As part of the Born & Read campaign, here are some simple, practical ways to smuggle reading into packed days, so that you can set up small but mighty habits that stick.
Most people want to read more, but struggle to find the right moment. Days fill quickly, screens claim attention and books slip to the bottom of the list.
But reading doesn’t require big pockets of time. By reframing when and how we read, it can become an enjoyable activity that fits inside daily life rather than something that competes with it.
Here are some top tips to make time for books in your busy schedule.
Set up reading triggers
One of the simplest shifts is to build reading triggers into familiar habits. These tiny cues remove the burden of deciding when to read.
A short rule works best. For example: after the first sip of coffee in the morning, read two pages; after loading the dishwasher, read a poem; after plugging in your phone at night, open a book for ten minutes. Once the association forms, reading becomes as automatic as the task that precedes it.
READ MORE: Discover Suffolk’s best literary adventures this February
You can also try “scattering” books across different areas of your home: a paperback in the bathroom, a coffee table book in the lounge, or a graphic novel in the kitchen creates friction‑free opportunities to read when you might otherwise reach for your smartphone.
Rethink where reading happens
Many people still picture reading as something that needs a quiet chair or a tidy desk, but small bursts in queues, corridors and waiting rooms can be just as absorbing.
Keeping an e-book app on the home screen of your smartphone helps turn these empty minutes into useful ones. A slim novel or e‑reader in a pocket or bag can fill unexpected gaps between appointments.
Even gentle movement – a treadmill walk or exercise bike – can pair with large‑font e-books or audiobooks.
Make audio part of your routine
Speaking of which, audiobooks offer a fantastic way to read while doing other things. They suit people who want stories but are always on the move.
Everyday tasks become more appealing when paired with a good narrator. Chores like cooking, washing up or folding laundry can double as listening time. Once the book becomes tied to the task, the task becomes a reason to continue the story.
Commuters often find this approach helpful, too. Treating an audiobook as a weekday ritual creates a predictable rhythm. Switching between audio and e-book versions of the same title allows the story to travel across the day – audio in the kitchen or car, text in bed – keeping everything connected without losing the thread.
Switching between print, e-books and audio depending on mood can also help to make reading feel approachable rather than rigid.
Lower the bar
Much of the pressure around reading comes from expectations that don’t match real life. Letting go of those expectations can transform the experience and unlock new powers of concentration.
Try setting a one‑page minimum before bed. This habit will keep reading alive even on tiring days. You’ll crack the spine knowing you only need to read a few paragraphs, but the low-pressure habit nudges you into reading more.
READ MORE: What were the 10 most popular books in Suffolk in 2025?
Shorter forms also have their place. Essays, novellas, short stories and graphic novels allow meaningful reading in small stretches. Keeping a few books on the go can support this flexibility, offering choices that match energy levels which wax and wane across the week.
Finally, stick to a ruthless “do not finish” rule! Think about the pressure we put on ourselves to finish every book we’ve started. When a title isn’t working, the sense of obligation can halt reading altogether.
If you don’t like it, move on. This frees you from dragging yourself through joyless chapters. Allowing unfinished books makes space for titles that actually spark interest.
This article is part of Born & Read in Suffolk – a year-long initiative highlighting the importance of reading and writing, delivered in partnership with the National Centre for Writing and Suffolk Community Libraries, sponsored by Sizewell C and supported by Ipswich Town Football Club. Follow the campaign throughout the year in our coverage and on social media using #BornAndRead2026 or get in touch at readingmatters@newsquest.co.uk
Share