How to find time to read when you're busy and overscheduled
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Many people say: “I’d love to read more, but I don’t have time for it.”
And truthfully, in a busy schedule, reading often feels like something that falls to the bottom of the list. Yet, reading is especially valuable during busy periods. It helps you relax, reduces stress, and calms your mind.
The good news: you don't need to clear hours of your day. Reading can fit into a busy life, if you approach it smartly.
You don’t need a lot of time to read
A common misconception is that reading only counts if you dedicate a long time to it. In reality, 15 to 30 minutes a day already makes a difference. That’s enough to build a reading habit and actually finish books.
It’s not about how much you read, but how regularly.
Make reading a fixed moment
Reading becomes easier when it’s a regular part of your day. Choose a moment that feels logical, for example:
- before bed
- during your lunch break
- in the morning before the day begins
By linking reading to an existing routine, you have to think about it less.
Cleverly use small moments
Busy people often have more reading time than they think. Consider:
- waiting for an appointment
- traveling by public transport
- short breaks in between
A few pages here and there add up. Reading doesn't have to be in one long session.
Always keep your reading material close at hand
The easier it is to start, the more likely you are to do it. Make sure your reading material is nearby:
- a book on your nightstand
- an e-reader in your bag
- your current book open at your usual reading spot
An e-reader makes this extra easy, as you always have multiple books with you without extra weight.
Read without pressure
Many people become less motivated precisely because they set themselves goals that are too big. You don’t have to:
- read a chapter every day
- always choose a “useful” book
- finish a book that doesn't suit you
Read what appeals to you at that moment. Feel free to stop if a book isn’t working. Reading can be light.
Make reading comfortable
If reading feels inconvenient or tiring, you're more likely to put it off. Comfort therefore plays a big role. A pleasant reading position, few distractions, and tools that make reading easier ensure you pick it up faster.
With an e-reader and accessories like a stand or page-turner, you can read without constantly adjusting your posture. That lowers the barrier, especially at the end of a busy day.
Audiobooks as a supplement
Audiobooks can be a good supplement, for example during:
- car rides
- walking
- household chores
They don't always replace reading, but they do help to take in stories and knowledge at times when reading is difficult.
Create a reading environment that suits you
Whether it's a quiet corner at home, a seat on the couch, or simply in bed: choose a place where you can relax. Plan your reading time consciously and protect that moment, even if it's brief.
Reading as a moment of rest, not a task
Reading doesn't have to be an extra obligation in a packed schedule. See it as a moment for yourself. Especially when you're busy, a short reading moment can help you recharge.
Do you want to make reading easier and more comfortable, so you can stick with it even on a busy schedule?
Then check out Veloura's e-reader accessories in our webshop:
You don’t need more time to read more – you just need to manage your time differently.