6 Ways to Fit More Reading or Writing into Your Life (with Resources!)

     Maybe you don't think you have time to read a book.

     Maybe you're trying to write the next great American novel.

     Maybe you're tired of returning library books before you've finished reading them.

     Maybe you're tired of getting lost on your phone and want to record your favorite moments from this year on paper.

     In the past, I've written an entire series on how to get more out of your reading life and have briefly touched on writing. Ultimately, however, your reading life and writing life are up to you—your schedule and your priorities determine how much reading and writing you can squeeze into the average day.

     This week, with the power out across the state and many people in search of a hobby to fill their days, it's time to return to the manual hobbies that laymen think of as academic. Reading and writing are not just for the degree-seeking student though; they are for students of life, those who want to never stop growing.

     Is that you?

     The following list suggests six ways to incorporate reading or writing into your life:

1. Set a specific, measurable, time-oriented goal.

     If you're reading this post, odds are you want more time for reading or writing. The reality is that everyone gets twenty-four hours a day and seven days a week. Setting a goal for what more means to you will help you to stay on target and work toward a specific book count, page count, word count, or time goal (i.e. thirty minutes of reading per day). Make sure your goals are SMART.

     Goodreads, with its annual book challenge and progress trackers, is immensely helpful for motivating me on the reading side of things. And feedback from you, my lovely readers, motivates me to write these blog posts once a week—every Tuesday.

2. Read and write first thing in the morning.

     Most people would consider themselves "fresher" in the morning (looking at you, my early-bird friends). If you have a specific reading or writing goal, this is one way to make sure your daily goal happens. Before you work out, eat breakfast, or start your commute, take a few minutes to read or write. By forcing yourself to sit down and do a little bit, you will find that it comes naturally to read for longer stretches or write more pages than you expected to.

3. Read and write before your head hits the pillow.

     On the opposite side of things for my dear night owls, try to set the goal of always reading or writing before your head hits the pillow. This rule of thumb has helped me to consistently read my Bible and write in a prayer journal every day. My quiet times can happen any time of day; however, if they did not happen earlier in the day, I can take some time for reading and writing right before bed.

4. Carry a book or journal with you everywhere.

     A classic bookworm meme would say that we never go to a party without a book. While an overstatement for socially well-adjusted bibliophiles, this is good advice to those who are hoping to read or write more. Find a small book or an eBook that you can always have with you, and keep a miniature journal in your bag to whip out while waiting in a line, on a friend, or for the start of a movie. This will keep you from wasting time on social media when boredom hits.

5. Utilize technology.

     If you are caught away from home without a book or journal, don't despair. You more than likely have a phone or computer nearby. For reading, utilize eBooks, audiobooks, and websites like Scribd. For writing, open the Notes app on your phone, download the Scrivener writing software to your laptop, or do a voice recording, which you can transcribe later.

6. Multitask by making reading and writing social activities.

     If you can find a local book club, join it, so you will be motivated to finish sections of a book alongside your new acquaintances. Ask friends for books they recommend, host a day of silent reading, or go talk to strangers in bookstores (ahem, safely).

     For my fellow writers, join NaNoWriMo (fiction), a writing group like hope*writers (primarily nonfiction). There are so many resources out there for bloggers, journalists, novel writers, short story authors, poets, etc. If all else fails, go to a coffee shop and be among people who are working on similar yet different projects. Embrace the fact that we are all working on different things, and share what you write with a few trusted friends.

~

     Phew, that's it! Six ways to work more reading and writing into your life, all of which you can adjust to fit your schedule and priorities.

     Time to go knock out reading your stack of library books and writing the next great American novel!

~Madeline