University of Kwazulu-Natal

Simple Ways To Make Time For Reading Every Day

Bonisiwe Shabane
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simple ways to make time for reading every day

"A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies... The man who never reads lives only one." – George R.R. Martin Reading is something that many of us love the idea of, but in reality, it often gets pushed aside. I often hear people say they wish they read more, and my response is always the same: "What's stopping you?" Most people say they just don't have the time.

But I don’t think that’s the real issue. It’s not about time—it’s about mindset. Wanting to read more is one thing, but you have to change how you approach it. If you have time to watch TV or scroll through social media, you have time to read. The key is to prioritize it. Once you start making reading a daily habit and looking for moments to fit it in, you'll find plenty of opportunities.

It all begins with wanting it. Here are some simple, practical tips I’ve used to make more time for reading. You may already know these, but they’re good reminders if reading is something you want to do more of. Having a book on hand is one of the easiest ways to squeeze in more reading time. Whether it’s a physical book or an e-book, keep it with you so when you have a few spare minutes—waiting for an appointment or during a break—you can read a few pages. Over time, these little moments add up.

Discover how to find time to read every day with these 7 practical tips—perfect for busy schedules, short breaks, and turning dead moments into page-turners. I get it—life can feel like a treadmill of endless tasks, leaving barely a spare minute for yourself, let alone a good book. But I’ve learned that even the busiest days hold hidden pockets of reading time. Here are my top seven reading tips—from personal experience—that transformed my habit from “I wish I could read” to “I can’t wait to turn the next page.” Just like you’d block off lunch or a workout, schedule 30 minutes of reading into your calendar. I carve out nightly reading time before bed, and it’s become a sacred ritual—no screens, just stories.

Over time, this small daily commitment has added up to dozens of books a year, and now I have the reading life of my dreams! I keep a paperback in my tote and the e-reader app on my phone. Waiting for an appointment? Grab your book. Coffee line running long? A quick chapter goes a long way.

Having reading material at arm’s reach turns idle minutes into mini book breaks. We all know the social media spiral. I set a five-minute timer during breaks—no mindless feeds, just reading. Those five minutes might become ten, and suddenly you’ve read a whole short story instead of doom-scrolling. Some of the busiest people on our planet are also avid readers. Reading sparks your creativity, helps you grow your understanding of complex problems and grows you intellectually, while at the same time, reading is a very relaxing activity.

But how do we make time to read? News articles report that we are reading less and less. A study in 2004 found that the average number of books read in the US per year is 12, while the median value is only five books. If you want to beat this sad statistic and increase the number of books you read per year and make time to read, then keep reading. The year in which I finished my PhD, moved across the globe, and attended conferences in every single continent of the world to present my research (except Antarctica), I logged 69 books into my... Many people have wondered how I managed to find the time to read so many books while having such a busy year.

If you want to increase the number of books you read each year, I have gathered 11 of my best tips for reading: If you enjoy borrowing books from the library, borrow more than you think you’ll actually read. Having physical books piled up in your house that you know need to be returned will encourage you to read more than you might initially have planned to. If you are a digital reader, make sure you download a stockpile of books onto your e-reader,so you always have a wealth of choices right at your fingertips that you are eager to read. Do you love books but struggle with how to build a reading habit? Between work, family, and endless to-do lists, reading often takes a backseat.

But what if I told you that you can build a reading habit—even with a packed schedule? Here’s how to make reading a daily joy without feeling overwhelmed! If you’re wondering how to build a reading habit, the key is to start small and stay consistent. You don’t need hours to be a reader. Start with just 5–10 minutes a day—during breakfast, in the car (audiobooks count!), or before bed. Small steps lead to big habits!

Even reading just a few pages a day can add up over time and help you develop a consistent routine. Keep a book in your bag, on your phone (hello, Kindle app!), or on your bedside table. When you have a few spare minutes, you’ll be more likely to reach for a book instead of scrolling on your phone. Having easy access to a book ensures that reading becomes a natural part of your daily life. If a book feels like a chore, switch it up! Read what truly interests you—whether it’s romance, thrillers, fantasy, or self-help.

Loving what you read makes the habit stick. Don’t force yourself to read something just because it’s popular; instead, focus on books that genuinely spark your curiosity and excitement. You needn’t always follow the latest trends, read the new releases, or pick up what everyone’s reading. After all, just like what Murakami has said, “If you only read the books that everyone else is reading, you can only think what everyone else is thinking.“ Growing up in the 90s, reading was woven into the fabric of my childhood— Pizza Hut reading challenges, Reading Rainbow (literally a children’s T.V.

show about books!), and extensive book series like Goosebumps and The Babysitter’s Club were cornerstones of my childhood experiences (hashtag blessed!). I loved reading. But as an adult and new mother, I s… Let’s be honest: life gets busy. Between work, family, social obligations, and that never-ending to-do list, finding time to read can feel like a luxury we can’t afford. But as fellow book lovers, we know there’s nothing quite like the escape that comes from getting lost in a good book.

Here’s the truth: no matter how busy life gets, there are ways to sneak in more reading time. You just need to get a little creative with how you fit books into your day. And the best part? These tips are totally doable—even if you’re juggling a million things. So, if you’re ready to turn your to-be-read pile into a to-be-enjoyed stack, let’s dive into these simple strategies to make more time for reading! Ever feel overwhelmed just looking at your giant stack of books waiting to be read?

That’s okay. The key is to start small. Commit to reading just 10 minutes a day. Trust me, you’ll be amazed at how quickly those minutes add up. Whether it’s over your morning coffee or right before bed, you’ll find that a little time here and there adds up fast. Pro Tip: Keep a short book or collection of essays on hand.

I love having bite-sized reads for those moments when I only have a few minutes. How to make time to read Here are 10 ways to fit reading into your busy life so that you can spend more time with your favorite books. This blog post contains affiliate links. Everyday Eyecandy is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Whenever I mention how many books I read, I always get the question: How do you find the time? I’ve had years of practice to figure out the best ways to fit reading time into my busy schedule.

And since the new year is here and I know that reading more books is on a lot of to-do lists and resolutions, I have 10 tips to help busy people make time to... I know! It sounds like a no-brainer. But a lot of people tend to think they should read that famous book-tok book, or the new serious best-seller or the book that their favorite influencer liked. Home » Bookish Lifestyle » How To Make Time To Read More When You Are Busy Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from purchases made through the affiliate links included in this post.

This means if you click on the link and make a purchase, I will receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. See the Privacy Policy for more information. Have you been wondering how to make time to read? I’ve got you covered! In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, carving out time to read can feel like a monumental task. As someone who’s navigated this challenge and emerged with a love for reading, I totally get it.

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"A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies... The man who never reads lives only one." – George R.R. Martin Reading is something that many of us love the idea of, but in reality, it often gets pushed aside. I often hear people say they wish they read more, and my response is always the same: "What's stopping you?" Most people say they just don't have the time.

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But I don’t think that’s the real issue. It’s not about time—it’s about mindset. Wanting to read more is one thing, but you have to change how you approach it. If you have time to watch TV or scroll through social media, you have time to read. The key is to prioritize it. Once you start making reading a daily habit and looking for moments to fit it in, you'll find plenty of opportunities.

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Over time, this small daily commitment has added up to dozens of books a year, and now I have the reading life of my dreams! I keep a paperback in my tote and the e-reader app on my phone. Waiting for an appointment? Grab your book. Coffee line running long? A quick chapter goes a long way.