sit away from it, and just read. Sometimes just being near your phone is a huge distraction.

Set goals.

I find that setting smaller, short-term goals works better than making yearly goals. It’s easier to follow through with them when the finishing line is closer. Make it a goal to read 1 or 2 books a month, or 1 chapter a day.

Read a book YOU want to read

I know it's so easy to find book recommendations from tiktok and from friends, but I recommend actually taking some time picking out a book. Spend some time browsing the bookstore and reading the blurbs on the back. Reading a book you like passes the time so fast. So many times, I have picked a book from tiktok and never finished it because I was not interested at all.

Audiobooks

Don’t have time to sit down and read, listen to an audiobook. The best thing about audiobooks is that you can listen anywhere, anytime. You can listen when commuting, cleaning, working out, etc. Anything you do with music in the background, you can do with an audiobook.

Always carry a book.

You never know when you’re going to have downtime to read, so be prepared by always having a book with you. I personally always carry my Kindle because it's small and fits in all of my bags. 

Fit it into your routine.

Leave a book on your bedside table. When you wake up, instead of reaching for your phone, reach for the book and read a couple of pages. At night, when it’s time for bed, read 50 or so pages to settle down. Plus, reading before bed helps you get better sleep.

(From Pinterest)

These are some things that I do to find time to read, even when I have a packed schedule. With summer break coming up, maybe you’ll have more time to read.