Inside: Learn how to expand your mind as you embrace reading in your daily routine.
In a world constantly overflowing with noise, screens, and endless to-do lists, reading can feel like a luxury we no longer have time for. But the act of reading, even for just a few minutes a day, can be one of the most grounding and enriching habits you can invite into your life.
Reading gives us an opportunity to slow down. It can offer escape, education, and reflection. Reading can build empathy, ignite your creativity, and keep your mind agile.
And you can fit reading into your life more easily than you might think.
You don’t need hours of free time or a stack of literary classics to call yourself a reader. You just need a mindset shift and a few small changes to your routine.
Whether your goal is to finish more books, rekindle a love of reading, or simply create a few moments of quiet amid a busy day, embracing reading as a regular part of life can have lasting benefits.
If you’re ready to embrace reading into your daily routine but aren’t sure how to make it happen, I’ve got you covered. Here are five simple, practical steps that can help you make reading a consistent habit.
5 Steps to Embrace Reading in Your Daily Routine
Most of us have some sort of daily routine in our lives. Use these tips to embrace reading in your daily routine.
1 – Start with what you want to read, not what you think you should read.
One of the quickest ways to stall a new habit is to make it an unenjoyable process. So don’t pick a book you feel obligated to read. Instead, choose one that excites you.
Maybe it’s a heavy classic you’ve never quite finished, or a lengthy non-fiction book someone recommended. While those books certainly have their place, they’re not the ideal way to reignite a reading routine.
Instead, choose something that feels genuinely interesting to you. It might be a fast-paced novel, a cozy mystery, an inspiring memoir, or a practical self-help book. It might even be a magazine or a book of poetry – there’s no wrong way to start.
The goal is to associate reading with pleasure, not pressure. When you legitimately enjoy what you’re reading, you’re far more likely to make time for it.
Give yourself permission to read for fun, even if it means skipping the “must-reads” for now.
Another thing to keep in mind? It’s okay to abandon books that don’t hold your interest. Maybe you were excited to dive into a new novel, only to find it isn’t what you expected. If you aren’t really looking forward to finishing it, instead of forcing it, find something else to read.
There’s no need to struggle through something you don’t enjoy, especially when the goal is to make reading a habit.
2 – Attach reading to an existing habit.
One of the easiest ways to stick with something new is to link it to something you already do every day. This is known as “habit stacking,” and it works especially well for reading.
You might try reading a few pages as you drink your morning coffee, listening to an audiobook during your daily walk or commute, or bringing a book with you to read as you wait at appointments or sit in the school pick-up line.
Or, you can incorporate reading into your evening routine, using it as a way to wind down before bed.
The key is to piggyback on habits that are already part of your routine. Even five to ten minutes a day adds up. Over the course of a month, you could finish an entire book without carving out any “extra” time.
And while one book a month might not feel like much, if it’s more than you’re reading today, consider it a win.
3 – Set a reading goal – but don’t be too aggressive.
Goals can be motivating, but when they’re too ambitious, they backfire. Instead of aiming to read a certain number of books in a year (which can feel like a race), try setting a goal that focuses on consistency and enjoyment.
This could look like reading for ten minutes each day, finishing a book a month, or reading one chapter each night before bed.
Another option? Consider goals that aren’t tied to pages or productivity, like trying a book from a genre you usually don’t read.
The idea is to build momentum and confidence. Once reading becomes part of your routine, you’ll naturally find yourself reaching for books more often – no need to track your progress or compete with yourself (or others).
4 – Make reading a shared experience.
Reading doesn’t have to be a solitary pursuit. In fact, sharing what you’re reading can enhance your enjoyment and create accountability.
Talk about books with a friend. Post about your favorites on social media. Join a local or virtual book club.
Even reading alongside your kids or partner can foster connection and help them develop a love of reading as well.
When you share what you’re reading, you’re more likely to stick with it. Making reading a shared experience can also give you new insights, recommendations, and even a sense of belonging.
Eventually, reading might even become part of your identity and help you form a sense of community.
5 – Embrace audiobooks and e-books (if desired).
If you think you’re not a reader because you can’t sit still with a paperback, it might be time to rethink your format.
While some reading purists insist that old-school, paper-paged books are the only way to read, there has been a big shift towards embracing audiobooks and e-books.
These digital options can make it easier than ever to fit reading into real life, especially if your primary excuse for not reading is “I’m too busy.”
Audiobooks can turn mundane tasks like commuting, cleaning, and folding laundry into mini reading sessions. They’re also great for engaging with heavier topics or longer books, since the narration brings the content to life.
And e-books are equally flexible, allowing you to essentially carry multiple books with you wherever you go on your phone or tablet – no backpack needed.
Most library systems now offer free access to digital books and audiobooks through apps like Libby or Hoopla, making it both convenient and budget-friendly.
And if digital isn’t your style, no problem. Reading a physical print book is great too.
Want to learn more about creating habits & living intentionally?
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What’s one simple change you could make today to help reading become a regular part of your routine?
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