Bite-Size Schedule’s: How to Make Time to Read

Written by Joanna Zuno. 06/05/2021

Hey, we’ve all been there: the 9 to 5 job, with the 40-hour workweek. Then there are the in-between commutes, and then our after-work processions of chores and errands...With that time crunch, what can one do to still be an effective reader and feed their mind from the daily dread? Here at Vialchemy, we want to provide you with some hacks on how to bite back on your bite-size schedule.

First and Foremost: Examine Your Morning Routine

Routines are different for everybody. There are early birds at 5 AM and then there are the ones who set constant alarms on their phone to wake them up. Although it's known that those who are early risers are found to be the most productive throughout the day, it differs for the rest of us. However, those who want to make changes and improve themselves should and often set a time to get up as early as possible and stick by it. Getting up early and starting on your morning routine immediately give you that extra fifteen minutes on that chapter you wanted to finish. 

Take Advantages of Those Daily Commutes

This is mostly for the ones that take public transportation, (unless, of course, you’re stuck in a really bad traffic jam). Whether you’re on the morning train or bus, be like the rest of your fellow passengers and pull out that book to get started. Even if you doubt that the commute will impact your reading, it doesn’t hurt to try! See how many pages you can turn in a matter of minutes! Not to mention a book can transport you somewhere better and idyllic than what you regularly see when you commute.

Never Eat Alone At Lunchtime

Didn’t get a chance to catch up with work friends for lunch at twelve? Is the cafeteria (or canteen) empty and a little dismal? Then invite along that book as an acquaintance when snacking! Or if you’re afraid of spilling something on your current novel, then divide your lunch break. Eat before reading or read before eating. Your call!

Take Note of “Time Lagging”

Have you ever had a deep desire to be a little counterproductive during your workload? Do you go to Facebook, or find yourself ‘twiddling your thumbs’ during work hours? It’s time to take note of it and use it to your advantage by using these “time lags,” to instead go over paperwork, communications, or any menial tasks, to release yourself of these mental obstacles and constant worry and give yourself the release you need in that book that waits for you.

Home is Where the Heart Is, And When to Make the Most of It

The most critical time to read is between the minute you get off from work and before you fall asleep. Now’s the time to access that time and squeeze in a reading session. Limit your errand capacity to what is needed most. For groceries, grab what you need then spending an hour aimlessly going aisle by aisle. Quickly take out the trash, clean the dishes, and feed the dog when you step into the house. Prepare beforehand what's needed for dinner. Then after all that, see what few hours you have left and divide that time for reading and what activities you want to enjoy. Do an hour of music and an hour of reading. Or do an hour of reading and an hour of television. The choice is yours! Use it wisely!

Previous
Previous

How to Set Up an Ideal Reading Cycle

Next
Next

Reading Hacks - How to Easily Read a Book in a Month