Want to read more but never find time? 5 simple ways to make reading part of your daily routine

Between endless notifications, packed work schedules and the constant temptation of scrolling through social media, reading often becomes one of the first habits people quietly abandon.

Many start the year promising themselves they will read more books, only to realise months later that the unread pile beside the bed has only grown larger. But according to productivity experts and reading habit researchers, building a reading habit is often less about “finding extra time” and more about integrating reading naturally into everyday routines.

In fact, even 10 to 15 minutes of consistent daily reading can gradually improve focus, reduce stress and strengthen concentration over time.

Here are five realistic ways to incorporate reading into your daily life without making it feel like another task on your to-do list.

Replace “Scroll Time” With Reading Time

One of the easiest ways to start reading more is by identifying how much time is already spent scrolling. Most people unconsciously spend several short pockets of time throughout the day on social media, during commutes, before sleeping, while waiting in queues or even during work breaks.

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Experts suggest replacing just one of those scrolling sessions with reading. Instead of opening Instagram before bed, reading a few pages of a book can help calm the mind and reduce screen exposure before sleep. According to several wellness experts, reading before bedtime may also improve sleep quality compared to prolonged phone usage. The goal is not to suddenly finish multiple books a month. It is simply to create consistency.

Carry a Book Everywhere, Even Digitally

One of the biggest reasons people stop reading regularly is inconvenience. If a book is not immediately accessible, most people default to their phones instead.

That is why reading experts often recommend always carrying something to read, whether it is a paperback, Kindle or reading app on a phone. Small moments throughout the day can unexpectedly become reading opportunities:

-During metro commutes

-While waiting for appointments

-At airports

-During lunch breaks

-Before meetings begin

Over time, these scattered minutes add up far more than people realise.

Audiobooks are also increasingly helping busy readers incorporate literature into routines while driving, exercising or cooking.

Stop Forcing Yourself to Finish Books You Do Not Enjoy

One of the fastest ways to lose interest in reading is by treating it like homework. Many people continue reading books they are not enjoying simply because they feel guilty abandoning them. But experts say forcing yourself through an uninteresting book often turns reading into a chore rather than a habit.

Reading becomes easier to sustain when people genuinely enjoy the material they are consuming. That means it is perfectly fine to switch genres, read lighter books, alternate fiction and non-fiction, explore graphic novels or essays and even read pop culture, travel or entertainment writing. The objective is to build a relationship with reading first. Literary ambition can come later.

Create a Fixed Reading Ritual

Habits become easier to maintain when attached to existing routines. Instead of vaguely planning to “read more”, experts recommend creating a fixed reading ritual linked to a specific time or activity. For example:

-Reading with morning tea

-Reading for 15 minutes before sleeping

-Reading during commute hours

-Reading after dinner instead of watching television immediately

Once reading becomes associated with an existing daily behaviour, it requires less mental effort to sustain. Many readers also find that creating a comfortable reading environment, warm lighting, quiet spaces or even a favourite chair, makes the habit feel more inviting.

Join Reading Communities or Reading Challenges

Reading often becomes more consistent when there is a sense of accountability or shared excitement around books. Book clubs, online reading communities and monthly reading challenges have become increasingly popular because they help people stay motivated without making reading feel overly academic.

Social media platforms like BookTok and Bookstagram have also helped younger readers rediscover reading through recommendations, aesthetic book discussions and genre-based communities. For some people, simply discussing a book with friends or tracking progress on apps can make reading feel more interactive and rewarding.

Why Reading Still Matters in a Hyper-Digital World

Despite shrinking attention spans and increasing digital distractions, experts continue to view reading as one of the most effective ways to improve concentration, empathy and mental stimulation.

Studies have also repeatedly linked regular reading with reduced stress levels, improved vocabulary and stronger cognitive engagement. More importantly, reading creates something modern digital culture increasingly struggles to offer- uninterrupted attention.