A few years ago the Washington Post reported that one in four adults read no books at all the previous year.
Does that surprise you? Do you like to read? Do you wish you had more time for reading?
I love to read and always have several books I’m in the middle of. Fiction, biographies, memoirs, science, business, psychology – love them all. I often find myself talking with people about books.
And one of the most common things I hear people say about books and reading is this:
I wish I had more time to read.
If you wish you had more time to read, here are three ways you can.
How To Have More Time To Read
1. Watch Less TV
Now I’m not saying this in a superior, TV-is-bad kind of way.
On the contrary, I think the best screenwriting today is on the small screen.
And many TV shows are better written, more stimulating and thought-provoking, and a better use of time than many books. Wouldn’t you agree?
But many other shows do nothing do edify you or enhance your life. They’re brain junk food. Maybe worse.
If you want to reduce viewing to make room for reading, then decide to watch only those shows that do one of more of the following:
- Make you laugh
- Make you think
- Inspire you
- Teach you something
- Make you happy.
2. Have A Pile Of Books Where You Like To Read
It could be that you have some reading time, but don’t think to read because you don’t have an enticing supply of books handy.
If so, then why not stock up on a tempting selection from the library, bookstore or borrowed from friends. Keep it by your bed or favorite armchair – and see what happens.
Or download a range of titles to your Kindle, Nook, Kobo, iPad, or other ebook reader.
3. Listen To Audiobooks
I drastically increased my reading when I started listening to audiobooks.
I listen while I walk, do chores and errands, or exercise. I still like to read fiction as hard-copy books, but I ‘read’ non-fiction almost exclusively by ear now.
You don’t have to make any time for this kind of reading either. It’s a fantastic, time-effective way to entertain or educate yourself.
Many audiobook titles are available on Audible and iTunes.
Do You Want To Read More?
Do you read a lot?
Would you like to read more?
How will you make more time for reading?
Please share in the comments!
I LOVE audiobooks, you can download them free from your local library too, there are thousands to choose from. I have a book burned to rewritable cd in the stereo at home I listen too, a different one on my ipod and a different one again in my car. For me, I never get them mixed up because the 3 are all so very different and I cant wait to get to my next point of call to listen to the next bit. Housework breezes by, as does the dishes and folding washing. I still love it when I crawl into bed at night with a book for 1/2 an hour, I guess that’s number 4 for me. I got my sister into audiobooks as well since she drives an hour to work. She flys through them but she gives me recommendations of books to listen too. Love it!
I can’t imagine it I love actually reading I have no idea how I’d go listening and whether I’d concentrate
What a great range, Belinda! I enjoy reading fiction in hard copy, at night in bed. But I love non-fiction, business, psychology and science when I’m doing all manner of ‘brainless’ stuff through the day. 🙂
These are some excellent tips. I like the note about listening to audiobooks as a way to listen to non-fiction texts especially and I will likely put that tip to the test in the coming days/weeks! Thanks for this article!
http://www.fightingwithmyself.com
@[1311853359:2048:Sergio Vasquez], not that you need babe, but good info!
Gah! Why did I click this link? I don’t need to read MORE!! I’m addicted enough already, thank you.
Hope it works for you Kevin! 🙂
Take a book to appointments and read while you’re waiting to be called (doctor’s office, dentist, mani/pedi’s, etc.). Read while you’re in line (bank, shopping, fast food, etc.) Carry a real book or a Kindle-type device with you. I have some great, free books on my iPod Touch that I can enjoy at a moment’s notice.
And isn’t it funny how much time you actually get to spend reading when you have the reading material handy! 🙂
And isn’t it funny how much time you actually get to spend reading when you have the reading material handy! 🙂
I like to read books recommended by friends…I’m sure to get a good read and I have someone to discuss the book with. 🙂
I agree that friend recommendations are fantastic Judy – especially if your friends know your taste. Have you ever belonged to a book club? Sounds like you might enjoy that too! 🙂
I did…but unfortunately the girls wanted to talk more about kids/husbands and less about the book! 🙁 I get alot of my recommendations from one of the girls that was there tho…:)
I also read while I exercise on the elliptical trainer. I’ve heard that it may be limiting the usefulness of my workout to some degree, but it ensures that I do work out! My Kindle is the best reading material for this as I can control font size and it doesn’t flop closed like a book.
I also do the audible books while I commute (minimum 1 hour each way every work day!). My library has more titles than I could possibly listen to in a year and they add more all the time. It makes the commute bearable.
Susan have you tried listening to audiobooks on the elliptical? You could also listen to podcasts too. You’d probably do a better workout that way. 🙂