I love to read! It is my all-time favorite hobby, just ask anyone who knows me. When I talk books to others, the comment I hear most often is "I just don't have time to read." We've all been there. Life gets hectic, finals are looming, mandatory overtime at work, kids are sick, and on and on. The list of things that can come between us and books is endless. As we are heading into fall (meaning here come the holidays!), things are about to get crazy for us all! Here are five ways I manage to squeeze in as much reading time as possible, even during the crazy times. :)
1. During the Commute- Listen to audiobooks! This was a lifesaver during college when I was swamped with homework, studying for tests, working, tutoring, and then more homework! My favorite audiobook was And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie (narrated by Dan Stevens, aka Matthew from Downton Abbey) and The Once and Future King by T. H. White.
2. Exercise - Hit the books while you hit the gym! I like to prop an e-book up on the front of the treadmill or elliptical. Obviously, if you are walking outdoors or riding a bike, you should probably opt for an audiobook and earbuds.
3. Arrive early- Get to work ten minutes early, and read in the parking lot (but don't lose track of time and be late!). I often try to leave a little early to catch a few extra pages before clocking in!
4. Download Kindle and/or Nook apps- I have both on my phone and I use them all the time. In a waiting room? Read until you are called back. Waiting for the bus? Read until the bus shows up. Also while you ride the bus. Long line? Distract yourself by reading on your phone. I read three books in Disney World last year, just by using the long waits as an opportunity to read. All your friends cruising social media on their phones? Read while they cruise Facebook. Really, the possibilities are endless here. Trade Candy Crush in for books. It's a swap you will never regret lol.
5. Lunch breaks-Take a book with you (or use one of the apps in the last bullet point) and read on lunch. I work close to a lovely park by a river, so weather-permitting, I will grab some fast-food and read in the park during my lunch break. If you don't have a lunch date, take a book and read while waiting for your food. If your lunch date is boring, read the entire time JK JK. I have been known to pack a lunch, then go eat in my car and read. Lunch times provide a nice, solid hour of extra book time!
I hope that some of these ideas will help you get a little bit more book time. Happy reading!
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