7 Ways to Find More Time to Read ...

1. Go to Bed Early

This is my favorite time and favorite way to read. Nothing makes me happier than when I can climb in bed early to lose myself in a good book. I will easily pass on television to curl up with a good book. There is just something very lovely about ending your day with a relaxing read. This is one of my favorite ways to find more time to read.

2. Read While You Are on the Treadmill

I am going to confess a secret. I do not love to exercise but I know that I need to do so in order to be at my best. So what I do is combine something I do love, reading, with something I do not have the same love for, exercising. Granted, you do need to be careful when you read and walk at the same time. It takes some skill and practice. You can also do this during a lot of different types of exercises, such as on a stationary bike.

3. Carry a Book Everywhere

Carry a book everywhere and if you are close to the end of it, carry a spare. No matter where I go, I have a book with me. I hate to find myself with time to kill and nothing to read. You can read in waiting rooms, while your children have practices or lessons or even if you are stuck in a traffic jam. I would much rather have a book with me and not need it than no book on hand and time to read. That just equals sadness.

4. Read on Trips

I love to travel for many reasons, one of which is that it is a good chunk of time for me to read. I happily pack a tote bag full of books and magazines to take along and settle in for a lovely road trip. This also helps the time pass faster. I find that when I read, I don’t mind the time we are in route.

5. Read on Your Lunch Break

Use your lunch to catch up on your reading. I will happily admit that books are a companion during many of my meals when I am alone. Why not use that time for reading? It is also a nice little mental vacation from your daily work. Then you can return to work refreshed and feeling like you had a nice restful lunch.

6. On Pretty Days when You Just Need to Get outside

I love to sit outside and just soak up the sun, especially when we are going into a lovely spring after a harsh winter. But I hate to just sit and do nothing, so I use this time to read. You can do this when you just need to slip away from the dishes and laundry for a few minutes. You can also read while you are supervising your children playing nearby.

7. Sunday Afternoons

Aren’t Sunday afternoons the perfect time for reading? I love nothing more than to curl up with a good book on Sunday afternoons. It is a day that I don’t feel like I need to push myself to be constantly productive. It is downtime for most people that can be used for reading. If your Sundays are busy, maybe you can choose a different day of the week.

These are some of my favorite ways to find time to read. What are yours? When is your favorite time to sneak some time for reading a great book?