People ask me all the time "How do you find the time to read?" so I thought I'd devote a blog post about this very topic.
For pleasure outside of my bookstore reading, I read mostly non-fiction and historical fiction. Books about the kings and queens of Europe are my favorites. I'm a nut for Tudor history, French history, and biographies of people living during then. My favorite all-time book is The Queen's Necklace by Frances Mossiker. It has everything ... history, drama, comedy, romance, and a plot that is absolutely true.
Now that you know a little of my story, let's go back to how I find time to read when I have a lot going on (I'm a mom of preschool-age twins, bookstore owner, managing editor for How To Raise Twins, and volunteer for the Friends of my local library.)
First and foremost it's important to make reading a priority for yourself. It's so easy to get through the day and forget to take a moment to yourself. It's also important that your children see you reading if you expect them to love to read.
Throughout the day I find short moments to read. It might be while I'm waiting for something to cook in the microwave or while I'm on hold talking on the phone. I carry a book with me everywhere I go and keep different books in different rooms of the house so I always have a book available.
I also read when I eat. My twins have a 10 minute eating attention span so that leaves me sitting alone at the table a lot. I find it much more enjoyable to read and eat at the same time if I'm eating alone.
At night after the kids and husband go to sleep, I climb into bed with my handy booklight and spend about 30 - 60 mins reading. This is my favorite time to read. The house is quiet, it's dark, and I'm cozy. It's perfect reading time.
Do you have any tips or tricks to share about how you find the time to read? If so, share them below in the comments section.
I love to read. I'm always reading to my kids.
ReplyDeleteI try to read for myself when the kids are playing nicely for more than a minute at a time. I keep a book on the table next to the couch, since I spent lots and lots of time in the living room.
I read after lunch. I put the girls down at 12, me and Daddy eat a quick lunch together...then he plays his video game before he goes back to work, and I read for a bit before I exercise. I don't read many books this way, but I still read. :)
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love to read but I don't make time for it as much as I should. I do read to the kids and that's always fun...when they listen.
ReplyDeleteGreat tips! There are a ton of books that I want to read but have a hard time finding the time to pick them up. I'll have to try some of your ideas!
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