How to Build a Reading Habit When You Have No Time

Whether you’re already a reader or you’re wondering how to build a reading habit this year, you’re in the right place. If you’ve ever said, “I just don’t have time to read,” you’re not alone. So many busy adults especially busy moms and dads struggle to make time for reading. The good news? With a few simple shifts, you can create a sustainable reading habit that fits your real life and helps you read more books than you thought possible.

Why Reading Matters for Busy Adults

First of, let me make a case for reading for fun. Many times, we are looking for something that will expand our knowledge, whether in the areas of parenting, faith, health, or life. And while self-development is key, let us not forget that there is a world of beautifully written books that can take you on a journey to places you couldn’t imagine. Yes, we also benefit from living in an imaginary world, given our world is quite a stressful place to live in. 

In the past, my greatest obstacle to reading has always been time. If you are anything like me, you probably struggle with carving out time for some important activities in your life. It is the excuse I hear from every mom and dad, stay-at-home or working. The key is to take control of your life, prioritize the things that matter, and make time. 

Pick up that book, take on that new hobby, go out to the gym, and do what it takes to prioritize what you also need for your well-being. 

4 Practical Ways to Read More Books

If reading is the thing you want to make time for, I have four practical tips to make it possible.

Tip #1 Use Audiobooks to Read More Books on the Go

God bless audiobooks, especially for busy folks on the go. A few years ago, my sister and I were talking about reading, and she said audiobooks were just not for her and that listening was just not how she could consume a book. I have heard this said from many. If that is your sentiment, I would like to challenge your views and ask you to hear me out.

I was once in the same boat, making it loud and clear that audiobooks were just not for me. But I knew that most of my free time was on-the-go. So, I started to listen to podcasts. When my kids were in the car, we listened to storytime podcasts, and when they were not around, I had my own set of favorites to listen to. Once I got used to listening and learning to absorb content on the go, I switched to books. At the start, I would listen at 1X speed. If I could go slower, I gladly would because I would get hung up on a word. But the fact of the matter is that every sentence in a book does not need to be dissected and is not necessary for complete understanding. To sum up, it takes practice to listen and follow along for a long duration.

I now listen to books between 1.8X to 2.5X speed, depending on what kind. But it was only with practice that I could get to this place. I urge you to try it out and see what a game-changer it can be to your reading journey.

Audiobook Subscriptions

Everand 

If you needed just one subscription for audiobooks, this is the one. I have had Everand reading subscription for years now. Every book I have wanted to read is available as an e-book, audiobook, or both. This is a much cheaper option than Audible, as you can get 3 book credits for about $16.99. Their library of free books is better than Audible, and the best part is that they also have podcasts, magazines, music sheets, and lots more. 

Audible

Audible is $14.95 a month, and you get 1 credit plus access to a library. However, if you use this link, Audible will offer you a free 30-day trial. I personally do not maintain an Amazon Audible account year-round, but I always sign up for their 99c per month deals for 3 monhs which is offered so frequently. You essentially get 3 books for $3 to listen to. Once you have purchased a book with a credit, it is yours to keep forever. Between my husband’s account and mine, I will get at least 6 months of Audible a year for 99c/mo.

Libro FM

I used to have a membership to Libro FM because the books from this membership could be converted to YOTO cards.(You can read more on YOTO from this blog post.) But the good news is that you can also listen to them directly from their app. They also charge 14.99 per month for one credit. However, they also give you 30% off any books in their library, plus they are always running such great sales that you can snag free books or books as cheap as $1-$5 each. 

Tip #2 Make Bedtime Reading Part of Your Daily Routine

Make bedtime reading a habit. As parents, we have strict bedtime routines for our children, but have we considered being more organized with our bedtime routines? There was a time when I pretty much had no idea what to do next, once my kids were in bed. But now I have a book on my nightstand.

A chapter a day, every night, can get you through several books a month. It can be 10 minutes to 30 minutes each night. Pick a book that will keep you coming for more. If the book is too intense in thought, you should keep that for an afternoon read. Whatever you choose to do, remember that a bit of reading every day adds up to a lot. Try it and see how many books fly off your reading shelf to your read pile.

Kindle is a great option for reading, too. My children own Kindles, and we have a Kindle Unlimited membership. We also add books to their Kindles from Libby, an app that connects to your library and gives free ebooks. 

#3 Why Reading Multiple Books at Once Helps You Read More

If you are the kind of person who needs to finish a book before starting another, I suggest you try a new strategy – reading multiple books at the same time. You don’t have to finish a book to start another. For example, have a different book for bedtime reading and another for daytime reading. If you are on the road a lot, I recommend having a third book for the rides. This way, you will get through more books faster than you intended to. I’m always reading 4-6 books at a time. Sometimes we hit a reading slump because we are stuck in a book. Pick up another book and come back to it later is my motto. 

#4 Join a Book Club to Stay Motivated

Have you ever considered joining a book club? I used to be hesitant due to the pressure of fulfilling time commitments. The good news is that book clubs have evolved. You can now find book club communities online and on social media, and the pressure to read the book quickly is nonexistent. You are accountable to yourself and nobody else. The best part of book clubs is that you’ll get great book selections and company to read along with. They even offer reading plans to help you stay on track.

Easy and Enjoyable Books to Start Your Reading Journey

Now that you have some ideas to start your reading journey, what are you going to be reading? Here are a few books I think you will love, in case you don’t know what to read next. 

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