Wish you could finish more books but feel like there just aren't enough hours in the day?
You're not alone. Most of us want to read more but get stuck between work, family, and the endless scroll of social media. The good news? You don't have to give up sleep or turn reading into a chore. These small shifts can help you read more books this year—without sucking the fun out of it.
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Why Reading More is Worth It
Reading isn't just a hobby — it's a reset button. For me, it lowers stress, sparks new ideas, and helps me fall asleep faster at night. There's something powerful about slipping into another world after a long day of work and family life — it's my favorite way to recharge.
- Stress relief: Six minutes of reading can calm your mind more than scrolling TikTok ever will.
- Better focus: It trains your brain to slow down and concentrate — a skill I appreciate on busy workdays.
- Memory & vocabulary boost: Every page adds something to your mental toolkit.
- Connection: Books can make you feel less alone, even on the hardest days.
Start Small and Be Consistent
Instead of waiting for that perfect two-hour reading window that never comes, I commit to just 15 minutes a day. Sometimes it turns into an hour, sometimes it stays at 15 minutes—and both are wins. The magic is in the consistency, not the duration. Those small daily sessions add up faster than you'd think!
Make Reading Easy to Start
The hardest part is often just starting. I keep my Kindle on the nightstand and my current audiobook queued up on my phone. That way, if I get ten unexpected minutes of quiet — like waiting for water to boil or standing in line — I can sneak in a few pages instead of scrolling Instagram.
Embrace Multiple Formats for Different Situations
I always have three books going: an audiobook for commutes and chores, a physical book for cozy reading moments, and an e-book on my phone for unexpected free minutes. Different formats work for different moods and situations. Thrillers are perfect for audiobooks during my morning walk, while literary fiction calls for curling up with a physical copy and a perfectly paired snack or drink.
Make Reading Social and Fun
Joining online book communities or starting a book club (even a virtual one!) adds accountability and excitement. There's something motivating about discussing a book with others who are just as passionate about it. Plus, book clubs give me the perfect excuse to create themed dishes—nothing beats discussing plot twists over food that complements your current read! Love to explore reading pairings and recipes to enhance your whole book experience? Check out my reading pairings and recipes. Never attended a book club, or need some starter ideas? Find book club discussion guides for a few romance reads.
Use Short Reading Sprints
You don't need long stretches of uninterrupted time (though those are nice!). Try setting a timer for 15 minutes and just reading. I've been surprised how much I can get through in those mini sprints, even on hectic workdays. Some days I do this right after work with a cup of tea before starting dinner — it helps me transition out of "work brain."
Switch Formats to Beat Reading Slumps
One of my favorite ways to keep momentum going is to switch between formats when I hit a wall. Recently I switched from my Kindle to the audiobook of The Summer Deal by Jill Shalvis and finished it while walking my dog, Lucy — it was the perfect way to sneak in more chapters. Sometimes a change in format is all you need to fall back in love with a story.
Curate Your TBR List
Giant TBR piles can feel overwhelming. I've started being pickier about what stays on my list—if a book doesn't grab me after a few chapters, I DNF and move on. Life is too short (and there are too many good books!) to stick with something that isn't working. I always keep at least one cowboy romance queued up because those never fail to pull me out of a slump. Pro tip: organize your TBR by mood—keep separate sections for comfort reads, challenging literature, and page-turners for when you need something addictive.
Pair Books with Rituals
I love connecting reading to moments I already look forward to: morning coffee, lunch breaks, bedtime. When it becomes part of my daily rhythm, I don't have to think about finding time—it just happens naturally. My favorite ritual is grabbing my Kindle and a blanket in the evening — just 20 minutes before bed makes a huge difference. Consider creating a cozy reading nook with good lighting and maybe a small side table for your favorite reading snack. There's something special about pairing the right treat with your current read—it makes the whole experience more memorable!
Bonus: Track Your Progress
Prefer a ready-made set? Grab my printable bundle—Book Review, Reading Challenge, Reading Tracker, Reading Log, Reading Wishlist, and Reading Bingo—and start logging your reads today.
- Book Review template
- Reading Challenge tracker
- Monthly/Yearly Reading Tracker
- Reading Log (title/author/pages/notes)
- Reading Wishlist
- Reading Bingo (printable)
Print notes: US Letter (8.5×11) friendly; also works on A4. For Canva, download the PDF and upload it to your project to customize.
These simple strategies have transformed my reading life without adding stress or pressure. Remember, the goal isn't to become a speed reader—it's to make reading a natural, enjoyable part of your day again. Whether you're devouring fantasy epics or savoring literary classics one chapter at a time, what matters is finding a rhythm that works for your life. The key is to start where you are, be patient with yourself, and celebrate every page turned. Happy reading!
💬 Join the Conversation: Do you have a favorite way to squeeze in more reading time? Or do you let books sit until you're in the right mood like I do? Share your tips below—your idea might inspire another reader to find their reading groove again! I read every comment and love swapping tips with fellow readers.
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