How to Read More Books Even When You’re Busy📚

by The Book Pup on December 26, 2025

We all say it: “I wish I had more time to read.”
Between work, school, and endless scrolling, it can feel impossible to finish even one book, let alone a whole stack. But here’s the truth, sometimes, just a few small changes that make reading part of your everyday life again.

Here are simple, realistic tips to help you read more books this year. 💛

Tip 1: Join a Reading Challenge

Challenges can make reading feel like a fun adventure instead of a solo habit. You can join community challenges like the Goodreads Reading Challenge or create your own monthly theme like “Fantasy February,” “Mystery March,” etc.

You could even host your own mini challenge with friends or followers! Reading together builds motivation and gives you new recommendations.

🤔 Idea: Post your reading challenge updates on Pinterest or Instagram to inspire others too!

Tip 2: Read Before Bed Instead of Scrolling

We’ve all done it, promising ourselves “just five minutes” on our phone before bed… and suddenly it’s midnight. 📱🌃

Try swapping that time for reading. Keep your book or e-reader right by your pillow, and give yourself a screen-free wind-down routine. Even ten minutes of reading before sleep helps you relax and finish books faster.

🤯 Fun Fact: Reading before bed can improve sleep quality and reduce stress.

Tip 3: DNF Books You’re Not Enjoying

I'm really big on this: DNF stands for Did Not Finish, and it’s not a bad thing! If you’re forcing yourself through a book you don’t like, it squashes your motivation to read anything at all.

Reading should bring you joy. Let yourself move on to something new. There are too many amazing books out there to waste time on one that isn’t for you.

Tip 4: Always Carry a Book

This is one of the easiest ways to sneak in extra reading time. Keep a physical book in your bag, a paperback in your car to grab and go, or an ebook on your phone or your e-reader.

Think of all those in-between golden moments, waiting in line, sitting in a waiting room, or even while your coffee brews. That’s five or ten extra minutes you could spend reading. Those little bursts add up fast!

🎗️ Tip: Download your current read on your phone’s Kindle app or Libby app so you’re always prepared.

Tip 5: Set a Small Daily Page Goal

If you struggle with consistency, try a simple daily goal, like 10 or 20 pages a day. It sounds small, but that’s the beauty of it!

Ten pages a day means 70 pages a week, also means you’ll finish a 300-page book in a month. Once you build the habit, you’ll naturally start reading more.

🎗️ Tip: Track your progress with a cute reading journal or a digital habit tracker. Seeing your streak grow is super motivating!

Tip 6: Try Audiobooks for Multitasking

Audiobooks are game changers. You can listen while cleaning, driving, walking, or even getting ready in the morning.

They don’t replace physical reading, they add to it. Suddenly, your “I’m too busy” hours become extra reading time.

🤠 Try this: Use free apps like Libby (connected to your local library) or Spotify’s growing audiobook selection.

Tip 7: Read Multiple Books at Once

Some people love to focus on one book. Others, like me, enjoy juggling a few! Having options for different moods keeps reading fresh.

Try pairing:

• One light or cozy read
• One deep or thought-provoking book
• One audiobook

This way, no matter your mood, you’ll have something that fits.

Tip 8: Cut Down on Phone Time

Let’s be real, the biggest reading killer is often… our phones. Try setting small screen-time limits or moving social media apps to a separate folder so you’re less tempted to tap.

You don’t have to give up your phone entirely. Sometimes you need it to relax and take a break. Just trade 15 minutes of scrolling for 15 minutes of reading. That’s all it takes to turn “I never have time” into “I just finished another book.”

🤠 Try this: Replace your home screen apps with a reading tracker or your current e-book shortcut.

Bonus Tip: Make Reading a Routine

Habits grow when they’re tied to moments you already do every day.
Read with your morning coffee.
During lunch breaks.

Or before bed.

Once it becomes a ritual, reading stops feeling like something you “have to fit in”, it just becomes part of who you are.

Final Thoughts 💫

Reading more isn’t about speed or numbers, it’s about creating small, joyful moments that reconnect you with stories.

Start small and remember: even one chapter a day counts.

Which tip are you going to try first? Let me know in the comments below!

Thanks, and may your bookmarks never fall out!

The Book Pup

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