BOOKS

"I love to read, but I never have the time." Sound familiar? Even if reading is your fave hobby, it can be so easy for classes, homework, extracurriculars and hangouts with friends to take up all your free time. Soon enough, the last time you finished a book was months ago and you have no idea what to say when someone asks what you've read lately. We've totally been there, so check out our tips on how to squeeze precious reading time in where you can.

@lattesandpaperbacks

Listen to an audiobook during your morning/evening routines

If you're always running from place to place and your schedule is just too booked for a sit-down sesh, download an audiobook. Audiobooks can integrate reading time into your daily life when you can't find those rare free moments. Whether you have a quick and simple morning routine or the perfect evening skincare steps, crank up the volume of the audiobook and listen while you get ready. 

@bookbabedesigns.shop

Pack a book in your bag for quick reading sessions

If you get to class and find yourself scrolling TikTok, grab that book out of your backpack and read a page or two. Even if you only get small batches of reading in before the teacher starts talking, it's still that much more time than you had before. 

@theintrovertededition

Wake up five minutes earlier

We know, groan. Waking up earlier might sound like the last thing you want to do, but even five minutes dedicated *just* to reading (instead of watching TV, looking at Insta and trying to read all at once) will have an impact. Plus, if you find yourself getting into the story, you can always adjust to reading a little earlier or later depending on the day. The most important part is giving yourself this time only for books instead of a million things at once. Give it a try—you might find yourself waking up even earlier!

@emilyintheweb

Swap your evening screen time for a book

Instead of putting on those cute blue light glasses and staring at your screen, swap out your phone for a book before you fall asleep. Not only is it better for your brain (it might even help your sleep schedule), but it also gives you plenty of time to get into that cute rom-com or epic fantasy you've been dying to read. Whether you're a night owl who stays up late or an early bird who wakes up early, this evening screen swap gives you control over how long you want to read and can make you feel more refreshed in the morning. 

@myhoneyreads

DNF books you don't like

If you're not vibing with the book you're reading or it feels like it's dragging on foreverrrr (even if it was highly recommended by a friend), it's time to DNF the book—aka Did Not Finish in Bookstagram and BookTok terms. Your time is too valuable to slog onward through books you're not enjoying in your free time. And while you might have to read certain books for school, you get to choose what content you consume otherwise. So, if the book turns out to be not your taste or just plain boring, shelve it away and move on to the next novel.

How do you squeeze in reading time?
Tell us your fave reading tips on Twitter @glbestiebookclub!

Slider image: @starrybookgirl
Top image: @booknerdnative

by Ally Coy | 4/29/2023