Finding Time to Read in a World That Never Slows Down

You know those moments when the world quiets for just a second? Maybe it’s after the kids have finally fallen asleep, the dishes are drying on the rack, or you’ve just finished answering your last work email for the day. Those tiny gaps where you could, in theory, take a breath, exhale, and finally pick up that book that’s been sitting on your bedside table for months.

But then something else pops up. An urgent email. A notification from Instagram. Or that tiny voice in your head reminding you that you haven’t made tomorrow’s packed lunches yet. And there goes your precious reading time. Again.

Trust me, I get it.

I used to read all the time—devour books, actually. The kind of reader who would bring a novel to the dinner table, much to the annoyance of everyone around me. Back then, I had time to sit and simply get lost. These days, it feels like a rare luxury. Between work, family, social obligations, and let’s not forget the endless scroll of digital distractions, finding time to read can feel like a Herculean task.

But here’s the thing—I miss it. And I know you do too. That sense of escapism, of slipping into someone else’s shoes for a while, of forgetting the world and disappearing into a story. It’s not just about the reading itself, it’s about how books make us feel. They reconnect us to parts of ourselves we’ve maybe forgotten in the daily grind. And the good news is, even in the chaos of life, it is possible to make time for reading.

So, let me share a little bit about how I’ve managed to reclaim that time for myself, in small, sneaky, but completely satisfying ways.

Remembering the Joy: A Story of Lost Time

There was a moment not too long ago, where I found myself staring at the endless loop of social media on my phone. I had just finished cleaning the kitchen, the house was quiet, and I’d promised myself a little "me time." But instead of picking up a book, I’d mindlessly scrolled through Instagram, then Facebook, then Instagram again, as if something new might have appeared in the last five minutes. It hadn’t.

An hour later, I realized I could have spent that time reading. My heart sank a little, because deep down, I knew that hour could’ve been spent doing something that genuinely feeds my soul. But instead, I’d given it away to the shiny, but hollow, distractions that we all fall victim to. It wasn’t a tragedy, but it was a turning point. That day, I made a promise to myself to prioritize reading again—not as a luxury, but as a necessity.

So how did I do it? Well, it wasn’t an overnight transformation, but slowly, I’ve found little ways to fit reading into my life without feeling like I’m adding another thing to my already packed schedule.

The Art of Sneaking Reading Into Life

The secret? It’s not about finding hours of uninterrupted time (because let’s be honest, when does that ever happen?). It’s about those little pockets of time—those moments that we so often waste without realizing it. And trust me, they add up.

1. The Magic of Ten Minutes

Here’s something I used to believe: if I couldn’t sit down with a book for at least an hour, it wasn’t worth it. I’d convince myself that reading in small bursts didn’t count. But the truth is, ten minutes here and there can still whisk you away into a story. And that’s all I needed—a little escape. A few pages read during lunch or while waiting for the pasta to boil. Over time, those ten-minute intervals turn into chapters, and chapters turn into finished books.

One evening, while my family was busy doing their own thing, I sat down with a novel, fully intending to read for just a few minutes. By the time they came to find me, asking what was for dinner, I’d already finished two chapters. That was my epiphany: reading doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing commitment. A little goes a long way.

2. The Audiobook Revolution

It took me ages to embrace audiobooks. I had this idea that listening to a book wasn’t the same as reading it. But then, one day, I decided to try it while folding laundry (you know, because laundry never ends). And what do you know? I actually found myself looking forward to laundry time because it meant I could keep listening to the story. Now, I “read” while driving, doing the dishes, even while taking a morning or night walk.

Just last week, I was halfway through a tense thriller, earphones in, washing dishes, when my daughter came into the kitchen and asked if I was okay. Apparently, I’d gasped out loud at a twist in the story. It’s moments like that when I realize audiobooks have given me a way to sneak books into the busiest parts of my day, without taking anything away from my tasks. In fact, they’ve made the mundane a little more magical.

3. Reclaiming the Waiting Game

Do you know how much time we spend waiting? Waiting for appointments, waiting for a train, waiting for our kids to finish practice. I used to waste those moments checking my phone—scrolling, scrolling, scrolling—feeling like I was doing something, but not really. Now, I’ve made it a habit to always carry a book with me. Whether it’s a paperback or an e-book on my phone, those 10-minute waits have turned into golden reading time.

There was this one afternoon at the car mechanic’s. I was waiting for what felt like an eternity, but instead of scrolling through my phone, I pulled out a book. By the time my car was ready, I was deep into a fascinating historical novel, and honestly, I was a little disappointed to leave. Who knew waiting could feel so productive?

4. Bedtime Rituals: A Personal Escape

I used to be the person who would scroll through social media before bed, convincing myself it was "winding down." But, spoiler alert: it wasn’t. Instead of feeling relaxed, I’d go to bed with my mind buzzing from too much screen time. So, I decided to swap my phone for a book before bed, just for 15 minutes. That’s it—no pressure to read for hours, just a few pages to calm my brain and ease into sleep.

The result? I not only started finishing books more regularly, but I slept better, too. There’s something deeply comforting about curling up with a story at the end of the day, letting it soothe you to sleep instead of staring at a glowing screen. Now, it’s a ritual I cherish, even if I only read a few pages before my eyes start to droop.

5. The Accountability of a Reading Buddy

You know what helps more than anything? Having someone to share the journey with. I recently teamed up with a friend for a little reading challenge—nothing formal, just a shared goal of reading a book each month and catching up over coffee to talk about it. It’s funny how much more motivated I’ve felt to read, knowing I’ll have someone to discuss it with.

We even started exchanging book recommendations, which has broadened my reading horizons in a way I didn’t expect. One month we read a mystery, the next, a romance. But what I love most is that reading has become a social experience again, something I share with others, even in small, casual ways.

Being Gentle with Ourselves

I think it’s important to remember that reading isn’t a race or a competition. There will be days—weeks, even—when life simply doesn’t leave room for books, and that’s okay. We all have seasons where other things take priority, and sometimes, it’s not the right moment to dive into a novel. But when the time is right, the books will be there, waiting for us.

I’ve learned to be kinder to myself on those days when I don’t get to read. I’ve stopped measuring my worth by how many books I finish, and instead, I focus on how reading makes me feel. When I do find those small pockets of time to escape into a story, I treasure them. It’s not about quantity, but about the joy it brings.

So, friend, let’s make a pact—let’s find those little moments for reading. Even when life is pulling us in a hundred different directions, let’s remember that it’s okay to take a break, to pick up a book, and to lose ourselves for just a little while.

Tell me—how do you find time to read? I’d love to hear your stories, your tricks, and your favorite books. Because at the end of the day, we’re all in this together, trying to balance it all, one page at a time.

With love and always, always a good book in hand, Evelyn