How to Find Time to Read Even When You’re Swamped

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.”

7 Practical Tips To Help You Find Time To Read

Make Reading a Nonnegotiable Appointment

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!

Carry a Book (Or E-Reader) Everywhere

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.

Swap Scrolling for Page-Turning

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.

Turn Chores into Chapters—Audiobook Style

Laundry, dishes, and walks make perfect audiobook time. Recently I binge-listened to a thriller while meal-prepping, and by the end of the week, I’d “read” a whole novel. If you haven’t tried audiobooks, start with a narrator you love and watch your commute become a bookish delight.

Create Cozy Reading Zones

Books on the nightstand, a cushion-piled corner chair, and an inviting lamp make reading irresistible. I even stash a novel in my home office—so during that five-minute break between Zoom calls, I have a comfy excuse to pick up a few pages.

Join a Read-Together Community

Having pals who cheer your reading goals works wonders. I host a seasonal and annual reading challenges every year—no assigned titles, just pure fun. Let’s cheer each other on in the comments and on social media.

Embrace the “Read-What-You-Love” Rule

Forget what you “should” read. When I finally gave myself permission to ditch the daunting classics and pick up an adventure romance, my reading joy skyrocketed. If you love it, you’ll make time for it.

How do you find time to read?

Finding time to read isn’t about waiting for life to slow down—it’s about weaving pages into the little cracks of your day. Which tip will you try first? Share your own hacks for how to find time to read in the comments below!