How to Read More Books with a Busy Schedule 📚✨

“You’ll never find time for anything. If you want time, you must make it.” — Charles Buxton

Let’s be honest—adulting is exhausting. Between work, school, social life (lol), and everything in between, finding time to read can feel impossible. But if you’re like me, escaping into a good romance or romantasy is your reset button, your cozy escape from the chaos.

If your TBR pile is giving you side-eye every time you open BookTok… this one’s for you.

Here are 8 simple, cozy ways to read more books even when you’re ridiculously busy 👇

1. Romanticize Your Reading Routine

Make reading feel like a treat, not a task. Light a candle. Make a latte. Cozy up in your favorite hoodie or blanket. Even 15 minutes at night can feel like a mini escape when you make it intentional.

🕯️ Mood matters.

2. Always Have a Book With You

Whether it’s your Kindle, a paperback, or an audiobook on your phone, keep a book on you at all times. You’ll be shocked how often you can sneak in a few pages:

→ Waiting in line

→ During your lunch break

→ In the school pickup lane

3. Try Audiobooks (They Count!)

Audiobooks are a game-changer for busy readers. Listen while:

🎧 Doing laundry

🚗 Driving to work

🚶‍♀️Going for a walk

📦 Running errands

It’s reading, just hands-free.

📌 Tip: Use apps like Libby (for free with a library card) or Audible.

4. Read in Short Bursts

You don’t need hours. You just need 10 minutes here, 15 minutes there. Instead of scrolling TikTok before bed, try reading a chapter. Waiting for your food to cook? Read a page or two. Micro reading = progress over perfection.

5. Set a Cozy Goal

Try a small, doable reading goal like:

📖 10 pages a day

📆 3 books a month

📚 1 audiobook per commute week

Small goals add up. And you’ll feel accomplished even when life is busy.

6. Pick Books You Actually Want to Read

Don’t force yourself to read what you think you should read.

DNF (do not finish) if it’s not vibing.

If you’re excited about a book, you’ll make time for it.

✨ Life’s too short for boring books.

7. Make It Social

Reading doesn't have to be a solo activity!

📚 Join a book club (even a virtual one)

📱 Chat about your reads on Bookstagram or Threads

📖 Share your TBR with friends

Talking about books keeps you excited about reading.

8. Track Your Progress (and romanticize it)

Use a cute reading tracker, Goodreads, or even a themed journal. You’ll love seeing your progress, and it’ll motivate you to keep going.

Final Thoughts 💬

You don’t need more time. You need more intentional time. Even if it’s just 10 minutes in the morning or an audiobook while folding laundry, you can make space for stories that feed your soul.

📚 So tell me: What’s your favorite way to sneak in reading during a busy week? Let’s share tips in the comments, or come cozy chat with me on Instagram @thecozychapter0 💕