If you’ve been trying to read more books in your 20s but can’t seem to find the time or focus lately, you’re not alone. And you definitely haven’t lost your love for reading.
For a lot of us, books used to feel easy. Now they compete with busy days, constant notifications, and the habit of reaching for our phones without even thinking about it. Sitting down with a book can feel a lot harder than it used to.
I’ve felt that too. I would tell myself I wanted to read more, but somehow I always ended up scrolling instead.
Over the past year, I’ve been learning how to prioritize reading again and slowly fall back in love with it. It didn’t happen all at once, but a few small changes made a real difference.
How to Read More Books
In this post, I’m sharing seven simple and realistic ways to help you read more, make time for books, and build a reading habit that actually fits into your everyday life.
- 1. Swap Doom Scrolling With Reading Time
- 2. Create a Reading Nook That Makes You Want to Read
- 3. Read What You Actually Love & DNF Books You Don't
- 4. Read Anytime and Anyplace: Use E-readers and Audiobooks
- 5. Keeping a Reading Journal to Track Your Progress
- 6. Make Reading Fun: Reading Challenges or Buddy Systems
- 7. Read Multiple Books to Stay Engaged
1. Swap Doom Scrolling With Reading Time
Apps like TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram are designed to keep us hooked and they do it extremely well. You tell yourself, “just five minutes,” and suddenly it’s 2 o’clock in the morning. The goal here is to be more mindful of how much time you spend on your phone.
One trick: for a week, track the hours you normally scroll and convert that time into reading instead. Most phones have a setting that already tracks this data. During the week, whenever you feel the urge to pick up your phone, grab your book or e-reader instead.
And if you really need a push, put your phone in a different room or turn it completely off. You’ll be shocked as to how much more reading you get done when social media is out of the way.
2. Create a Reading Nook That Makes You Want to Read
Nothing boosts my productivity and reading motivation more than having a cozy space dedicated just to reading. And don’t worry about the cost or needing the most perfectly decorated spot. In my opinion, creating the perfect reading nook is more about setting the mood.
- Grab a comfy blanket, some soft pillows, and stuffed animals.
- Set up gentle lighting with lamps or LED flameless candles.
- Surround yourself with things that you love, such as your favorite books, cute bookmarks, character fan art, or little items that show off your love for reading.
The key is comfort and focus, so limit distractions like your phone and background noise. Having a cozy spot just for you makes picking up a book feel like a little treat rather than a chore. Before bed, set aside 10 minutes in your reading nook. Stick with it, and reading will slowly become a regular habit and something you’ll look forward to every night.
If you need tips on how to transform a small space into your very own reading nook, check out my Guide on Creating a Cozy Reading Nook on a Budget.
3. Read What You Actually Love & DNF Books You Don’t
This might seem like straightforward advice, and you might be wondering why I’m even writing it. But with constant social media scrolling, it’s easy to feel pressured to pick up the “hype” books trending online. I can’t even count the number of times I grabbed a book, hated it, read the synopsis, and realized it had zero chance of being good— but I picked it up anyway because everyone was talking about it.
Just because a book is popular doesn’t mean you’ll love it. Always choose books that genuinely interest you. Contrary to what people say on social media, reading the synopsis is not cheating. It’s a quick way to see if the book is even your vibe before committing hours to it.
One trick: is imagining whether I’d watch a movie based on the synopsis— if the answer is no, it probably isn’t worth my time.
There will be times when you pick up a book you thought you’d enjoy, but it just isn’t grabbing your attention. That’s perfectly fine. It’s okay to DNF (did not finish) it. Don’t waste time reading books you’re clearly not enjoying. I’ve been borrowing most of my books from the library and DNF’ing a book has been so much easier since I don’t physically own it and don’t feel compelled to finish it.
4. Read Anytime and Anyplace: Use E-readers and Audiobooks
Since I got an e-reader, I never leave home without it. I bring it with me on the bus, while waiting for appointments, and during work breaks. Those small reading moments add up surprisingly fast. Even a few pages here and there can help you finish books faster, and they make the most of free time that might otherwise get lost to scrolling or distractions.
I personally use and highly recommend the Kobo Libra Colour. If you want my full review, check it out here.
And if you don’t have time to physically read, audiobooks might be the answer. You can listen while cooking, cleaning, or commuting, which means you’re still making progress on your TBR (to be read) even when your hands are full. It’s a great way to keep reading without feeling like you need a full quiet hour to sit down with a book.
5. Keeping a Reading Journal to Track Your Progress
I highly recommend starting a reading journal this year. It’s one of the most fun habits I’ve added recently. It’s a personal space to track, record, and enjoy all your reading habits, such as:
- Reading goals
- Monthly reading statistics
- Book series tracker
- # of pages read
- Book reviews, etc.
Seeing your own reading journey on paper is motivating and gives you a sense of accomplishment when filling it out. Plus, it’s just fun to look back on all the books you’ve read. If you need tips on how to get started with your very own reading journal check out How to Start a Reading Journal.
If a reading journal feels too complicated, you can try apps or websites that keep track of everything for you. Platforms like Goodreads, StoryGraph, and Fable make it easy to log books, track progress, write reviews, and even set reading goals.
6. Make Reading Fun: Reading Challenges or Buddy Systems
For an extra boost, consider setting monthly reading goals or joining a book club. Sometimes sharing a hobby you love with someone else can make reading more enjoyable. Linking up with a friend or a group of friends to share thoughts or check in on progress also adds accountability.
You may also try taking part in reading challenges, such as book bingo or trying a new genre each month. That way it makes reading feel more like a fun game rather than a chore.
7. Read Multiple Books to Stay Engaged
Another thing that helped me read more is reading multiple books at once. I know it may sound a little chaotic, but it actually works really well, especially if your attention span isn’t the best.
Sometimes when I’m reading a longer fantasy book, it can take a while for the plot to pick up. When that happens, I start to lost momentum and don’t feel like reaching for it as often even though the book is good. So instead of forcing it, I’ll pick up a second book at the same time. I usually go for something completely different, like a fast-paced thriller, so I can switch between the two depending on my mood.
Next Step: Pick Up A Book and Read More Books
Whether you’re busy or unmotivated, these tips can help you read more books. Prioritizing reading doesn’t mean spending hours with a book every day. It’s about small, consistent choices that slowly bring books back into your life.
Whether it’s swapping a few minutes of scrolling for a few pages, creating a cozy space you actually want to sit in, or tracking your progress in a journal, these little shifts add up. Over time, reading stops feeling like something you “should” do and starts becoming something you look forward to again.
If you’re looking for books that leave a lasting impression, you might want to check out my All-Time Favorite Fantasy and Sci-Fi List.
