How To Find More Time to Read as a Busy Mom

Today I am sharing my top tips for how to find more time to read as a busy mom.

I have been a reader for as long as I can remember. Books have always held a special place in my heart. From favorite picture books read repeatedly, to chapter books that I could connect with during my teenage years, to the variety of literature I've read as an adult - books have always been a mainstay for me.

However, the amount of time I have devoted to reading has definitely changed throughout different seasons of my life. I remember when I had my first baby, thinking, when will I possibly read again?? I'm much too tired and how will I ever find the time? But slowly, I did find the time. And over the last 11 years of being a mom (now to 3 kids), I've figured out a number of ways to make reading a priority.

Let's jump into my best tips for finding more time to read as a busy mom.

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How to find time to read as a busy mom?

There are lots of ways to find more time to read even during the busy seasons of motherhood. Even if you have young kids - you can make the time. Here's how to do it.

#1: Make It a Priority

This might go without saying, but if you want to read more books, you have to prioritize it in some way. Pick up a book at the library, order something from a favorite author on Amazon, or take a stroll through a local bookstore. Have a book ready to go with the intention of reading it. It seems simple, but it goes a long way in making reading a priority for yourself.

#2: Always Be Prepared

I always bring a book with me when I think I'll be able to sneak in a few minutes to read. It might be on a road trip, in a doctor's office waiting room, or in the car while waiting for one of my kids at an activity or birthday party. If I have my book, I'll read it. It might not always be for long, but those minutes add up. I also like to have a book nearby to show my kids that reading is enjoyable, and that it is important to me.

A game-changer in helping me to always be prepared with a book has been my Kindle. Having an e-reader makes bringing books on-the-go so convenient. I just got my Kindle a few months ago as a gift, and now I don't know how I lived without it.

#3: Try an Audio Book

I am almost always reading more than one book at a time. I am usually reading one and listening to one. I use Audible for audio books, or I will borrow audio books from my local library system using the Libby app. I will listen in the car on the way to work, in waiting rooms, or, most often, at home while I'm cooking or doing other things around the house. Picking up audio books has really increased the number of books I have been able to read. (You can check out Audible here, and if you are interested you can get a 30-day free trial!)

#4: Read More Than One Book at a Time

This builds on the previous tip! Try having an audio book and a hard copy book. Or a fiction and nonfiction. Sometimes you may be more in the mood for one or the other, or your circumstances may dictate (for example when you are driving or folding laundry) which type of book you'll read. I tend to listen more during the day and read more at night.

#5: Don't Be Afraid to Quit a Book

If you are reading something you don't love - don't be afraid to toss it to the side and move on. When I am not super interested in the book I'm reading, I tend to put it off and read very slowly. Life's too short for that! That's also what I love about getting books from the library. If I haven't spent any money I don't feel badly just returning the book and moving on the next on my list.

#6: Read Book Lists for Inspiration

When I am in a book rut, I love to check out some of my favorite Bookstagram accounts for some inspiration. I almost always want to sit right down and read after.

#7: Read Before Bed

Reading is one of my favorite ways to wind down before bed. Try to make some time every night, even if it is just a few pages. Research shows that reading before bed can improve sleep quality. That's a win-win! I like to turn off the light and just use a book light. Everyone in my house has one of these.

#8: Read in Front of Your Kids

This one is for parents of young kids, but not necessarily babies and toddlers. Now that my kids are a bit older (11, 8 and 4), we have 'quiet time' on the weekends. This is usually after lunch, and my kids know that they have to entertain themselves quietly or watch a show. It's my time to take a break from entertaining, cooking, laundry, etc. I will very often sit and read in front of them as they play or watch a show. I am modeling my love for reading, and I hope that they are inspired to pick up a book, too.

#9: Track Your Books

One thing I love to do is track my books. It feels like such an accomplishment every time I can add a book to my finished list. I used to just keep a running list in a note in my Notes app, but now I use Goodreads. I like it as a way to not only keep track, but to connect with other readers and get great suggestions for books.

These are my top tips for how to find more time to read as a busy mom. Do you have any tips? I'd love for you to share!

For more on how to take care of yourself as a mom, check out these five self-care tips for moms.

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