We all struggle when it comes to finding the time to read all of the books on our TBR. I’m finding myself needing a reminder more and more that I need to make more moments in the day free for reading.
This blog post is going to break down an average weekend day in my life, highlighting the time I dedicate to reading. Everyone has different availabilities I know, but this is based on my average free day at the weekend. Hopefully this can offer you some light hearted suggestions of where you can squeeze in more time for reading.
Wake up around 9am
I’ll usually wake up and check my phone straight away, which I know is bad. The first app I jump onto is Instagram to check how my post from the previous night did. Once I’ve brought myself up to speed on any social media notifications I should have time to read right? Except sometimes I just sit on my phone a little longer, for no reason in particular. Now I can pick up my book and enjoy spending an hour or so reading in bed to start my day.
Tidy and clean my bedroom at about 11am
I tend to dust and tidy my room weekly because I like having a mess-free environment around me at all times. Sometimes my sister will be super cute and help me which is kind of her. Most of the time though I’ll stick on the TV and watch a YouTube video listen to an audiobook whilst I dust, which usually takes around 20-30 minutes.
Eat lunch
If you tend to eat lunch on your own, this is a great opportunity to read! If it’s by audiobook or by the physical book, you can catch up on a few pages whilst you’re enjoying your food. Or you could scroll through some more social media on your phone and end up taking double the amount of time out of your day than you intended to.
Get some blogging done in the afternoon
So this one is pretty hard to do at the same time as reading and really it does also involve scrolling through social media too. BUT, I do find that blogging gives me huge motivation to want to pick up a book. I may be blog hopping between posts I enjoy to read, or writing a review or taking some photos of my books. It definitely makes me want to pick up a book even more! This is why I tend to do my blogging in the early afternoon, so I have the later afternoon free to read.
Pick up my book
I always try and have a dedicated hour or two free in the latter part of the afternoon at weekends. This gives me time to sit and enjoy my book, whilst knowing my blogging tasks have been ticked off. Depending on how much I’m enjoying my book usually affects how long I actually sit down to read for. Maybe put your phone down across the other side of the room so it really doesn’t distract you!
Eat dinner
I usually end up reading until it’s time to eat dinner, where I will sit with my family, so no books for me. Although maybe I could sneak one in and read it under the table? I wonder if that would go unnoticed… my little sister would probably dob me in.
Enjoy the evening
Once dinner is over, the evening is mine. I can enjoy it however I like, watching a film, scrolling through my phone, reading my book. I love to get a cosy set up going in my room, especially in the autumn and winter months. I’ll draw my blinds, light some candles and play some calm classical music, maybe even have a fireplace video loaded on YouTube. Then I’m setting myself up to get totally lost in a book or TV show. Obviously, the book is the option I would urge you to pick though… or this wouldn’t be a very good blog post!
In the evening I’ll tend to do things to wind down, like taking my make up off, brushing my teeth etc. This is alwaysa perfect time to fit in more space for reading. I know I can read two pages in the two minutes it takes me to brush my teeth, so I will always do this each morning and evening. I also always read before bed, no matter what, even if it’s just a chapter or two. I find this not only calms me, but also gives me some really vivid dreams too.
Thank you so much 😊 these tips are really helpful
I’m really glad they could help!
Lovely post, Beth!! Listening to audiobooks have truly done wonders for my reading time! I love to listen to it in the morning when I’m stretching and cleaning my house. I also make sure to read a little before going to bed, since it’s a nice way to wind down for the night! <3
Thanks so much Kelly. Listening to audiobooks is such a good way of reading when you wouldn’t usually be able to!
After I started college, I got so busy with school that I lost the time for reading. Then I realised towards the end of last year (midway through my sophomore year of uni) that I just needed to swap Netflix or phone time for reading. I just THOUGHT I didn’t have time, but that wasn’t true. It was just easier to put a film or tv show on, and all I had to do was pick up a book instead. Since then, I’ve spent so much LESS time staring at screens, whether it’s my phone, laptop, or the good old telly. I now read almost every chance I can get, and I’ve got my reading mojo back!! All year, I’ve prioritised reading as I used to when I was young to when I was in high school. I can’t stress enough how happy that’s made me, and I’m so glad I did. This post is excellent, and I know it’s gonna help your readers make more time for their own reading 🙂 xxxx
As a working adult, audiobooks are my lifesaver! I listen to them when I’m on my way to work and when I’m on my way home. 🙂 I mostly do my nonwork-related stuff like reading and watching a movie/anime/show, or writing a blog post draft. It has always worked for me that I made these activities a habit. I always feel empty when I haven’t done anything recreational after work.
🤣🤣 Great post!
Since starting my MA I am struggling to find any time to read. I think I am definitely going to try waking up an hour before I have to get up for my 9am lectures. I’m always too tired by the time I get home! 🙁