Want to Read More? These 11 Strategies Make It Easy
Do you want to read more but just can’t find the time?
Whether you're a self-help junkie (guilty as charged…) or longing for more time with the latest New York Times Best Seller, finding time to read can feel like an impossible task.
But with a few simple strategies, you can carve out time for a rewarding reading habit that sticks—even with the busiest schedule.
#1 Leverage Audiobooks
Audiobooks are my go-to for keeping up with the mountain of books on my “to-read” list. They allow you to easily turn everyday low-brain-power activities (think: working out, cleaning, commuting…etc) into prime opportunities to enjoy a great book.
You can rent audiobooks for free from your library using apps like Libby, or subscribe to platforms like Audible for unlimited options. (To maximize your “reading” time, try listening at 1.25x speed!)
#2 Schedule Reading Time on Your Calendar
You know the drill: scheduled tasks get done. Treat your reading time as you would a meeting or appointment. Add it to your calendar as part of your weekly planning activities. Start small, perhaps 15 minutes in the morning, during your lunch break, or before bed.
Scheduling reading time turns your reading aspirations from a flimsy goal to a more concrete commitment.
#3 Leverage Small Pockets of Time for Reading
Speaking of starting small, a good reading habit doesn’t have to mean hours curled up on the couch. Look for pockets of time for reading throughout your day. Sneak in a few pages while waiting for an appointment, stuck in a long line, or while commuting on public transit.
By turning these small, otherwise wasted pockets of time into reading opportunities, you’ll be surprised how quickly you can chip away at your reading list.
#4 Establish a Regular Reading Routine
Make reading a habit by incorporating it into your daily routine. For example:
Morning Reading: If you enjoy starting your day with inspiration, read while sipping your morning coffee or during breakfast.
Bedtime Reading: If you like to relax and switch off before sleep, reading before bed can help you wind down and improve your sleep quality.
Transitions: Use reading as a transition between work and home life. A quick 10-minute read can help you unwind and reset.
By anchoring reading to a specific time of day, it can become second nature.
#5 Make Reading Your Pre-Netflix Ritual
Your “me time” may include a scroll through social media or a Netflix binge which can easily overtake best-laid reading plans as the time quickly slips away. Before starting those types of activities, commit to reading for just five minutes. You may find yourself so engrossed with your book that you keep going, skipping your previously planned “guilty pleasure”.
Even if you jump to Instagram after the five minutes, you’ve already won the day by fitting in some extra reading time!
#6 Carry a Book Everywhere
Always have a book on hand so you can take advantage of unexpected reading windows. This could be a physical copy, a Kindle, or even just the Kindle app on your phone so you never have to remember to pack something else.
Plus, carrying a book can serve as a mindful alternative to mindlessly scrolling through your phone.
#7 Keep a List of “Books To Read”
Ever find yourself staring at your bookshelf or scrolling aimlessly through book recommendations? And before you know it you’ve spent all your extra time just trying to find something you want to read…
Avoid decision fatigue by maintaining a running list of books you want to read. With a ready-made list, you’ll always know what to dive into next.
#8 Read a Book with Someone Else
Reading doesn’t have to be a solo activity. Consider reading the same book as your partner, friend, or sibling. This can play double duty by providing more quality time to spend with your loved ones discussing the book as well as encouraging your new reading habit.
This is one I’m trying out this year! (If you’re feeling ambitious, you could join a book club—but if you’re short on time, a smaller commitment with a loved one might be a better fit.)
#9 Read During Your Lunch Break
Your lunch break is the perfect opportunity to reset and stepping away from your desk is a great first step. Pairing this break with a good book is a great way to decompress while still being “productive” with your reading goal.
Whether it’s a single chapter of a best seller or a few pages of an inspiring self-help book, reading can be a refreshing way to recharge during a busy day, offering a mental escape from work or other stresses.
#10 Mix It Up: Have Both a “Fun” and a “Serious” Book
If you’re struggling to feel motivated to read, keep a mix of books on hand. Pair a thought-provoking self-help book with a lighter, fun read.
On days when a deep dive feels overwhelming, opt for the fun book. This approach keeps reading enjoyable and can make reading seem more appealing and like a get-to-do, not a should-do.
#11. Stop Reading Books You Don’t Enjoy
Life’s too short to read books you don’t like. If a book isn’t capturing your interest, put it down and move on.
For us toxic overachievers, this can feel like a failure for not finishing what we started… But if you’re not excited to pick up a book you’re not enjoying, you won’t be motivated to practice your new reading habits which could lead to a reading slump.
Bonus: 5 Books You Must Read in 2025
Now that you have all the time in the world to fit in your new reading habit, here are 5 books you must read in 2025 that will completely change how you think about your life:
#1. “The Mountain is You” by Brianna Wiest
This one had so many relatable ‘ah ha’ moments for how we often sabotage our hopes and dreams. Great read for some helpful self-reflection.
#2. “Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals” by Oliver Burkeman
This is hands down my favorite time management book. It will help you change how you approach your time and priorities to live a more fulfilling life.
#3. “The Gap and the Gain” by Dan Sullivan and Dr. Benjamin Hardy
I loved some of the practices introduced in this book to help you appreciate where you are and how far you’ve come. While it’s geared more toward entrepreneurs, it’s definitely applicable to anyone!
#4. “Juliet’s School of Possibilities” by Laura Vanderkam
Laura Vanderkam is the queen of time management. I would read anything she wrote. This book helps solidify the value of your time in a fun-to-read fictional setting.
#5. “The Wives” by Tarryn Fisher
And because I promise I do venture out of the self-help world on occasion, this book is an edge-of-your-seat thriller with a surprising twist. It may not be life-changing…but it’s an excellent “fun” option!
So What?
You don’t have to clear hours in the day to find more time to read. With some small, intentional habits, you can crank through your to-read list in no time!
Happy reading, my friends!
(Find me on LinkedIn and send me all your best book recommendations!)
Some of the links in this article are affiliate links.
If you liked this post, don’t forget to share so that others can find it, too.
About Me
Hi, I’m Kara. I’m a former workaholic turned time-management expert. I help women stressed out in their 9-5 get more done, in less time, so they can get back in the driver’s seat and start living a life they love.
