How to read more when you work a 9-5

A lot of us struggle when it comes to finding time to read, whether it’s due to a demanding job; long commute; hectic social life; lack of peace and quiet, or caring for another- and that can make life draining. If you are constantly living in a state of giving- to your work; to your children; to your partner- you are not providing YOURSELF with enough nurture, and that is an exhausting way to live. If you do not pause every now and then to fill up your own cup, you won’t have anything left to pour into those around you. So put yourself first. Put on your own life jacket. Go to the nearest bookstore and purchase a brand new book. Shut the doors and say not today, today is for me!

But, simply turning your phone on silent doesn’t solve the problem of too little time. That’s what i’m here for. Here are some work arounds for a busy life, to carve out some time just for you. Because that’s what reading is, really, giving to yourself. A bit of time committed to your own nurture. Your own journey. Your own education. It is the finest form of self care because reading simply makes you smarter and kinder in ways most would never expect. Read for yourself.

Reading More When You Are a Busy Adult

Starting with the obvious, and winding down to the not so obvious.

Read on your commute.

If you don’t already, this one is a massive game changer. It allows you to squeeze in little segments of reading in a time when you can’t really do anything else, therefore you are not really making any compromises. It also helps to build a reading habit as you will begin to associate the time you travel with reading. Furthermore, squeezing in a small amount of reading in the morning builds excitement to read later in the day. You will have your book in your head and, if its a good book, you will likely find your self anxious to know what happens next.

If you are one of the commuters who drive, try an Audiobook.

Switch up showers to baths.

Bathing is relaxing. It’s kind to your body and mind. And, after a busy day at work, it is the perfect way to unwind. It also makes the perfect undisturbed reading time, and the cosiest reading place. It solves the problem of finding peace and quiet, and finding a place you feel relaxed and able to lose yourself, just for a moment, in your next read.

Turn off electronics before bed and read.

Potentially, the reason blue light before bed is worse than any other forms of light is because of reasons dating back to our prehistoric ancestors- before we evolved to walk on land and when we still swam in water. Blue light was one of the only lights that could penetrate the water and therefore control our circadian rhythm (that is something I have learned from reading the book Why We Sleep, by Matthew Walker. See, reading really does make you smarter!). Instead of watching television right up until the moment of sleep, try getting into bed at 9, all gadgets turned off, and read for half an hour- an hour. This will help you drift off, but also establish an evening reading routine, cozy and in the covers.

Compile a List of books on your bedside table that you are excited to read

A lot of building a stable reading habit comes down to motivation. If you are not excited to read it is so much harder, and having that visual list right next to you can be the difference between feeling excited to read and reading simply because you have decided you have to. It is not a chore, don’t view it as one.

Never be without a book.

Little snippets of time that are scattered throughout a persons day often, easily, go amiss. What wasted opportunity to squeeze in a page here and there. It does add up, and often is the difference between a person who is a reader and a person who is not.

Avoid setting reading goals.

This one may be controversial. I get it, and you do you. But when it comes to me, setting goals such as reading 50 pages per day, or always reading before bed, tends to make me feel weighed down- as if it were a chore. And, I’ll say it again: It is not a chore, don’t view it as one. In my opinion, when I see it on my to do list, it makes me feel… overwhelmed. I prefer to think, once I’ve done my to do list then I get to read. To me, that is a very significant difference. And, at the end of the day, life happens (literally, and metaphorically). Sometimes a friend spontaneously pops by, or me and my partner get in a late night gossip sesh. Remember, don’t feel bad if you can’t read everyday. Life happens.

Don’t be afraid of long books (Or book series’).

Look, I know long books can be daunting, and you’re already busy enough, and what am I thinking suggesting you add more to your busy, busy day? The thing about long books, though, is you have more time to feel connected to the story and to the characters. It is possible to feel more immersed within the world of your book. And, In this instance, I will be writing a blog post titled: how to put down that book you can’t stop reading, and not be hit by that bus coming towards you as you are being very silly and forgot to stop reading while you crossed the road.

Break it up with audiobooks.

The mighty audiobook, the gift of reading and not reading all at the same time. It’s like being a child again and someone’s reading to you. I personally only like to listen to nonfiction books, but to each their own. This allows you to consume new books while you are getting ready, or cooking, or doing dishes. It is, surprisingly, very comforting to be read a story while doing these thing. It makes the mundane parts of adulting a bit more entertaining.

If you don’t like a book, dnf.

It’s okay, we’ve all been there. Sometimes that book everyone is raving about at work is just not for you. Don’t waste your allotted me time to it.

Explore new genres

There are so many genres out there, mystery, thriller, romance, dark academia. Personally, I’m not usually the biggest fan of romance. Get inspired by Book-tube, Book-tok and Pinterest. Once you have established a list of books you want to read, you will become more excited to read them.

Read one fiction book and one non fiction book at the same time.

Never 2 of the same category. This is a technique I occasionally use, switching between the two categories helps my brain feel rested (particularly as I listen to my non-fiction books). This means you can switch things up if you need to, but you are still committed to your storyline.

Try deleting social media for a month.

Easier said than done, I know, but you will be surprised with how much extra time you have. It can’t do any harm, give it a shot!

Get to your desk early.

An easy 15 minute read before you start your day. Perfect for anticipating more reading later on!

Do a book swap with friends, or embark on a reading challenge.

Basically, take part in anything that will broaden your reading horizons. You never know, you might find your new favourite genre.

What are your favourite tips for reading more on a busy schedule?