‘I’m too busy, I can’t read for pleasure I don’t have the time.‘ That is the saddest gripe I hear from people when I ask them what they’re currently reading [insert tear-faced emoji]. If you couldn’t already tell, I love to read. I love books that I get completely absorbed into, especially books that are so good, they’re really hard to put down (like this one).
I know that we are all busy, and have jam packed schedules, so here are some tricks I use to help me fly through the pages of a novel during busy weeks.
Because these are some pretty easy little tricks to help you squeeze in more reading, it’s a lot more simple that you think. Now, let’s get started, shall we?
Always Carry a Book.
First and foremost, always carry a book (or an eBook, as grandma would point out) on you. Reading while you wait at the doctors office, for a friend running late to dinner, during a pedicure, or during an oil change. You always will have a bit of a wait throughout the day, make the most of that time!
Midday Reading Break.
If you’re able to escape the office for a 15 minute coffee break, or your lunch break, bring your book! I love taking a coffee + reading break in the middle of an afternoon slump. Even just 15-20 minutes a day will put a dent in a book overtime.
Turn Your Phone Off.
If your phone is lying next to you while reading, and begins pinging with new texts / emails / social media alerts (as we all know it will), it’s a surefire way of getting distracted from reading. TURN-IT-OFF!
Bedtime Reading.
As a part of my nighttime routine, I dedicate at least 30 minutes of reading in bed before lights out (ahem, that is, if I can stay awake that long). Reading at night is a great way to unwind, unplug — see above — and help you fall asleep faster.
Audiobooks.
Maybe you walk, take public transportation, or drive to work. We all have a commute (except you lucky telecommute folks!), so why not take advantage of the dead time? I subscribe to Audible — best thing ever! — and it’s what I listen to while walking / driving to work.
I pledged to read 30 books in 2016, and so far, I’ve crossed off 24! How many books have you been able to get through this year, so far?
(photos: a few of my favorites from 2014)