If you and I find ourselves in conversation with one another, you might hear, “I’m reading this book…” And many times, I have heard back “How do you find time to read so much?!?” It secretly cracks me up to hear this response because truth be told, I am a very slow reader! I have a few friends, and you know who you are, who will read a book within a couple days of me giving it to them! I am always truly amazed!
As busy mamas at home or at work, it can certainly be difficult to find time to read for your own self and I totally get it. How can can you get any reading time in when your people need you?!?! As a homeschool mom, I can honestly say I read a lot! However, reading my planbook, curriculum and reviews is not always my idea of “pleasure reading”. Over the past few years I have learned some tips and tricks to get in more reading for myself and I want to share those with you in hopes that it can help you in your reading endeavors as well.
#1 – Read to your kids. Okay, I know reading The Hungry Caterpillar 100 times is not quite the tip you are looking for but hear me out. Maybe there is biography you have wanted to read or a classic you never read as a kid. Perhaps there is a topic or place you have wanted to learn more about. Read about it to your kids! Depending on the ages of your kids, find a younger version that they can understand more easily if needed. Living books such as missionary stories are a great place to start to learn more about the heroes of our faith. Even just 10 minutes a day adds up!
#2 – Read with your kids. Choose a time in your day when you set a timer and everyone reads their own book of choice. This could be when the baby goes down for a nap or after dinner. We do this for just 15 minutes a day and I really can get a chunk of reading done in that small amount of time. Not only do I get some reading in, but I am also teaching our kids the importance of reading each day. Even if your children are small and can’t read, give them a few picture books to look through so they can join in and get into the habit of “reading” each day.
#3 – Put it on your “to-do” list. Yes, I know it sounds silly but I literally write “read for 30 minutes ” on my list. That way when I choose to sit down in the middle of the day to read for a bit, I don’t feel one bit guilty because it’s on my list of things to do!
#4 – Read more than one book at a time. This tip may not be for every personality and that’s okay. I am currently reading all the above books pictured. I normally have 3-4 books going at a time. I keep one on the main floor to read throughout the day, one on my nightstand for before bed and one with my devotional to read after my morning Bible reading. I only have one novel going at a time otherwise my brain will confuse all the plots! My other books are either spiritual growth books or soul growth books. (Side Note: A few years ago I decided I don’t like the term “self-help” books and I replaced it with “soul growth”.) The soul growth books are usually a book about marriage, parenting or other topics to strengthen me in the roles God has placed me in.
The above are the ways I have learned to welcome more reading into my days. I truly hope one or two of these tips can help you in your reading as well. Even just stealing away 10 minutes here and 10 minutes there can help you chip away at those books that you have been wanting to read.
How do you get your reading done? Leave a comment if you have different ideas that would help others in their reading journeys.
Happy Reading!