Do you ever find yourself wishing you could read more often? I used to feel the same way, so I made a few changes and went from the occasional book to 10+ reads every month.
I’m often met with shocked replies when I tell people that I read so much every month. I run a full-time business from home and do freelance work on the side. It’s quite the busy life I lead, but somehow, I read over 185 books in 2021. There have been a few times where I’ve mentioned some of the tips I utilize to read more, but I wanted to go a bit more in-depth in this article.
If you’ve ever said, “I wish I had more time to read,” this post is definitely for you. Say goodbye to the days of wishful thinking and say hello to finally finishing all the books on your reading list!
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7 Tips That Will Help You Read More
The library is your best friend. Do you really need to buy that entire special edition box set for a series you’ve never read and you aren’t sure you’ll even like? Save your money and stop racking up a massive physical TBR. I’ve seen “this or that” templates on Instagram with options like, “free books for life or live in your favorite book” and nearly everyone checks free books for life. That’s actually an option, you know! I realize not everyone is privileged enough to live in a place where lots of libraries are an option, but there are still ways to make use of the library without a physical library nearby. Check out the Libby App (or Overdrive) and Hoopla to borrow e-books and audiobooks from your library without leaving your home.
Read a physical book before bed. I’ve said this one a million times and I’ll say it again: staring at a screen before you sleep is not good for you. It keeps your mind awake and active and makes it challenging for you to actually enter REM. Rather than scrolling through Instagram or watching YouTube, pick up a physical book. Read a chapter or two (or the whole book) and you’ll find your mind relaxing as you prepare to rest. It’s great for a bedtime routine and it helps you get further in that book!
Listen to audiobooks. You may think you won’t like audiobooks, but have you actually tried them? Adding audiobooks into my reading routine gave me the ability to read on the go! I listen while I’m driving, cleaning, showering, and sometimes even while I’m working (if it’s a more mindless task). If you like podcasts, you’ll probably like audiobooks. If you typically listen to music while doing these things, try switching it out for an audiobook sometimes and see what happens. Not sure where to start with audiobooks? Here are some suggestions.
Read multiple books simultaneously. I like to listen to one audiobook and read one physical book. This has quite literally doubled the number of books I read in a month. Sometimes I can get through a few audiobooks in a week (I worked my way up to 2x speed over the course of a year) if they’re not super long. Keep your book or e-reader in your bag and read on your lunch break, while you’re having coffee, or when you need to wind down. Try to mix up the genres so you don’t get too confused going back and forth.
Prioritize reading. If you just keep saying, “I wish I read more books,” but don’t actually make time for it, then you’re never going to read more. You may want to even schedule it into your day. If you use a planner or practice time-blocking, try just scheduling 15-30 minutes of reading time, and then when you sit down to fulfill that, put your phone in another room. If you read without distractions for just a small portion of every day, you’ll form a habit and it’ll become much easier – and more desirable – to read more often!
Have an accountability partner. This could mean joining a reading club, buddy-reading, or picking up a book with your significant other. Knowing that there are others involved in the reading process can give you that little nudge in the right direction and spur you into reading more frequently!
Set up a reading list each month. If you are very goal-driven, having these lists can be really helpful. I set up a flexible “to be read” list each year with 30 books on it that I know I want to read. Then, each month, I write down 10-15 books I plan to pick up. I borrow as many of them as I can from the library and get audiobooks for the rest. I check them off as I go and share my ratings on The StoryGraph so later on, I can see how many I’ve read and what I thought about them. This is a great encouragement and keeps me motivated.
related posts
12 Books to Read if You’re New to Fiction // My 2022 TBR // Audiobook Recommendations
How do you plan to read more books?
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Anita says
Oh wow, you read quite a lot. I’m hoping to read more books this year and I’ve read four already. Thanks for sharing your tips.
Stephanie Whitman says
Hahaha has that not been noticeable up until this point? Yes, I definitely do read a lot! It’s the ultimate form of self-care for me and I prioritize it because I love reading with my whole heart. I look forward to learning more about your reads this year 🙂
Kelly Diane says
These are some great tips. Reading before bed can definitely help you get that reading time in as well as relax you ready for sleep. I’ve tried reading/listening to more than one book at a time but found I couldn’t fully get into either. I’m glad it works for you though.
Stephanie Whitman says
Precisely! It’s really good for your mind to wind down and getting away from screens during that time plays a huge role in that. I love settling into bed with a good book. It’s a wonderful way to relax and to get some progress on the story 🙂 I’m sorry you had a hard time enjoying two books at a time. Did you mix formats and genres? That really helps me!
Mykki says
How do you stop yourself from reading the entire book when you start? I can almost never put one down once I start – I read the whole thing. I blame my ADHD, honestly. 🙂
There’s only one item here I personally disagree with and that’s reading before bed. If I start reading (even a chapter or two) before I go to bed, I will lay awake thinking about those characters and what’s going to happen next. It will keep me up for hours!
Maybe I should try non-fiction before bed, haha!
Stephanie Whitman says
Haha – that’s a great question! I just… stop? Because I become tired and recognize I need to get up in the morning and if I stay up too late I’ll be too tired to get up. I also usually take my nighttime meds right before settling down to read and they make me sleepy. But maybe just set a timer for yourself? I think it’s really good to read before bed, but it sounds like you have a hard time going to sleep if anything is on your mind. My suggestion is meditation or soundscapes after finishing your reading time, in order to move your mind away from that particular story. I usually disconnect from the story just fine but I have anxiety that plagues me at night and so I use nighttime meditations and sounds to help me “turn off” and sleep. It might help you too!
Lizzie says
These are really great tips! I love the idea of audiobooks since I basically listen to podcasts and Youtube while I’m working anyway. I definitely prefer physical books to electronic as well!
Lizzie
http://www.lizzieinlace.com
Stephanie Whitman says
Audiobooks are underrated if you ask me! I see so many people hyping e-books but I don’t prefer those (however, I’m clearly not a fan of staring at screens if I don’t have to). I like my physical books at night and my audiobooks throughout the day!
Tanvi Rastogi says
Your tips are on point. I agree. Also a love of reading is a great motivator on its own
❥ tanvii.com
Stephanie Whitman says
Oh absolutely! But my hope is that if you’re reading this post, you’re interested in reading already 😉
Weird & Liberated says
I’m planning to do more reading this year so this post is so relevant to me.
My goal is to read 20 books. I know I have the time judging by the amount of binge-watching I do on Netflix lol.
Going to be using some of the tips you’ve mentioned in this post. I’ve recently started reading more than one book at a time and it’s actually not as bad as I thought it would be.
P.S wonderful blog!
Stephanie Whitman says
That’s a great goal! I wish you all the best with it 🙂 When it comes to reading multiples, I definitely use different formats for each and try to mix genres so I don’t get too wrapped up and begin to warp them in my mind haha!
Lindsey says
I love this!! It was never something I really had to think about before because my commute always gave me guaranteed reading time and then last year my reading dropped like crazy. I’ve just sort of started to get myself back into a decent routine with it but it’s been hard. I’ve only just started getting into audio books (I borrow them from my digital library at the moment and kept forgetting to renew them) so that’s opening my horizons as well. Really enjoyed reading this, you’ve got some great tips here.
Stephanie Whitman says
Oh wow! I never even thought about how that would change reading for some people. I’ve never had to commute anywhere so it didn’t cross my mind. But I’m sorry to hear that. I hope you get that spark back this year! Audiobooks are excellent and it’s so neat that different libraries offer audiobook options 🙂 Let me know if you find any new favorites!
Maria Koss says
I really find that reading a few books at the time helps to speed the process 🙂 I usually pick classic, educational and some devotional to read along the day.
Stephanie Whitman says
That’s impressive! I’m not a fan of classics or non-fiction and I read devotionals only in the morning (if I even have one at the time) so we definitely have different tastes, but it’s still great to enjoy books in whatever capacity you can! 🙂
Lauren says
This is a really helpful post for me. I have a few books that I still haven’t read but really want too. These tips are definitely helpful. I need to prioritise reading more. Thank you for sharing this post.
Lauren
Stephanie Whitman says
I’m glad I can be of some help! I hope you get to those books on your list in the near future. If you do, let me know what you think of them!
Greta says
This year I’ve started putting my phone away before bed and reading. I love doing it and it’s helped me read more!
Stephanie Whitman says
YES YES YES! That’s the literal best thing you can do for your mind before bed. Good for you!
Jami E Fairleigh says
Listening to audiobooks at a faster speed is genius! I do this with podcasts but didn’t think about books. Thanks for the tip. I’ve started reading when I have my first 1-2 cups of coffee in the morning before work, instead of checking social media. Amazing how much I read in that half hour!
Stephanie Whitman says
Haha! I never thought I could listen to them this fast, but now if I turn it down to 1x speed just to write down a quote or something, the pace is SNAIL SLOW to me. Your mind gets used to picking things up the more you increase the speed. I think it’s wonderful that you read when you drink your coffee. I do that too sometimes and it’s so relaxing!
Lovely says
Reading more is one my goals for this year. Thanks for these tips!
xoxo
Lovely
http://www.mynameislovely.com
Stephanie Whitman says
Well then you’ve certainly come to the right place 😉 I hope these tips can help!
Stephani says
These are great tips! I think the only way I’d be able to ‘read’ some books with my busy lifestyle are audiobooks!
Xo, Steph
Stephanie Whitman says
I think I suggested that to you the last time you mentioned not having time to read, so we’re definitely on the same page 🙂 I hope you download some good audiobooks soon. They’re awesome for a busy lifestyle.
A Cup of Wonderland says
Another great post! I’m determined to start reading more and taking a set amount of time for myself during the day to close my laptop and just simply read. I’m also getting back into the habit of reading before bed too!
Stephanie Whitman says
At some point in the future, I think I need to designate some time for myself midday to read. I usually only read at night, but listen to audiobooks throughout the day. However, staring at screens from morning until near bedtime drives me batty, so taking a break for a cup of coffee and a book would probably be good, even if it’s just for 15-20 minutes!
Sarah Lindner says
I feel like this post was made for me, lol. So many helpful tips! xoxo, Sarah
Stephanie Whitman says
I think it’s made for everyone! Most people have a desire to read more, even if reading isn’t their typical hobby. At the start of the year, it’s a pretty typical resolution of sorts. I hope these tips can help!
Ashley@AttemptsAtDomestication says
These are excellent tips! I just downloaded the Libby app, so I’m excited to read a little more without spending a ton of money. I set aside special times to read because I have such a hard time putting my books down. I always get sucked in and nothing gets done haha.
Stephanie Whitman says
Libby is awesome! There are times when I wish they had more options or a shorter waitlist for books I’m interested in, but if utilized properly, they can be SUPER helpful! I totally relate to what you’re talking about. That’s why before bed is my time to read each day. I know that for the hour or two prior to sleep, I’m giving myself permission to do nothing but read – and it’s GREAT.
WanderlustBeautyDreams says
These are helpful tips here! This year I want to read more but sometimes put it off. Will be implementing these tips for sure!
Stephanie Whitman says
Then this post is definitely for you! I hope you find it helpful 🙂
Deborah says
These are great tips – especially your point about prioritizing reading. I believe that if something is important to you, you’ll make time for it!
Stephanie Whitman says
Exactly! I find it really bizarre when someone says over and over again that they want to read more and then they just… don’t? Like… if you actually did, you would! Buuut if you’re already a reader and just trying to up the ante, hopefully this post will be helpful ahah!
Lydia says
I always say I want to read more, and usually when I pick up a novel it’s easy for me to finish in a couple days because I don’t want to put it down. But then I add non-fiction to my list, take it out from the library, and it sits, and sits and sits. I want to want to read the self-help books I’ve gotten, but instead avoid them like the plague and then end up not reading the fiction I’d enjoy because I feel some sort of obligation to finish the non-fiction book first.
Chic on the Cheap
Stephanie Whitman says
Oh see, I did that for years as well. Then I realized… I just really don’t like non-fiction. So I removed it from my list and quit putting pressure on myself to read it. It made me a heck of a lot happier 😉
Carrington | Chaos and Coffee says
These are some great tips for sure! My best friend is trying to read 200 books this year so I’m totally sending this post to her! Xx.
Tea says
I recently started reading a physical book before bed and it made all the difference.
Good tips!
Jenna says
These are SO helpful! Reading more is def a goal of mine this year
Kelly Bolen says
I definitely can’t read multiply books at a time! I would get them all mixed up, however, I do love reading before bed! That is my ME time!!! Great suggestions!
Sacha says
Thank you for these tips! I am not a big reader but I do want to try and get into reading more books again. I used to love reading growing up.
Nicole says
I have so many physical books and audiobooks, the thing is for me is just prioritizing and most definitely getting an accountability partner. This was very helpful thank you!
Kelly says
I get all my books from the library now since I don’t tend to read most books more than once. I had a goal to read 12 books this year (I fell off the reading wagon for a few years), but I’m already on my seventh book of the year. Now my goal is to read 20!
Genesis says
These tips are great! I absolutely agree that phones at night are not doing anyone any favours- reading a physical book is definitely a better option. I think it’s clever that you increase the speed of your audiobooks. I’ve had trouble getting into audiobooks because I feel like it goes so slow that I can’t focus; I’ll have to try that!
Kait says
I think you wrote this post just for me, because I am always saying how I don’t have enough time to read! But now I feel like you have addressed all my excuses, and now I will just have to start reading more. I am definitely going to have to look into audiobooks more. I already listen to podcasts all day while working, why not a book?
I'm All Booked Up says
It’s amazing how much you read a year. We managed about 50-60. Maybe it will be more this year.
Jennifer Prince says
These are such great tips! I definitely need to utilize my local library more (and renew my card, lol), and I need to switch from screen to a book before bed. Truly!
Ely @ Earl Grey Books says
I love these ideas! I probably read about the same as you do in a year, and my only other suggestion is to have a collection (or genre) of books that you know will be quick—like short stories, novellas, poetry etc.
Cristina Rosano says
these are all amazing tips and honestly Stephanie they couldn’t come at a better time! I have been someone that read one book at a time for the longest time and totally get now how better it is to read more than one! I really need to get back to audiobooks and set more time aside for it, in the last few months I have totally found every possible excuse except for before bed! Thank you for sharing x
Charity says
These are such great tips on becoming a more efficient reader. I like to read, but a lot of times I don’t have enough time for it or feel like I don’t have enough time for it! Thanks for sharing!
Amie says
Prioritising reading is so important, and I really love reading a few books at a time+
Fadima Mooneira says
Yay!!!!!! I did all these and it really boost my reading habit. I’m feeling grateful now.
Maria Kossman says
Yes, yes and yes to all those tips!
(Especially the one with reading a few book simultaneously.) Since I had a baby I find it hard to find time to read all the books I want to, so balancing and dividing my time among a few of them really helps.
Uneducated Book Diary says
These are some great tips. As someone who only started reading properly about a year ago, I’ve managed to go from two books a month back in October to reading six books this month!
A tip I found really useful was starting a book blog / book twitter. It helps hold me accountable and gives me motivation to keep reading.
Uneducated Book Diary | https://uneducatedbookdiary.blogspot.com/
Simona says
I’ve got the Libby app thanks to a recommendation of yours and I can confirm that, after a very long hiatus in my reading spree, I am back! I am reading! I like the fact that I can borrow books and return them if I feel like they are not my style, and Cristina keeps me accountable so it’s just a little more fun! Hopefully, it has broken my dry spell from no-reading! And that would be also thanks to you Stephanie, so THANK YOU!!
Megan Elliott says
I actually listen to a TON of audiobooks but want to make it a priority to read more physical books this year. I put on an audiobook while I’m doing more mindless work too, and also while showering, driving, flying, etc! I would really like to get into the habit of reading a physical book before bed. I know it will definitely help me get better sleep!
Tatyana says
Yes to the library!!! I get both physical and ebooks from my local library all the time. Still working on the reading before bed though. 😅