The first thing to know is that it’s okay if you’re not reading as much as you used to. Life gets in the way sometimes, and that’s okay. Don’t feel like you’re behind or slacking if you miss a week or a month worth of reading. I’m lucky if I finish more than one book a month in college, when I used to finish a book every three days in high school. My yearly reading goal is half of what it used to be. You can’t get mad at yourself for not having enough time in the day to do it all. With that being said, it’s important to make time for yourself, especially when you’re busy.
I know it’s easier said than done to set aside time to read, but doing the things you love is crucial for your happiness, even if it’s just for 30 minutes a day. If you’re a student like me, it’s also vital to read books you enjoy and not just assigned readings. As an English major, I really struggled with that when I started college. How could I make time to read the books I want when I have to read all these novels and articles for my classes?
There are a few different ways to balance reading with your classes, work, and/or other responsibilities. First of all, you need to know what kind of reader you are. Do you prefer reading in the morning/daytime, or are you a night owl reader? Do you like audiobooks, or do you strictly read physical/ebooks? Once you know what works best for you, you will have a better chance of successfully fitting in reading time. I prefer reading during the day. When I try to read at night, I barely get in a chapter or two before I start falling asleep. I do my best to read during lunch breaks or before class. If you prefer to read at night, you’ll want to do the opposite of me. It can be easier to set aside time to read at night, though don’t be discouraged if you are too tired to read as much as you would like. This is why audiobooks can be really useful.
Audiobooks are a busy girl’s dream. If you don’t have the time or energy to sit down and read a book, you can multitask by listening to an audiobook. Instead of listening to music while walking through campus, listen to your audiobook. Have to do dishes? Audiobook. Laundry? Audiobook. Shower? Audiobook. You get to reclaim your time and make everyday chores something you look forward to. In my opinion, audiobooks were made for cleaning.
If you don’t like audiobooks, there are still ways to make reading more busy-girl friendly. If you read ebooks, start downloading them on your phone too. Get yourself your preferred app for ebooks and start reading instead of scrolling. Every time you pick up your phone to scroll on Instagram or TikTok, open your ebook instead. You’d be surprised at how much time you have to read when it becomes the time you spend on your phone. I would also recommend reading shorter books or series if you’re struggling for reading time. Instead of starting an eight-book fantasy series, try a standalone novel or a duology. The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea by Axie Oh is a great standalone fantasy book that’s barely over 300 pages and won’t take hours upon hours to finish. I also recommend reading fast-paced mysteries or short rom-coms. Sometimes they are easier to commit to reading than a 600-page book when you barely have time to pick up the book in the first place.
I know it can be hard to balance everything, but taking time to prioritize your hobbies is important for your mental health. It is easier said than done. There are weeks where I don’t read a single page, but there are some where these methods work for me. If planning your day hour by hour is what it takes, then that’s what it takes. I highly encourage you all to try and set aside at least thirty minutes to read, whether it’s listening to an audiobook while cleaning, reading on your phone while waiting for your class to start, or simply reading before bed. I am manifesting reading time for you all!
Sam Yanis, Pine Reads Review Lead Writer