How to Read More Books
If you want to read more books, but find it difficult to make the time, you aren’t alone. Finding time to read is something that many people struggle with doing. As a full-time entrepreneur and mom of three, I understand this. Many things can seem “more important” than reading.
Reading is beneficial in so many ways. It stimulates our minds and slows us down. It is a creative, challenging and life-giving hobby for many. And it is worth making time for, which is why I have put together this list of tactics I use to encourage reading in my life. I hope this list is helpful for you!
Tips to Read More Books
Set a reading goal: Reading goals aren’t meant to put pressure on your reading life, but they are a good motivator. I love using Fable to track my reading. Many people also like Goodreads. You also might love this free printable reading log from Everyday Reading.
Listen to audiobooks: YES, listening to books counts as reading. You can listen to audiobooks during times that make book holding impossible, like while you cook, clean and drive. You will definitely complete more books by adding audiobooks to your routine. Want some free audiobooks to try it out? Do a trial with Audible and/or Audiobooks.com and you’ll get free books!
Make reading a part of your routine: Find 20 minutes in your day where you can commit to reading. Maybe it is first thing in the morning or while you eat lunch. You’ll be surprised how this 20 minutes adds up!
Join a book club: Find a book club to join. You’ll discover new books and make new friends in the process. My local library and local independent book store both host book clubs. You can also check Facebook and Nextdoor for community book clubs.
Attend author events: Author events are fun because you get to meet authors you love in person. They are always made better if you have read the book they are promoting in advance, so this is a good way to inspire reading!
Follow Bookish Instagram accounts: By following readers on Instagram, you’ll discover new books to read.
Tactics to read more
Put Away Your Phone: It can be tempting to mindlessly scroll instead of read. Put away your phone and pick up a book instead.
Read your shelves: I have so many wonderful waiting to be read books on my bookshelf. If you’re the same, set a goal to read your shelves.
Use the Kindle app: On average, we wait 45-60 minutes a day. Commit to reading on the Kindle app instead of scrolling social media on your phone. You’ll definitely read more!
Go to the Library: Your library is designed to inspire reading! I often will find a new to me title just by going in and browsing.
Read in front of your children: Some women believe that they shouldn’t do things that they enjoy if their children are around. I think this is silly! It is important for me to model to my children a life that includes making time for my passions, like reading. For instance, I might sit on the couch and read while my kids are gaming.
What do you think? Are you inspired to read more books? I hope so! Leave a comment and tell me how you fit reading into your busy life.
AND, if you are curious on how to make more time for the things you love (like reading!) check out my bestselling book The Fringe Hours: Making Time for You.