Three Ways To Read More

I read a lot of books and it frequently amazes people. Part of that is because I read quickly and am a skimmer of details BUT there is more to it than that. I hear people who want to read more or have a lot of books they want to read but think they have no time and that's not true. It comes down to priorities and the "fringe moments" of the day. I'm going to give you three different ways to get more reading into your life.

#1 Take a book with you everywhere you go.
This is a large part of my "secret". I take a book with me pretty much everywhere, even if there is almost no chance of having time to read. This means that I can read in the short 2 t0 5 minutes that I might be sitting and waiting for an appointment or arrived early somewhere and can't go inside yet. It's a matter of replacing your habits. Instead of scrolling on your phone during those short periods of time, read a few pages of your book.

#2 Read on your phone.
If a physical book is too cumbersome, you could get ebooks and read them on your phone. This could also help transition from the habit of scrolling. You're still using the phone but you're reading instead. Many libraries have ways to borrow ebooks, so you don't have to spend tons of money buying things to read. Of course, this doesn't help if you have physical books lying around waiting to be read but it would be helpful if the goal is just to read more.

#3 Listen to audio books on your drives.
Again, only helpful if the goal is more books, but listening to books on your commute, as you run errands, or even as you do a workout can help you get through books. My brother listens to audio books while he works. This is a great option for audible learners, people who have extremely full schedules, and those who just don't like to read all that much. Libraries have audio books available for borrowing but if this is a method you really like, then an Audible  or Scribd subscription might be for you. There are quite a few options when it comes to audio book services.


When it comes down to it, reading more requires a priority and habit shift. You have to decide that reading is more important than watching Netflix or checking Facebook. Reading is my top way to relax and I choose it over TV shows, movies, and YouTube regularly. I stay up late and wake up early to read (but those are not great decisions and I don't recommend them). I read during lunch many days. I make reading a priority and fit it into my fringe moments.

Want to read with your kids more? Try reading for 15-30 minutes before bed as part of the bedtime routine. I heard of a mom who would read to her kids in the pickup line after school while they waited on the older kids. It might not be as consistent as you'd like, but fit it into the times you have if it is a priority for you.

What ideas or tips have you tried to get more books into your life and the lives of your kids? Comment down below!