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We know how enjoyable a good book can be, but finding the time to read regularly isn't always easy, especially in today's busy world. Between work, errands, our phones and everything else that fills up our days, reading can quickly slip down the list.
If you love books but struggle to find the time to pick one up, there are plenty of simple ways to fit more reading into your routine. You don't need to read for hours every day or set yourself an ambitious target. A few small changes can make it much easier to read more often, and over time, those little achievements will add up to one book, then another, and another.
Before we get into our tips, you might also want to take a look at our guide to the benefits of reading. Knowing what you can get from reading can be a good bit of motivation when you're trying to make it more of a habit.
So, grab a cup of tea, find your current read and let's get started.
There are several simple ways to read more books, from setting a realistic reading goal and creating a regular reading routine to choosing books you genuinely enjoy and making the most of spare moments. You can also try audiobooks, borrow books from your local library or swap books with friends and family.
Our Top Tips How to Read More Books:
A reading goal can give you something to work towards and help you make reading a regular part of your routine. You could aim to read a certain number of books each month or simply set aside a few minutes every day.
Try to keep your target realistic. Reading should be something you enjoy, not another task you have to tick off your list.
Finding the time to read is much easier when you're actually looking forward to picking up your book. If you're not sure what you enjoy, try a few different genres and see what grabs your attention. You might discover that you're a crime fan, a history enthusiast or someone who can't get enough of a good romance.
Don't worry too much about what you think you should be reading. If you enjoy it, that's what matters.
One of the easiest ways to read more is to attach reading to something you already do every day. Try reading with your breakfast, during your lunch break or before bed. Even 10 or 15 minutes can add up over time. Once reading becomes part of your normal routine, you're less likely to have to think about finding time for it.
If you're trying to build a reading habit from scratch, our guide on how to start reading books has some more ideas to help you get started.
If you always read the same authors or genres, it's easy to find yourself in a reading rut.
Every now and then, try something completely different. Pick up a genre you've never tried, give a new author a chance or ask a friend to recommend something. You might discover your next favourite book in a place you wouldn't normally look.
One of the biggest obstacles to reading more is getting stuck on a book you're simply not enjoying.
You don't have to finish every book you start. If you're several chapters in and still not interested, put it down and try something else. Spending weeks forcing yourself through a book you don't enjoy isn't going to make you want to read more.
A simple way to squeeze in extra reading time is to make sure you always have a book nearby. Keep one in your bag, car or wherever you tend to spend time waiting. Then, when you have 10 minutes to spare, you have something much more interesting to do than scroll through your phone.
You might be surprised how quickly those little pockets of reading time add up.
Reading doesn't always have to involve sitting down with a physical book. Audiobooks are a great option when you're short on time or doing something that doesn't require your full attention. Listen while you're driving, walking, cooking or doing jobs around the house.
They're also a good way to get through books that you might otherwise never have found the time to read.
Joining a book club can give you another reason to keep reading. You'll have a book to work towards, people to talk to about it and the chance to discover titles you might not have chosen yourself.
There's something quite satisfying about finishing a book and then being able to sit down with other people and discuss everything you liked, disliked or didn't see coming.
This might sound counterproductive, but try putting your book down when you're really enjoying it.
Leaving yourself at an exciting point in the story gives you a reason to pick the book back up later. Instead of wondering when you'll find the time to read, you might find yourself looking forward to your next chance.
Sometimes the difficult part isn't finding a book – it's finding somewhere you can actually concentrate.
You don't need a huge home library. A comfortable chair, good lighting and somewhere away from distractions can be enough to create your own little reading corner. Making the space inviting can make you more likely to use it.
Take a look at how you spend your spare time. If you regularly find yourself scrolling through your phone, watching TV or playing games when you meant to do something else, try swapping some of that time for a book.
You don't have to give up your favourite shows or spend every spare minute reading. Even replacing 15 minutes of scrolling with reading can help you get through more books.
You don't have to spend a fortune to keep yourself stocked with things to read.
Libraries are a great option if you want to try different books without buying them, while swapping books with friends and family can help you discover something new. Second-hand books can also be a more affordable way to build up your reading pile.
And if you have shelves full of books you've already read, selling or donating some of them can make space for your next read.
Despite the many benefits of reading, recent research suggests that reading skills among children and teenagers are declining. Data suggests that reading among children and teenagers is at its lowest levels since records began, particularly among those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
A recent study from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), as reported by The Telegraph, looked at around 760,000 students across 91 countries. The research found that 15-year-olds now have worse reading skills than at any point this century, with maths and science performance also being affected. It also found that the average student is reading at a level that was previously expected of someone a year younger.
Professor Sahakian emphasised that it is never too late to start reading and that reading can bring benefits throughout our lives and into old age. So, whether you read for a few minutes before bed, listen to an audiobook on your commute or set yourself a monthly reading goal, finding ways to make reading part of your everyday life can be worthwhile.
If you're looking for ways to encourage children to pick up a book, take a look at our tips for getting kids to love reading for some simple ideas to make reading part of their everyday lives.
Start by setting aside a little time each day to read. Choose a book that interests you, keep it somewhere easy to reach and set yourself a realistic reading target. Even a few pages a day can help you build a regular reading habit.
There is no set number of books you should read each month. Your ideal reading target will depend on how much free time you have, the length of the books you enjoy and how quickly you like to read. Start with a manageable goal and adjust it as you become more comfortable with your reading routine.
Reading regularly can help you develop your vocabulary, improve concentration and discover new ideas. It can also provide an opportunity to relax, learn something new and enjoy time away from screens.
Make reading enjoyable by letting your child choose books that interest them, setting aside time to read together and making books part of their everyday routine. You could also try different types of books and reading activities to help them discover what they enjoy. If you’re looking for more ideas, these simple ways to make reading more enjoyable for children can help.
Both physical books and audiobooks can be enjoyable ways to read. Physical books may suit those who prefer to read at their own pace, while audiobooks can make it easier to enjoy stories while travelling, exercising or doing household chores. Choose whichever format fits your lifestyle and helps you enjoy more books.
Try setting aside a few minutes during your day for reading. You could read during your lunch break, before bed or while travelling. Keeping a book with you or listening to an audiobook can also help you make the most of spare moments.
Once you've started reading more, you might find that your bookshelves are filling up rather quickly.
If you've got books you've finished and don't plan to read again, selling them can be an easy way to clear some space while making some extra money to put towards new books. With the WeBuyBooks app, you can scan your books to get an instant valuation, send them to us for free and get paid once we've received and checked them.
Whatever is your reading goal, don't worry about how quickly you're getting through your reading list. The important thing is finding books you enjoy and making a little time for them in your everyday life, because at the end of the day, reading should be enjoyable, not feel like a chore.
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