Our days seem to go by so quickly. Time doesn't really disappear all at once—it just slips by minute by minute. If you've ever wondered how to find more time to read in your busy schedule, the answer isn't about clearing your calendar—it's about using the time you already have more intentionally.
For busy professionals, parents, and anyone balancing a full plate in life, reading more books doesn't require hours of free time. It comes down to small, realistic shifts that make reading part of your everyday routine.
Here are six subtle, low-pressure ways to make reading part of your everyday life:
1. Replace One Scroll Session with a Few Pages
One of the easiest ways to read more during the day is to swap one of your typical phone-scrolling sessions for reading a physical book. Whether you read first thing in the morning, during a lunch break, or before bed, replacing even five to ten minutes of phone time with a book helps build a consistent reading habit. Over time, this simple change can significantly increase how much you read without adding anything new to your schedule. If you like having easy access to books, keeping a small stack from a favorite bookstore or using an online retailer can make this habit even easier to stick with.
2. Keep a Book Handy Where You Naturally Pause
If you want to build a reading habit, visibility matters. Keeping books in places where you can see them when you have a moment of pause or downtime—like your kitchen, car, bag, or nightstand—makes it easier to read more throughout the day. If your book is readily accessible (and visible), you are more likely to turn everyday pauses into opportunities to read, especially in busy lifestyles where time is limited. A simple book sleeve or tote bag can make it easier to carry a book with you without worrying about wear and tear.
3. Match Your Book to Your Energy Level
If you want to read more consistently, choose books that match your energy level and attention span for different parts of your day. Lighter, fast-paced, or familiar books are easier to pick up when you're tired. More complex reads are better saved for times when you're more alert and focused. Matching your energy level with an appropriate book makes it easier to stay engaged in your reading, even during demanding weeks. Having a mix of formats—like a paperback, eBook, or Kindle—can also give you more flexibility depending on where you are and how you're feeling.
4. Use Short Bursts of In-Between Time Instead of Waiting for Big Blocks
If you're trying to figure out how to read more books, stop waiting for long, uninterrupted blocks of time. Reading in small pockets—while dinner is cooking, waiting in the car, or during short breaks—can be just as effective. These in-between moments are often the most realistic way to fit reading into a busy day. Keeping a book in your tote bag or using a reading app on your phone or Kindle app ensures you always have something ready when those moments come up.
5. Create a Low-Effort Evening Reading Habit
Building an evening reading routine doesn't have to be complicated—anchor reading to an existing habit, like plugging in your phone or winding down for the night. When you plug in your phone for the night, reach for your book. This connection helps turn reading into a natural part of your daily routine--without requiring extra effort on your part. A soft reading light or a cozy throw can make this time feel even more inviting, which makes it easier to come back to night after night.
6. Use Audiobooks to Turn Everyday Moments into Reading Time
If your schedule feels too hectic to sit down with a traditional book, audiobooks can be one of the easiest ways to "read" more without changing your routine. You can listen while driving, doing dishes, folding laundry, or even walking—turning time that already exists into reading time. Many readers find that combining traditional books with audiobooks helps them "read" more books. If you're new to audiobooks, look for a free trial on Audible or Libro.fm to see what best fits your routine. Pairing an audiobook with a comfortable set of wireless earbuds or headphones can make listening feel effortless, whether you're at home or on the go.
Reading more books doesn't have to mean adding more to your to-do list—it's more about using your time differently. When you focus on small, practical ways to fit reading into your life, it becomes less of a goal and more of a habit you can maintain, even with a busy schedule.
