How to Find Time to Read When Life Feels Too Busy?

I’ve been there many times – the temptation of my phone, the pile of work, the family obligations, the social obligations. Sometimes for long periods, reading would sink to the bottom of the list. I used to think I needed a lot of free time to read well but that was seldom the case.
Then I stopped chasing the perfect moment and started stealing little moments of time. Did the results shock you? In my quieter times I began to read more than I had ever done. This is currently how I do it.
Do not wait for the perfect circumstances.
This was the biggest change I have ever been through. I told myself, “I will read when things slow down,” or “I need a quiet night with no distractions.” But life seldom goes on a long break.
Instead I started reading in the awkward moments:
Waiting for the coffee to be made in the morning
On my daily walk or commute,
Rather than scrolling for the fifteen minutes before bed
The construction of these little windows is going faster than expected.
Turn Everyday Activities into Reading Moments
Some of my most memorable reading material is found while doing other things:
You can listen to audiobooks while you do laundry, cook, or drive.
At work I read on my smartphone during short spells.
Keeping a physical book in the bathroom is an option.
I don't do this all the time, but having the option means there's no "I don't have time" excuse.
Preserve the ephemeral moments of time
I began treating 20-minute reading sessions as if they were as important as meetings. Put them on my calendar and protect them:
Short morning session
One on the eve of the viewing of screens
“I try to protect at least one of them, even on really busy days. I have days where I can only get ten pages done. That is progress still.
Make Reading Easier than Not Reading
I minimised friction to the greatest extent possible:
The Kindle is always charged and available.
I have the next book prepared before I complete the current one. Additionally, I have an audiobook queued up for when my hands are occupied.
When reading is the most convenient option for me, I am more likely to choose it in my spare time.
Be Honest About How You Spend Your Time
I did a real audit one week and found out I was spending almost two hours a day on social media and random videos. It was a significant improvement to allocate even half of that time to reading.
You don’t have to eliminate all the fun things in your life. Take back some of the time that is low value and make it into something that is of benefit.
The Reading Rhythm That I’m In Right Now Because of My Busy Life
By: I generally read 3-5 books a month, even when I’m working hard.
Promoting physical activity with audiobooks
Reading brief chapters in the morning
Giving myself permission to read “easy” books when my brain is tired
It’s not perfect, but it’s sustainable.
A Gentle Reminder
We understand life can be too busy to make time for reading. Be nice to yourself. The pleasure of reading is still there, waiting for you to rediscover it in small, gentle doses.
Hours of free time are not required." You just need a little bit of consistent moments and the willingness to use them.
Start with a little pocket today, perhaps 10 minutes before going to bed for the night. Try it on. You might be surprised how easy it is to fit reading into your busy schedule.