I respond well to rhythms and routines, so I lean on them a lot in daily life. As well as developing rhythms to help me stay on top of work and household chores, I use them to create space for things I love and want to do more of – things like reading.
The Usual Caveats
I do not have small children and I work from home, so my current season of life affords me plenty of time to read. There have been times when I’ve read a lot less {the newborn and toddler years} and times when I’ve read a lot more {in the early 00s I had a 2hr commute to college. Smartphones and social media didn’t exist, so I spent the entire journey reading every day}.
The point I’m trying to make is this: whatever you want to prioritise, the key to developing a successful rhythm is making sure it’s realistic and achievable. It needs to fit your life right now, not an idealised version of it where you’re able to wake up earlier than you ever have before, or carve out hours of time to yourself when you’re usually with your children all day.
My Reading Rhythm
- – 6.00-6.45am Monday-Friday
- – 9.30-10.30pm every day
- – In the bath
- – On the bus
- – Whenever I’m waiting around
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Setting the Intention
I could have called this post ‘how I read 30-40 books a year’. But this isn’t really about how much I manage to read. It’s about prioritising something I enjoy and approaching each day in a way that makes it more likely to happen. A few years ago, I realised I was barely reading at all, so I made a conscious decision to work it back into my life. I’d fallen out of the habit, and there were so many digital distractions standing between me and a good book, I had to carve out dedicated time and set a clear intention – I will start and end every day with a book, NOT my phone.
Sometimes I read for less than 45 minutes in the morning or go to bed later than 9.30. It’s not a rigid routine, it’s a rhythm. If I get distracted or miss a day for whatever reason, it’s not the end of the world. This framework helps me get back on track. I’m motivated by the fact that carving out time to read has improved my mental health. My mornings feel calmer and I sleep better at night.
How to Read More
Do you wish you could spend more time reading? My other top tip is to never leave home without a book {or three}! You’ll find plenty of advice in my post How to Read More, but if you’re in a season where it feels impossible, I see you. I’m sure it won’t last forever.
Love Audrey xxx
P.S. My Evening Rhythm
