Timeless Tales Blog

If you LOVEEE books but can’t seem to find the time to read, you’re definitely the only one. Between school, work, friends, and family, it can feel like there aren’t enough hours in the day to just sit down and get lost in a story. For a while, I thought reading had to happen in big chunks of time. Like those rare afternoons where you curl up with a blanket and finish half a book in one sitting. While that sounds amazing, it’s just not realistic for most of us.

Simply put, you don’t need hours and hours of free time to read. You just need to get a little creative and fit reading into the small pockets of your day. Once I started doing that, I went from barely finishing a book a week (that’s still a lot, I know… I was sacrificing sleep, hehe) to finishing several without even noticing how much time I was spending on it. Here are some tips that have helped me read more, even when life feels ridiculously busy.

1. Read in Small Moments

One of the biggest mindset shifts for me was realizing that even tiny bits of reading count. Keep a book in your bag, in your car, or on your phone so it’s always there when you need it. But if you’re like me and it takes a minute to get re-submerged into the book, I can assure you that your brain will get quicker at it the more you do this.

Think about all the random times you end up waiting around during the day. These moments are perfect for sneaking in a few pages:

• Waiting in line at the coffee shop
• Sitting in the car before work or class
• Waiting for dinner to cook
• Taking a break between classes or tasks
• Going to the bathroom (while you’re at it, buy this book holder for your bathroom wall so you never forget to pick up on a few pages!)

It might not feel like much, but ten pages here and there really add up. If you read just ten pages a day, that’s over three thousand pages in a year, which works out to around twelve books depending on what you read.

2. Listen While You Do Other Things

Audiobooks are a total game changer. They let you “read” while doing other things, which basically gives you extra time in your day. I like listening while driving or walking to class, but they’re also great for chores like laundry, dishes, or cleaning your room.

If you’re worried about the cost, check out free options. If you have a library card, apps like Libby let you borrow audiobooks just like physical books. You’ll be surprised how quickly you get through stories when you listen during tasks you already have to do!

3. Make Reading Part of Your Routine

If you really want to read more, you need to make it a habit. The easiest way to do this is by tying it to something you already do every day.

For example, you could read for ten minutes before bed or during breakfast. You might also try reading right after school or work. Once reading becomes part of your normal routine, you don’t have to keep convincing yourself to do it. It just happens naturally.

4. Choose Books You Actually Like

This might sound obvious, but when you’re busy, the last thing you need is to force yourself through a book that feels like homework. Reading should be FUN!!!!

Pick books that genuinely excite you. That might mean thrillers, romance, fantasy, or even graphic novels. If a book doesn’t grab you by the first fifty pages, set it aside and try something else. Life is too short to read books you don’t enjoy, and when you’re excited to pick up a story, you’ll naturally find ways to make time for it.

5. Set Simple, Fun Goals

Big reading goals can feel overwhelming, especially when you already have a packed schedule. Instead of aiming for an hour of reading every day, try something smaller like one chapter before bed.

Tracking your progress can also make reading more exciting. Apps like Goodreads are perfect for this. It’s satisfying to see your reading list grow and look back at all the books you’ve finished.

Here are a few simple goals to try:

• Read one chapter a day
• Finish two books each month
• Read for ten minutes after dinner

6. Have Multiple Ways to Read

Sometimes the reason you don’t read is simply that you don’t have the right format at the right time. I like to keep a physical book by my bed, an ebook on my phone, and an audiobook ready to go.

This way, no matter where I am, there’s always an option. If I’m stuck in line, I’ll read on my phone. If I’m driving, I’ll listen to my audiobook. If I’m relaxing before bed, I’ll pick up my physical book. Having different ways to read makes it harder to skip.

You can also try reading more than one book at a time. This one is tricky, and personally I can never read more than two at a time. If you do this, make sure they’re completely different genres or else the stories will mesh together in your head and make for quite the confusing mess. For example, I like pairing a fast-paced thriller with a light, silly romance. That way, switching between them feels refreshing instead of stressful.

7. Make It Cozy and Ambient

Reading feels more special when you turn it into a moment you look forward to. Light a candle, grab a blanket, and make some tea or cocoa. Creating a cozy reading space, even if it’s just a corner of your room, makes reading feel like a treat instead of something you “haveeee” to do. 

Some people like to play soft music or rain sounds in the background to help them focus. Others like to have snacks nearby, like popcorn or chocolate, or maybe something healthy if you’re “that girl”, to make it feel like a mini bookish ritual. Personally I love plain potato chips. Basically, just make your reading space inviting and enjoyable. When it feels cozy and personal, it’s easier to pick up a book and actually stick with it. 

Start Small and Build Up

Life will always be busy, and there will always be things competing for your attention. But even a few pages a day can keep you connected to the stories you love.

The key is to start small and stay consistent. Try reading for five or ten minutes a day, or commit to finishing one chapter every night. Over time, those small moments will turn into a steady reading habit. Before you know it, you’ll be reading way more than you thought possible.

Books can totally enhance your everyday life, at least according to me. So grab a book, find a cozy spot, and start reading today. Happy reading, book besties!