Life gets busy, and for book lovers, it can feel like your growing to-read pile is silently judging you. Between work, family, and the million little things clamoring for your attention, finding time to sit down with a good book might seem impossible. But here’s the good news: even if your schedule is packed, it’s still possible to read more with a few clever strategies. Whether you’re sneaking in a chapter or switching to audiobooks, these tips will help you carve out time for stories, one page at a time.

1. Choose Audiobooks for Maximum Flexibility

If sitting down with a physical book feels like a luxury you can’t afford, audiobooks are your new best friend. You can enjoy a great story while handling everyday tasks like commuting, exercising, cooking, or even folding laundry. Many readers find themselves flying through books when they use audiobooks during these otherwise idle moments.

How to Start:

Audiobooks turn “dead time” into productive reading time, helping you chip away at that TBR list without sacrificing your other responsibilities.

2. Set Small, Achievable Goals

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed if your goal is to finish a 500-page novel in a single week. Instead, focus on setting smaller, more manageable objectives. For example, commit to reading 10 pages or a single chapter a day. Over time, these little sessions will add up.

Why It Works:

Think of it like eating an elephant—not that you’d want to—but if you did, you’d do it one bite at a time.

3. Make Books Part of Your Routine

We often say we don’t have time for something, but what we really mean is that it’s not a habit. If you only read “when you have time,” it rarely happens. To change this, try attaching reading to an existing daily habit.

Ideas For Pairing:

By integrating reading into your routine, it becomes second nature, just like brushing your teeth or checking your email.

4. Always Have a Book with You

You know those random pockets of time when you’re waiting for an appointment or standing in a long line? That’s prime reading time! The key is being prepared. Whether it’s a paperback, an e-reader, or a book app on your phone, having something to read ensures you can make the most of these moments.

Pro Tip:

Before you know it, these spare minutes can add up to chapters, and eventually, entire books.

5. Read What Excites You

This might sound obvious, but too often, people feel like they should read certain types of books (looking at you, giant literary classics) rather than what genuinely interests them. If you’re reading something out of obligation instead of excitement, you’re less likely to find the time for it.

Instead, focus on books that you can’t wait to pick up. Whether that’s cozy mysteries, historical fiction, sci-fi adventures, or even graphic novels, the key is reading what makes you happy.

Pro Tip:

When you’re genuinely excited about a book, you’ll naturally find ways to make time for it.

6. Join a Reading Community

Sometimes, reading more is as simple as talking about books with others. Joining a book club or an online reading group keeps you accountable and motivated to carve out time for reading. Plus, discussing what you’ve read with like-minded individuals makes the experience even more enjoyable.

Options to Explore:

The shared joy of reading and connecting with others can turn what feels like a solitary activity into something social and exciting!

7. Give Yourself Permission to Read in Chunks

Who says you have to read a book cover to cover in one sitting? Life is busy, and long reading sessions might not fit into your schedule. Give yourself permission to read in smaller chunks whenever you get the chance.

For instance:

Remember, there’s no “right” way to finish a book. What matters is finding what works for you.

8. Set Boundaries for Your Screen Time

One of the biggest obstacles to reading more is how much time we spend on our devices. Scrolling through social media or binge-watching shows can easily eat up hours. If you want to reclaim some of that time for reading, consider setting limits on screen use.

Tips For Cutting Back:

This doesn’t mean you have to give up your favorite screen-based activities entirely; just find a balance that includes more time for books.