Simple Ways to Make Time for Reading Every Day

"A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies... The man who never reads lives only one." – George R.R. Martin

Reading is something that many of us love the idea of, but in reality, it often gets pushed aside. I often hear people say they wish they read more, and my response is always the same: "What's stopping you?"

Most people say they just don't have the time. But I don’t think that’s the real issue. It’s not about time—it’s about mindset. Wanting to read more is one thing, but you have to change how you approach it. If you have time to watch TV or scroll through social media, you have time to read. The key is to prioritize it. Once you start making reading a daily habit and looking for moments to fit it in, you'll find plenty of opportunities. It all begins with wanting it.

Here are some simple, practical tips I’ve used to make more time for reading. You may already know these, but they’re good reminders if reading is something you want to do more of.

Always Carry a Book with You

Having a book on hand is one of the easiest ways to squeeze in more reading time. Whether it’s a physical book or an e-book, keep it with you so when you have a few spare minutes—waiting for an appointment or during a break—you can read a few pages. Over time, these little moments add up.

Don’t Be Afraid to Read Multiple Books at Once

Sometimes we feel pressured to finish one book before starting another. But it’s perfectly fine to have more than one book going at the same time. T his allows you to switch between genres or topics depending on your mood, making it easier to keep reading without feeling bored or stuck.

Schedule Reading Time into Your Day

Sometimes, the best way to make sure something gets done is to schedule it. Treat reading like any other important activity and carve out a dedicated time for it each day. This could be in the morning, during lunch, or before bed—whatever works best for you.

Listen to Audiobooks While Doing Everyday Tasks

If you find yourself busy with tasks like driving, cooking, or cleaning, audiobooks are a fantastic way to enjoy more books. Whether you're commuting, preparing meals, or even doing household chores, you can turn those moments into opportunities to "read" by listening.

Many people find that they can get through a lot more books by incorporating audiobooks into their daily routines, making it easier to enjoy stories or learn something new while staying productive.

Start Your Day with Reading

Reading in the morning, even if it’s just for a few minutes, sets a positive tone for the day. Whether it’s a few pages of a novel or an inspiring article, starting the day with a bit of reading helps you feel accomplished and motivated.

Read Before Bed

Instead of scrolling through your phone or watching TV before bed, try reading a few pages of a book. It’s a calming way to wind down, and it helps build a regular reading habit. Over time, this can become a cherished part of your bedtime routine.

Swap Some TV Time for Reading If you’re serious about reading more, try trading in a little of your TV or social media time for reading. You don’t have to cut it out entirely — just set aside 20-30 minutes that you’d normally spend in front of the screen and use that time to read instead.

Take Advantage of Unused Pockets of Time

You might be surprised at how much reading time you can find throughout the day. Whether it’s while waiting for an appointment, riding public transportation, or even during lunch, use those little gaps in your schedule to read a few pages.

Be Kind to Yourself

Reading is a personal journey, and it's important to be gentle with yourself when life gets in the way. If you miss a reading session or fall behind on your goals, don’t beat yourself up. Just pick up where you left off and keep going. We all go through reading slumps, and that's perfectly normal. When that happens, enjoy another hobby or activity you love. The books will still be waiting for you when you're ready to dive back in.

Balance Reading with Other Hobbies and Interests

While reading is a valuable part of personal growth, it’s equally important to balance it with your other hobbies and passions. Make sure you also spend time on activities that bring you joy and relaxation.

Personally, I love hiking, riding a bike, and playing games on my PS5. And yes, when God Of War: Ragnarek released, I fully disappeared into that world for a while—and that’s okay! It’s healthy to switch things up and enjoy different experiences. Finding that balance between reading and other interests is key to living a well-rounded, fulfilling life.

Use Reading Apps and Tools

Reading on the go has never been easier with the help of reading apps and tools. One great option is Bookize’s reader, which lets you enjoy e-books right from your browser. It supports popular formats like PDF, EPUB, and AZW3, offering a smooth and easy reading experience.

Bookize also has a highlight manager that allows you to highlight important parts of the text and keep everything organized. Whether you’re using a computer or a phone, this tool makes it simple to access your books, customize your reading, and stay on track. With these kinds of apps, you can fit reading into your day whenever it works for you.

Conclusions

By making small changes in your daily routine and adjusting your mindset, you can make more time for reading. It’s not about having the perfect plan or finding huge chunks of time—it’s about finding the little moments that you can turn into reading opportunities. With a little effort, you can make reading a more regular part of your life.

"Today a reader, tomorrow a leader." – Margaret Fuller