Reading for busy people

AKA how to finally finish that novel

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Photo by Christin Hume on Unsplash

Everybody knows that books are good for you and chances are, ‘read more’ has made it onto many of our new year’s resolutions lists. But when you’re already trying to balance a full-time job with household work, kids and a social life, squeezing more reading in can seem next to impossible.

But it is doable, and you don’t have to be superhuman. A lot of it is down to mentality, and doing it little and often. Here are our top tips on how to get the books you’ve been meaning to read for months, finally read…

Take a book with you everywhere you go

If you get into the habit of having a book in your bag, it means that you’ll always have it to hand when you have some spare time. Commuting? Distract yourself from the horrors by escaping into a good story. The dentist making you wait? Whip out your novel. Friend late to dinner? Keep yourself company with the characters of your book. It might only be 10 minutes at a time, but it all adds up.

Read books you actually want to read

Often, the reason we’re putting off reading is that book we’re working through isn’t want we really want to be reading. Don’t just read books for the sake of it– just because they’ve won a prestigious literary award doesn’t mean they’re going to be up your street. You’ll find that if you’re reading a gripping thriller or a story with a character that you’re invested in, you’re much more likely to find the time for it.

Make your own book club

It doesn’t have to be an official one – although those are great too. All you need is a friend, family member or colleague who also wants to read more but has an equally hectic schedule. Set yourselves a timetable – even if it’s only 2 chapters a week – and then catch up about what you’ve read every Friday or Sunday, for example. It will force you to give equal priority to reading like any other of your commitments. 

Listen to audio books

During a hectic day, reading can feel like hard work. Instead, listen to an audiobook – it means you’re technically reading but you can be on the move while you listen.

Carve out the time

No matter how busy you might be, you should be able to find 15 minutes to yourself each day. According to what kind of person you are – an early bird, a night owl or somewhere in between – choose when you want that time to be and put it into your schedule.  Either set your alarm 15 minutes earlier than you need to and read first thing, go to bed 15 minutes earlier and read before you sleep, or take the time on your lunch break.

Try short stories

If you're too busy for lengthy novels, delve into the underrated world of short stories instead. They don’t require so much investment, but are just as good for the soul.

Set up a distraction-free reading area

Essentially, this means eliminating your phone from the equation. If you can’t see the emails pinging up, you won’t feel like you should deal with them instead. Put your phone in a different room and find a cosy corner. Above all, remember you’ll never regret the time you spend reading.

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