Read More Books: Making Time for Stories That Fuel Your Mind

Read More Books: Making Time for Stories That Fuel Your Mind

I’ll be honest… I didn’t really appreciate reading books until I got older. As a kid, I read here and there, but I never understood why people could get lost in a story for hours. Life was fast, distractions were everywhere, and I always felt like reading was something I’d do “someday.”

Then adulthood hit hard with work, bills, constant notifications, and endless scrolling. My days were filled with screens, and while I was always busy, I never felt fully present. My brain was overstimulated, but at the same time, I felt undernourished. That’s when I realized what was missing: the stillness, focus, and imagination that comes from sinking into a book.

The wake-up call came during a conversation with a friend. We had bought the same book at the same time. They were halfway through, glowing with excitement about the characters and twists. Me? I hadn’t cracked mine open and I couldn’t even find it under the pile of unopened mail. That stung. I thought: When was the last time I gave myself permission to unplug and just enjoy a story?

That’s when it clicked. Reading wasn’t just about “finishing books.” It was about taking breaks from the digital noise, slowing down, and giving my mind something nourishing. Books became more than stories, because they became my reset button. And here’s what I learned: if you want to read more books, you don’t need more hours in the day. You need small, intentional shifts that make reading part of your lifestyle instead of an afterthought.

1. Start Small and Build the Habit

If you’ve been out of the reading rhythm, diving straight into a 500-page book feels impossible. That pressure often backfires, which may cause you to start, then stall, and then avoid picking it back up. The key is to start so small it feels almost too easy. Commit to just 10 minutes a day, or pick up a short, fast-paced book you can finish in a week or two.

Why it works: finishing something small builds momentum. Your brain gets a “win” and wants to repeat it. Over time, 10 minutes turns into 20, one book turns into three, and before you know it, reading is part of your daily flow. Mentally, this creates a sense of accomplishment instead of guilt, which is exactly what you need when life already feels overwhelming.

2. Always Keep a Book Handy

The reason we default to our phones so often isn’t because we want to scroll — it’s because it’s there. Easy, quick, mindless. To compete with that, books have to be just as accessible. Keep one in your bag, leave one on your nightstand, or download an e-reader app on your phone so you can squeeze in a few pages during downtime.

Why it works: those little in-between moments: waiting in line, sitting in a doctor’s office, and riding public transit are usually wasted on scrolling. But if you swap that time for reading, you’ll be surprised how quickly you get through books. Mentally, it shifts idle, overstimulated moments into calm, intentional breaks.

3. Replace One Scroll Session with Pages

Most of us don’t realize how much time we lose to mindless scrolling. A “quick check” turns into an hour of TikTok or Instagram, leaving you overstimulated, drained, and sometimes even anxious from information overload. Instead of trying to overhaul your whole schedule, replace just one scroll session with a book.

Why it works: your brain gets calmer, your sleep improves (especially if you swap bedtime scrolling for reading), and you walk away with a sense of satisfaction instead of regret. One swap a day equals hours of reading time over a week. And the biggest win? You stop ending and starting your days with noise.

4. Mix Formats That Fit Your Life

Not every moment is perfect for sitting down with a physical book. That’s where audiobooks and e-books come in. Listen to an audiobook during your commute, while cooking, or while cleaning. Download an e-book for travel or quick access on your phone. Save your print copies for evenings when you can truly unwind.

Why it works: multiple formats mean no excuses. Whether you’re busy, tired, or on the go, there’s a way to read. And mentally, audiobooks and e-books help transform “lost time” (like chores or traffic) into productive, nourishing time. It’s multitasking that actually leaves you feeling refreshed instead of drained.

5. Create a Cozy Reading Ritual

One reason we default to screens is because they’re designed to be addictive. Books, on the other hand, require focus, but they can be just as inviting if you create the right environment. Turn reading into a ritual: brew tea or coffee, light a candle, curl up in a comfy chair, or even dedicate a corner of your home as a “reading spot.”

Why it works: rituals train your brain to associate reading with comfort and relaxation. Instead of feeling like “work,” books become your escape and your reset button at the end of a noisy day. This shift makes you want to read because your brain craves that cozy, calming state.

6. Set Realistic Goals (Not Guilt Trips)

It’s tempting to set big goals like “I’ll read 50 books this year,” but that often turns reading into a competition instead of an enjoyable habit. And when life gets busy, unrealistic goals lead to guilt and the exact opposite of what reading should bring.

Why it works: smaller, realistic goals (like one book a month or 10 minutes a day) build consistency without pressure. Tracking progress with a journal, app, or even a simple list adds motivation. The goal isn’t numbers, but building a lifestyle where books naturally fit in. Mentally, this reframes reading as joy instead of obligation.

7. Join a Reading Community

One of the best motivators for reading more is sharing the experience. Join a local book club, buddy-read with a friend, or connect with online book communities. When you know you’ll talk about a book with someone, you’re more motivated to keep going.

Why it works: community turns reading from a solo act into a shared one. Talking about a book gives it more meaning, deepens your perspective, and adds excitement. And socially, it shifts your conversations from “what’s trending online” to “what story inspired me this week.” It replaces shallow digital chatter with something fulfilling and real.

Final Thoughts

For a long time, I didn’t see the value of reading. Books felt slow compared to the constant stimulation of scrolling, streaming, and notifications. But the truth is, that constant digital noise left me mentally exhausted, restless, and craving something deeper.

When I finally made space for books again, I realized what I’d been missing. Reading gave me focus in a world of distraction. It gave me stillness when my days were chaotic. It gave me imagination when screens only gave me repetition. And maybe most importantly, it gave me a healthier relationship with my own mind with calmer nights, sharper focus, and a sense of presence I didn’t know I needed.

Reading more books isn’t about chasing numbers or showing off how much you’ve read. It’s about carving out intentional time for your brain and soul to breathe. Whether it’s a novel that sweeps you into another world, a self-help book that inspires growth, or an audiobook that makes chores feel lighter and every page feels like an investment in yourself.

Your Turn
Let’s make this personal:

• Do you feel like digital noise has pushed reading out of your life?

• What’s the last book you read that really stayed with you and why?

• What’s one small change you could make this week to fit more reading into your day (10 minutes, an audiobook, or swapping one scroll session for pages)?

Drop your answers in the comments, share this with a friend who’s been “meaning to read more,” and let’s start holding each other accountable.

Disclaimer:
The content on this blog is for informational and entertainment purposes only. It reflects personal opinions and experiences and should not be taken as professional medical, financial, legal, or psychological advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making decisions that may impact your health, finances, or well-being. While every effort is made to keep information accurate and up to date, no guarantees are made about completeness or reliability. Use the information at your own discretion and risk.