I just don’t have the time to read anymore! Reading a book seems like a luxury in this day and age! How do you find time to read, I just cannot! If you have found yourself saying this on more than one occasion, you are not alone.
We live in a nonstop world. With endless to-do lists, deadlines, and the pressure to check out the latest to avoid FOMO, 24 hours never seem enough in a day. Reading time often takes a backseat or is considered a luxury.
As I sat down to brainstorm a topic I wanted to write for the Bookish League blog hop this month, talking about finding time to read seemed perfect. Something I have been struggling with for the past few months.
You must be well aware of the benefits of reading to boost your mental health. You probably are an avid reader too. I’m sure you would have come across a million posts by now on how to read more. Replacing screen time with reading. Scheduling it in. Prioritizing it (easier said than done). But how does one do that when free time is non-existent? Some days are busier than others when you cannot get a minute’s break. Some days, there is a last-minute request or disaster that needs to be taken care of. It is never smooth sailing.
I have always believed that if you truly “want” to do something, you “will” take out time to do it. Even if it is only a few minutes. It is not about having time to read. It is about making time to read. Squeezing in reading time on the busiest of days is possible. And if you can’t manage to, that is perfectly okay too.
Redefining Reading
Before we get into my time-tested tips, let’s take a step back to redefine what reading is. Does reading only mean reading a print book? Doesn’t listening to audiobooks count as reading, too? They are called audiobooks after all. What about articles, blogs, and published essays? They are reading in the literal sense. Sure, there is no Goodreads or Storygraph listing to check off, but they can be equally enriching. While the tips I share primarily talk about books, they also apply to other forms of reading.
Get Your Priorities In Order
First things first. While making reading a priority helps, the reason we don’t have enough time to read is that other things have taken priority. Family, work, or stuff that needs to get done. As much as we would love to read whenever we can, life has other priorities, too. Reading time can well be the priority over endlessly watching reels. But it should not and must not be a priority over caregiving or family needs. Or spending quality time with loved ones.
Pick The Right Books
One the top of the list is choosing the genres you are interested in. Remember the golden rule – Read what you enjoy reading and not what you should be reading. Reading that feels like a chore is a recipe for disaster. There is no point in force-reading a book with all those swimming words.
If you are like me, who prefers to read to unwind at the end of the day, a heavy-duty non-fiction would not cut it and will have you either switching to scrolling on your phone or dozing off. Pick the right book for the right time. Go for shorter books and novellas, or short story collections instead of full-length ones. Feel-good books. Cozy mysteries. Fantasy fiction. Cheesy romances. Pick what works for you. No judgements.
Keep Books Accessible
Much like that popular tip of keeping all the munchies out of arm’s reach when you are on a diet, the reverse works for reading time. If the book is well within reach, there is a higher chance of you picking up the book than walking to the other room to get it.
Keep Distractions To A Minimum
Imagine trying to get into a book with endless pinging notifications. Or with the television blaring. When you do get down to read, switch the phone to silent mode. Or better still, keep it in the other room, so that you are not tempted to pick it up. I’m all about multitasking, but not when it borders on distraction.
Short Bursts Of Reading Count
Sure, we would love to shut out the world for hours and curl up with a book. Sometimes, taking out that much time is difficult.
It is time to change our mindset that we need a huge chunk of time to read. Even if you manage to get in 15-20 minutes of quality reading a day, it is well worth it. Remember, reading just a few pages is better than not reading at all.
Multitasking and Going Digital
If you have been following me for a while, you would know that audiobooks have lately been my format of choice, followed by ebooks. Not just for convenience, they are also a great way to get in some reading while multitasking. Be it working out or doing daily chores.
If audiobooks are not your thing or if you prefer print books, experiment with multitasking. Reading while nursing a newborn is quite popular with some new moms I know.
There is a need to draw a line, though. Strictly from personal experience, I would not suggest reading while cooking. Been there, done that. Did not go down well.
Make It A Habit
Create a reading ritual. I often listen to an audiobook during my daily walks. Something I look forward to each day. I also unwind with a few pages of reading at the end of the day.
If you are someone who mindlessly scrolls through reels at bedtime, open the reading app (Kindle, Kobo, or any other of your choice) and switch to reading a book instead. Better still, pick a print book if you can to cut down the blue light exposure.
Let Go Of The Pressure
Do yourself a favor and ditch the guilt. If you are struggling with the pressure of reading, avoid setting a reading goal. DNF the book that is not working. Above all, stop comparing yourself with others. We all have our journeys. It is okay if you cannot read daily. If it is any consolation, it took me 15 days to read my last book.
On the topic of guilt, reading constitutes me-time. Never feel selfish about devoting some time to yourself.
Social Reading for Accountability
Nothing works wonders like a looming deadline to get us down to work. Pretty much the same works for reading too…. kind of.
Join a book club. Find a reading buddy. Discussing a book is equally fun as reading it. Recommendations and discovering new books are the cherry on top. Just make sure it is not added pressure.
Always Carry A Book
I am on the fence about it, but this tip does work for a lot of readers I know. I am okay with reading in waiting rooms or during long commutes, but abhor reading when out with the family or at a get-together. It is downright rude. That said, to each their own.
Some resolve, some discipline, a shift in the mindset, and a few tweaks here and there. It is possible to take time out for reading in the busiest of schedules. Do you struggle to find time to read? What are your go-to tips? Do share in the comments below.
This post is part of the Bookish League blog hop hosted by Bohemian Bibliophile.
This blog post is part of ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’ hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla in collaboration with Mister Tikku.
Photo credit: Canva.com
June 4, 2025 @ 10:35 pm
I think making a conscious effort to make reading a part of the routine is essential. No matter what kind of thing. And as you say, even twenty minutes a day is good.
June 6, 2025 @ 6:00 pm
I wish I were part of a book club again so that I feel motivated to read and share my thoughts. Our Bookwormz club in Vijayawada was one of a kind. We used to read the same book, and over a potluck lunch, we would each share our thoughts about it. It is strange how we each had diverse views on the same topic.
June 6, 2025 @ 9:33 pm
As a mom constantly juggling tasks, I truly relate! I’ve learned to sneak in short reading bursts during quiet moments—those 10 minutes really do add up over time. Loved this!
June 7, 2025 @ 7:10 pm
Netflix certainly ate into my reading time but I am following many of the tips you have provided to help me catch up with my reading habit. I like the idea that you carry a book everywhere and steal a few moments whenever you can.Also trying not to feel guilty about not reading enough.My target is at least one book every month sometimes it’s more , sometimes it’s less but as long a sI read a new book or a new author , I am happy.
June 8, 2025 @ 2:48 pm
Loved this. I often tell my friends who bemoan that there is no time to read , “if you want to badly , you will find time.”
Among all your suggestions: Carrying book with you at all times and short bursts work best. I don’t sleep without reading something .
June 9, 2025 @ 7:15 am
Yes, it’s not about getting time but making time to read. It’s imperative that we rekindle our passion for reading now, more than before. Because our brain is going to rot otherwise! We should read everyday to increase focus. But yes books have to be interesting too.
June 9, 2025 @ 11:57 am
I relate with this blog so much. Also it’s beautiful how you perfectly captured mind of all the readers. For me watching paperback in the day and kindle at night really helps, also audiobook while working. It’s the matter of right book and you’ll find the time!
June 9, 2025 @ 2:24 pm
I completely agree with the fact that one should read what they enjoy. I have tried reading Tomb of Sand many times and I find it boring. But am determined to read it still, slowly and at my pace. I normally read in a go, for books are like gum, you stick to them until they are over. I seem to have a high burnout issue currently, but getting back to books, writing and more once the rains comes.
June 9, 2025 @ 5:10 pm
“It is not about having time to read. It is about making time to read.” Now that line hit hard. Until last year, I wasn’t able to read much but this year I have joined reading and blogging challenges. Thankfully its gping great with so much awesome content to read. Loved all your points and resonate with them completely.
June 9, 2025 @ 6:53 pm
These days fast reading took a backseat in my life and I am into slow reading and more on writing and yes physical writing with pen on paper… as My profession demands it where I need to analyze hefty variety of handwriting and prepare their correction reports manually to make them understand well… I am more into concious reading these days… little but good.
June 10, 2025 @ 12:17 pm
Thanks for this useful and thoughtful blog post. Coming to office on a daily with physical health on check the day ends up tiring, and I struggle to snuggle with a book before I sleep.
June 10, 2025 @ 9:42 pm
This post totally gets it. “Making” time to read instead of “finding” it is such a small shift in words but a huge mindset change. Loved the reminder that short bursts count and that reading isn’t one-size-fits-all—blogs, audiobooks, print, it all adds up.
June 10, 2025 @ 9:47 pm
Thank you for normalizing short bursts of reading and letting go of the pressure to meet goals. It’s so freeing to hear that reading should bring joy, not guilt.
June 11, 2025 @ 12:18 am
These tips are so practical or disable Ritu. Even though both kids keep me on my toes. Reading before bedtime is definitely done at mine
June 11, 2025 @ 12:27 pm
Loved your post! I totally relate—those short reading bursts between chores or bedtime reading rituals really do add up. Letting go of guilt made reading joyful again for me.
June 11, 2025 @ 12:29 pm
I completely relate. It’s so hard to find time to read with everything going on. But you’re right, even a few minutes or listening to audiobooks counts. Thanks for the great reminder to make reading fit into busy days.
June 11, 2025 @ 12:42 pm
These are some great tips, Ritu. I too keep my books at places where it is easily accessible and I carry one everywhere I go. Reading at least a few pages, ideally when the baby sleeps, is my way of enjoying me-time these days 🙂
June 11, 2025 @ 1:31 pm
You are absolutely right about finding time to do what you really want to do. Keeping books close by is the easiest to follow. I always do that. I still find it rough to read audiobooks.
June 11, 2025 @ 9:00 pm
I’ve had such a strange relationship with reading that I’m either not reading for months or wrapping off a book a day in a week. Taking time out isn’t tricky if one truly wants to, especially when there are so many formats and genres to explore.
June 11, 2025 @ 9:27 pm
It really is about making time, not waiting for it to magically appear. Loved the reminder that even a few pages a day count .. and a big YES to carrying a book everywhere
June 11, 2025 @ 10:38 pm
Thankfully I bever experienced a reading slump. I have always been reading. But the tips and tricks you suggested will always come handy even if I don’t stop reading
June 11, 2025 @ 11:24 pm
I read at lunchtime, so every day I get some time for reading and enjoy that. Thanks for the tips.
June 16, 2025 @ 11:51 am
I loved your statement,” if you love doing something you will take the time out for it”.
Having been a lifelong reader, I have faced periods of time when reading seems impossible, and yet, even then I read, even if for five minutes.
I was nodding along to quite a few of your tips. I used to read while feeding the newborns, and have the habit of carrying my book (now kindle) wherever I know I have to wait, like doctor’s appointments, airports while picking up someone etc.
Once carried it to school for the kiddo’s PTM too ( like your cooking adventure, it didn’t go down well for me. I missed my turn and just wanted to come back home to finish my book!)
I am yet to join the audio book revolution though, I just cannot concentrate. Even podcasts are a problem for me.
June 18, 2025 @ 11:16 am
What has stunned me as a teacher is the death of the habit of reading among my students. Only a handful of them read something other than textbooks. Most are busy with JEE/NEET preps. They will be docs and engineers without any knowledge outside the coursebooks, I guess.
Yes, we can all find time to read a bit every day. I used to carry a book to read on the way, sitting in a bus or train… even walking! Yes, believe it, I made it a skill because I had to walk over 4 km to school and another 4 back home. Today that will be a dangerous thing to do. But there can be ingenious other soultions for shortage of time.
June 18, 2025 @ 3:09 pm
I agree with you, most of the time it is about intent. If you can find the time to binge watch a show, you can find the time to read. I think it gets harder because of attention spans. We’re so used to instant gratification that reading can feel like a chore or a long term investment.
One thing I have seen with my friends is, they read as a couple. Not the same book, they pick up what each likes, but they read together so it gives dual benefits. They get to spend time together and do a shared activity as well.
June 21, 2025 @ 6:28 pm
Love all your pointers. In the end it is about prioritising. Just twenty minutes of scrolling time replaced by a book and you’re a reader.