Finding Time to Read
I read a lot. I started consuming books in 2nd grade, and I’ve never really stopped. My mom used to tell me to enjoy it while I could, because I wouldn’t have time to read when I reached adulthood. I remember thinking then that I would always make time to read, and I have. Sometimes more, sometimes less, but I usually read 40–100 books a year. These tend to be a mix of fiction and nonfiction, classic and junk and everything in between, depending on my mood.
I read while in college and working; while in grad school and working and with kids; while working a full-time job with two kids and a husband in grad school; and I still do while quarantining, taking care of three kids, and juggling home school. I’m not magical, I just make time because reading is what keeps me sane.
Here is how I fit reading into my life.
Always have a book with you
This used to be harder, as I’d stuff books into my purse/backpack/laptop case and hope I didn’t finish the book before I had time to restock. It got easier when eBook readers showed up, and even easier when I got a smart phone, and then even easier with apps like Libby. Now I have a library with me wherever I go, so whenever there’s an opportunity, I open a book.
I still like physical books, but eBooks are infinitely more practical for travel. Plus, I’ve moved 12 time in the past decade, so I’ve had to whittle my personal library more than I’d like. Don’t miss out on time to read because you don’t like eBooks; a book is a book, no matter how it’s consumed.
Listen to audio books
I didn’t start really listening to audio books until a couple of years ago, when my work commute got much longer. I’d never liked them because a) they were inconvenient, b) they were too long, and c) I hated most of the voices.
Again, Libby made a big difference here. Using Libby made audio books much more convenient, because I didn’t need a CD player or an MP3 player, just my phone. This way, I can listen to books anywhere; I usually just turn up the volume if I’m by myself, but otherwise I use a Bluetooth earbud (I’ve got kids, so I try to keep one ear free).
I never have to worry about losing my place, either, as Libby automatically keeps track of where you are, in eBook or audio book, even if you turn the book in; when you open it, you’ll be right where you left off.
Libby also allows you to change the playback speed on books, which makes them shorter and, for me, often alters the voices enough that I no longer find them annoying. Here’s a link that shows how if you’re interested.
Obviously, there are tons of options for listening to audiobooks, but I prefer Libby because it’s easy, convenient, and free.
And yes, audiobooks “count” as reading books. Audiobooks are a great option for many, whether because sometimes they’re too busy to sit down to read (me), or because they fall asleep when they try (my mom).
Read while you wait
I’m always waiting for something, whether it’s in line at the store, to pick up a kid at school, in the doctor’s/dentist’s waiting room, in traffic, etc. I use this time to read. It’s amazing how much reading you can get done in tiny chunks of time.
If you have a longer commute or you have to sit in traffic, listening to a good book makes the time much more enjoyable. Even if you just have a 10 minute commute, you can still listen to at least 20 minutes a day. I had an hour long commute for a year, and I listened to a lot of books; I almost missed my commute when the job ended.
Multitask
There are a lot of things that can be done while reading or listening to a book. Some of my personal favorites include the following:
- While exercising
- While cooking
- While folding laundry
- While cleaning
- While doing yard work
- While driving
- While getting ready
Read to or with someone
My husband and I like to veg out in front of the TV, but sometimes we’ll read instead. Sometimes we’ll be reading different books, and occasionally pause to share something; sometimes we’ll read the same book and offer commentary.
I have three kids, so I read to them a lot. We read pictures books, obviously, but my 7 year old has listened to 32 books on Libby just this year (she’s on a Boxcar Children kick right now), and we read a chapter in a book together each night. My 3 year old is also getting into chapter books, and we read a couple of pages together at bedtime.
Sometimes I’ll read out loud to all my kids, and just ignore the fact that they’re running around, yelling, and seemingly not paying attention. I figure it’s like osmosis, they’re getting a little bit at least.
Give yourself permission to read
This is probably the most important one. Most people don’t read because they don’t like reading, or because they don’t think it’s that important. Or rather, they think other things are more important.
For me, reading is part of how I recharge my batteries (I’m an introvert), and how I maintain my ability to function. But it’s also important because it’s how I learn. When I read, I’m climbing into someone else’s head and gaining experiences, knowledge, and perspectives that I couldn’t get otherwise. Reading makes me a better person, which in turn makes me a better parent, spouse, employee, friend, etc.
With this in mind, I have frequently ignored a messy house to read a book. I have also told my kids to go play by themselves while I read. Sometimes I need a mental escape and I take it. So far, everyone and everything is still fine.
If you don’t like to read, you don’t have to. But if you want to learn how, try different strategies. Try different genres, try different formats. Try until you find something that catches your interest. Personally, I like to find out the favorite authors of my favorite authors, look for lists on Goodreads that contain books or authors I already like, or just Google “books like ___.”
These might seem kind of obvious, but they’re the difference between “I don’t know when I last read a book” and “I’ve read 10+ books this year.” Don’t underestimate the value of a little bit of time when you have it. And, when necessary, don’t feel guilty about making a little time.
