How to Add More Reading Time Into Your Busy Day -

Reading is one of those beautiful, life-giving habits that can so easily get pushed aside when life gets busy. Between work, errands, family, and endless to-do lists, it may feel like too much effort or even frivolous to sit down with a book. But here’s the truth: making time for reading is never wasted time. Every page you turn can bring inspiration, new knowledge, or even a silly laugh that brightens your mood.

The good news is that you don’t need hours each day to finish more books. Even if your schedule is jam-packed, you can sneak in reading moments here and there. And those small moments add up in an undeniable way. If you’ve been craving more stories, more learning, or simply more quiet time with your thoughts, these tips will help you discover how to read more and enjoy it without stress.

Let’s dive into 10 simple, practical, and even exciting ways to add more reading time into your busy day.

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10 Tips to Read More Every Day

1. Always Bring a Book When You’ll Be Waiting

Think about how often you’re bored and waiting- in line at the DMV, sitting in the doctor’s office, or waiting to pick someone up. Most of the time, people reach for their phones and scroll without a second thought. But what if you reached for an awesome thriller novel instead?

Tossing a book into your bag means you’ve always got a pocket of possibility. Ten minutes here, fifteen minutes there, before you know it, you’ve read several chapters in what would have been wasted time. Reading in these snippets can be surprisingly satisfying, almost like sneaking in a treat that makes your day feel instantly more productive.

2. Keep a Book in Your Car at All Times

If you’re someone who’s always on the go, keeping a book in your car can be a game-changer. It’s your backup plan for those unexpected windows of time. (Along with keeping a huge bag of mints!)

Maybe you arrive early to an appointment, or maybe traffic slows to a crawl and you need something to calm your nerves once you’re parked. Having a book nearby creates a sense of instantaneous relief. You don’t have to rely on your phone or stare at the clock. Instead, you can settle into a story, lose yourself for a moment, and feel grateful that you thought ahead.

3. Set a Reading Goal for Bedtime or Morning

It’s no secret that habits stick best when they’re tied to routines you already have. That’s why setting a reading goal for either bedtime or morning works so well. You could aim for ten minutes before bed, the perfect way to relax and unplug, or make reading part of your morning ritual right alongside your coffee or tea. Whether it’s one page, one chapter, or a set number of minutes, creating a goal gives your day a touch of structure. And the more consistent you are, the more undeniable progress you’ll make over time.

4. Get a Kindle (or Any E-Reader)

Carrying a library in your pocket is pretty cool. With a Kindle (OMG I love my Kindle) or other e-reader, you can have hundreds of books tethered to one device. You’ll never run out of options, and you’ll always be ready for a reading moment.

One of the best perks are free samples. You can instantly download previews and test-drive books without commitment. Sometimes those little samples are all it takes to reignite your inspiration and remind you why reading is so magical.

5. Visit the Library for Free Books & Fresh Inspiration

Libraries are so amazing… free books galore! Walking through the aisles is grounding, comforting, and wildly inspiring all at once. Because the library costs nothing, you can experiment with genres you wouldn’t normally buy. The library is where serendipity happens. You might stumble on a novel you’ve never heard of, or pick up an interesting biography of a badass woman that shifts your perspective. Every visit is an invitation to discover something new, and those discoveries can spark a reading streak that feels both instantaneous and enduring.

6. Go to the Bookstore More Often

Bookstores have a special kind of energy, cozy, buzzing, and jam-packed with inspiration. Even if you don’t buy a book every time, simply browsing can light a spark. New releases, beautiful displays, and the atmosphere itself can remind you why you love to read. Spending time in a bookstore feels like a date with yourself, a chance to recharge and dream. You walk out carrying not just books, but a renewed excitement for the stories waiting on your nightstand.

7. Join a Reading Group

Reading can be a solitary joy, but joining a reading group transforms it into something social and motivating. Whether it’s a club at your local library, a casual circle at a coffee shop, or even a virtual group, the shared experience keeps you accountable. Suddenly, you’re not just reading for yourself, you’re part of a community that’s actually pretty cool.

Discussing characters, themes, and ideas can be an awesome way to meet new people, and it’s undeniably fun to connect with others who share your passion for books.

8. Read While Cooking

Think of all those minutes in the kitchen when you’re waiting for something to bake, boil, or simmer. Instead of hovering or scrolling, why not read?

If you’re hands-free, prop up your book and enjoy a few pages. If you’re chopping or stirring, try an audiobook. This is one of those read more tips that’s super practical. Reading while cooking makes dinner prep more enjoyable and sneaks in extra chapters you wouldn’t have found otherwise.

9. Read at the Gym

The gym might not be the first place you think of for reading, but it can be a surprisingly good one. On the treadmill, stationary bike, or even during a cooldown stretch, a book can keep you entertained and distracted from the time and the tiredness. It’s an undeniably clever way to make workouts more enjoyable and productive at the same time. Instead of feeling like exercise is a chore, pairing it with a book can make it something you look forward to.

10. Swap Reading for Scrolling

This may seem obvious, but it must be said! Put down the phone and trade the scrolling for at least a few minutes of reading. Instead of checking Instagram before bed, grab your book. Instead of aimlessly scrolling in the morning, read a page or two while sipping a delicious French press coffee. This habit shift is totally game-changing. Ten to fifteen minutes a day may not sound like much, but it adds up to hours over a month. And unlike scrolling, reading leaves you feeling accomplished, inspired, and calm.

Final Thoughts

Making time to read more does not require massive changes to your life. It is about noticing the little opportunities that are already there and tethering them to your love of books. Whether it is bringing a book along while you wait, swapping out screen time, or joining a group that keeps you motivated, these tiny shifts can create an undeniable ripple effect.

Remember, reading is important. It is nourishing and healthy. It feeds your mind, soothes your spirit, and sparks inspiration. With these tips, you will find that every day is jam-packed with chances to open a book and enjoy the journey.

So grab your current read, keep it close, and watch as the pages add up in ways that feel exciting, uplifting, and truly life-giving.

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