Life gets busy, and finding time to read often falls to the bottom of the list.
Between work, social plans, and endless scrolling on your phone, it can feel impossible to squeeze in a book. But the truth is, you don’t need huge chunks of time to read more — you just need to be a little sneaky about it. These few simple tricks can help you fit more reading into your life, no matter how packed your schedule is. (Trust me, I’ve implemented pretty much all of these myself!)
1. Carry a book with you wherever you go.
You’d be surprised how much extra reading time you can find just by having a book on hand. Whether it’s a physical copy, an e-reader, or an audiobook, keeping something with you means you’re always ready to dive in when a spare moment pops up. Waiting in a queue, sitting on public transport, or even those ten minutes before a meeting starts — these little pockets of time add up. Instead of scrolling through your phone out of habit, pull out your book and get a few pages in. It makes all the difference.
2. Set a small daily reading goal.
You don’t have to commit to reading for hours every day — just setting a simple goal, like ten pages or 15 minutes, can make reading feel more achievable. Once you start, you’ll often find yourself wanting to read more anyway. Breaking it down into a manageable target removes the pressure. Instead of thinking, “I need to finish this book,” you’re just focusing on a small, easy goal. Before you know it, those pages add up, and you’ve finished the whole thing without even realising it.
3. Swap scrolling for reading.
Most of us don’t realise how much time we spend scrolling through social media or checking pointless updates on our phones. If you swapped even a fraction of that time for reading, you’d get through way more books without needing to change your routine. The next time you reach for your phone out of habit, try grabbing your book instead. Even if it’s just for ten minutes before bed instead of mindlessly scrolling, those little changes can completely transform your reading habits, slowly but surely.
4. Listen to audiobooks when you’re on the go.
Who says reading has to mean sitting down with a physical book? Audiobooks are a game-changer for busy people because you can listen while doing other things. Whether you’re commuting, cooking, or working out, you can turn those moments into reading time. It’s a great way to get through books when you don’t have time to sit down with one. Plus, with the right narrator, an audiobook can make a story feel even more engaging, like someone’s telling you a tale rather than just reading words on a page.
5. Make reading part of your wind-down routine.
Instead of ending your day with TV or your phone, swap it out for a book. Reading before bed helps you relax and gives you a set time each day to fit in a few pages. It’s a simple habit that can make a huge difference. Once your brain gets used to reading as part of your bedtime routine, it becomes automatic. Plus, unlike staring at a screen, reading actually helps you sleep better, so it’s a win-win.
6. Always have your next book ready to go.
One of the biggest reasons people stop reading is because they finish a book and don’t know what to read next. Instead of waiting until you feel like picking up something new, always have your next book lined up and ready. Whether it’s a book you’ve been meaning to read or a recommendation from a friend, knowing what’s next keeps the momentum going. The longer you wait between books, the harder it is to get back into the habit.
7. Join a book club or buddy up with a reading friend.
Reading is more fun when you can share it with other people. Joining a book club or simply having a friend to chat about books with can help keep you motivated. When you know you’ll be discussing what you’ve read, you’re more likely to make time for it. Even if it’s just an informal chat about what you’re both reading, having a little bit of accountability makes a difference. Plus, it’s a great way to discover new books and get excited about reading again.
8. Read what you actually enjoy, not what you think you should.
One of the fastest ways to kill your reading habit is by forcing yourself through books you don’t enjoy. If you’re struggling to get through something, it’s okay to put it down and pick up something else. Reading should be enjoyable, not a chore. There’s no rule that says you have to read serious literature or books that “improve your mind.” If you love fantasy, romance, or thrillers, go for it! The more you enjoy what you’re reading, the more likely you are to find time for it.
9. Use e-books to make reading more convenient.
Carrying a physical book everywhere isn’t always practical, but having an e-book on your phone or tablet means you’ll never be without something to read. It’s perfect for sneaking in a few pages whenever you have a spare moment. Most e-reader apps let you adjust the font, brightness, and background colour, making it easy to read anytime, anywhere. It’s a simple way to fit more reading into your day without even thinking about it.
10. Embrace the idea of reading multiple books at once.
Some people prefer to focus on one book at a time, but having multiple books on the go can actually help you read more. That way, you always have something that fits your mood, whether you’re in the mood for fiction, non-fiction, or something light. If one book feels too heavy, you can switch to something easier. This keeps you from getting stuck in a reading slump and makes it easier to pick up a book rather than put it off.
11. Set time limits on distractions.
If you find yourself constantly getting lost in social media, TV, or other distractions, setting a time limit on them can help. Give yourself a set amount of time for those things, then use the rest of your free time to read. Even 20 minutes saved from scrolling Instagram can be used for reading instead. It’s all about making small adjustments to your daily habits so that reading fits in naturally.
12. Keep books in places where you naturally have downtime.
Source: Unsplash Leaving books in places where you tend to have spare moments, like the kitchen, bathroom, or car, makes it easier to grab one and read a few pages. Instead of reaching for your phone, your book is right there. It’s a simple trick, but having a book within reach makes all the difference. The easier it is to pick up, the more likely you are to actually read.
13. Be okay with reading in short bursts.
Source: Unsplash You don’t need hours of uninterrupted reading time to make progress in a book. Even if you can only squeeze in five or ten minutes here and there, it still counts. Over time, those little moments add up. Let go of the idea that you need perfect conditions to read. Whether it’s a few pages on your lunch break or a quick chapter before bed, every bit of reading time is progress.
14. Make reading feel like a treat, not a task.
If reading feels like something you ‘should’ be doing, it can start to feel like a chore. Instead, think of it as a treat — something you get to do rather than something you have to do. Find a cosy reading spot, make a cup of tea, and give yourself permission to enjoy the moment. The more enjoyable you make the experience, the more likely you are to do it regularly.
